Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
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Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
Week began with thrilling victory, ends with anger and sadness about Gary Payton II's injury
Warriors - Grizzlies two-man roundtable
Chatting with Brendan Smart, Senior Writer covering the Memphis Grizzlies
Five Alarm Freddy (21 ♡):
Love you Dubs, but this is too fresh. Once he said some people just don't know how to fall , I'm done. Respectfully, this is insulting.
Catch y'all on the next one!
Sabrina420 (17 ♡):
95.7 The Game
@957thegame
Steve Kerr on the Warriors mantra:
"Just play hard. Battle for every loose ball, battle for every rebound, compete every possession. And, you know, don’t risk a guy’s career if he’s ahead of the play in transition. That’s our mantra.” 🗣️
Sabrina420 (17 ♡):
95.7 The Game
@957thegame
Is Steve Kerr surprised that the three-guard lineup hasn't been working as well?
“No. You guys are the ones who were trying to figure out the nickname for a group that had played 11 minutes together.”
alv66 (16 ♡):
When it comes to reckless behavior, when in life has intent ever absolved someone? If I go out and drive drunk, and I hurt or kill a bystander, nobody will give a shit whether I "intended" to cause harm. I go to jail. If I abet in robbing a convenience store and somebody accidentally gets hurt or killed, intent doesn't matter. I go to jail.
Media and Grizzlies fans need to stop with the intent B.S. Pretty sure GP2's elbow doesn't care about Brooks' intent on that play.
Duby Dub Dubs (14 ♡):
lmao
> @warriorsworld
Memphis appealing the decision... they want minimum 2-3 game suspension.
Captain Jack (14 ♡):
This. is. not. basketball. For a guy that's so skilled he really ruins this sport with his playstyle. It makes me really appreciate the guys in this league that plays the game the right way.
Fresh Donutz (13 ♡):
This jack rabbit needs to look up Isaac Newton before coming in here thinking how GP2 lands has nothing to do with Dillon. I stopped reading once he exonerated Dillon.
Run_TMC (12 ♡):
I'm sorry this guy a) is stupid or b) thinks we are or c) is really reaching to feel good about his team.
>The wind up from Brooks to the head and neck area had nothing to do with how Payton landed. I don’t think there was any intent to hurt Gary Payton from Brooks.
As someone below already said, no the wind up didn't but the contact did. I mean come on! I guess we'll never know about intent, but multiple ex NBA players have commented about how you just don't do that. No player that I have seen has said it was a good or clean play.
>If Clarke gets injured on the landing, I think we are having a totally different discussion.
Well DUH! (I mean if Dray had taken out a knife and stabbed Clarke in the chest we'd be having a totally different conversation,too also if frogs had wings, they wouldn't bump their asses on the ground) but Clarke didn't get injured because the Dray play wasn't nearly as egregious, and possibly because Dray actually tried to hold him up at the end.
jzalvarado (11 ♡):
Not gonna lie Duby, after that first response I just stopped reading. I have zero desire to know what your cohort over at GBB thinks about the games themselves. And no I’m not expecting a “it was a dirty play and he had every intent to injure” what I do expect is something more akin to my own observation of “it was a dirty play (but I’ll even take unnecessary) but I don’t believe he had any intent to injure GP2. He needs to accept the punishment learn from it and we all move on collectively”. Instead what I’ve seen is an exercise in trying to find any disqualifier from Zazas landing space (I called it dirty at the time) to Poole leaving the Bench to Draymonds multiple infractions to lessen what the hell Dillon just did.
EDIT- Crud I shoulda just scrolled down and Hearted most of y’all’s responses as it seems in line with how I’m feeling.
Alex (11 ♡):
Or they could just... punish windmill punching someone to the back of the head while they're in the air elevating toward the basket as severely as it should be punished?
(And that's leaving out the extra shove Brooks added down low with his other hand in this case, presumably to make sure GP2 would spin in the air and have a rougher landing.)
Dealing with the take foul can and should be on another level of punishments from scummy hit jobs, and if the penalties are right, both are discouraged.
stopnpop (11 ♡):
> I don’t think there was any intent to hurt Gary Payton from Brooks. I’ve never seen Dillon seek out an injury.
🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈
At the very least admit it was reckless. There's a reason players will wrap up and hold on to other players on certain types of fouls. Brooks was way too far away to make a safe foul and decided to commit it anyway.
Chasing Rings... (10 ♡):
Look at GPII man so inspirational
This break between games was always going to be long but with things as they are it feels way more empty. Just trying to fill this space with all the heart and good vibes I've come to love from you all here. Please keep posting :)
Warriors leave Memphis tied 1-1, but at what…
There will be vengeance in Chase Center.
Sabrina420 (22 ♡):
Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
·
9m
Sources: MRI on Warriors guard Gary Payton II showed slight ligament damage along with his fractured left elbow. He will miss at least three weeks and has not ruled out a return in the NBA Finals.
belilaugh (20 ♡):
I don't think Warrior fans really disliked Denver, in fact I think there was a lot of general appreciation for Denver and Jokic specifically. The Warrior players never really set a "fuck Denver" tone or anything, it was a pretty cordial series. And Denver didn't do much in the way of instigating, perhaps a few Aaron Gordon mean mugs but those only really happened after the series was fully in Warrior control. So I don't think the crowd was really that charged up or anything like that, and that apathy got chalked up to being in Chase Center rather than Oracle Arena
Warrior fans are clearly charged up about Memphis and I expect an angry crowd on Saturday. If you are going to that game and bring anything less and I'll be very disappointed. Time for us (and hopefully Memphis) to find out what Chase Center is made of.
PlainCandleLight (19 ♡):
An ER doc posted on the other thread earlier.
fotd
2 hr ago·edited 2 hr ago
Speculation. (I’m an ED doc).
When he fell on an outstretched arm and grabbed his elbow instead of his wrist I told my wife he probably has a radial head fracture. The impact goes up the radius and causes a little compression where it meets the distal humerus. This is typically a minor fracture that stiffens up in hours and often can’t be seen on a plain X-ray (though a ‘sail sign’ - a dark patch of edema is often seen nearby which allows docs to suspect an occult fracture) to be certainly diagnosed only with an MR scan.
Everything made public so far seems consistent with an occult radial head fracture. If so, is usually stable, not requiring a cast, but will limit range of motion at elbow and cause pain for 3-6 weeks.
Long term effects would be rare.
GlueAndBold (19 ♡):
I have been crying about this this morning. I feel like there's something wrong with me. Why do I care this much?
ServantOfLuna (18 ♡):
Steve Kerr on Jonathan Kuminga:
"I thought he came into both games and really gave us a lift. With Gary out, all the guys on the bench have to be ready for bigger roles. … JK’s one of them."
Win it for GP2!
Dip (16 ♡):
Warriors in 5. I never had any doubt :) I had expected a 1-1 split, and I expect the Warriors to feed off their anger and experience at home. They will figure out a way to let Morant keep scoring, but in a more inefficient manner. If they stifle the rest of the threats (JJJ and Bane), we will see a renaissance of the Splash brothers at home. The fury of GP2's injury, the energy at home, and the Hall of Fame experience will not let us down. The light is not as bright as it was, but it is still gleaming. I believe that it is apt to quote Tennyson here, when he writes in his poem Ulysses, about the ageing hero returning home:
"Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
Oaktownws (16 ♡):
This is my story: I used to watch A’s games as a kid, until a certain dodger hit a 2 out home run against a certain A’s ace pitcher in the world series. I was so devistates by it that a swore off spectator sports (it didnt feel important enough, yet there I was, down and sad for days). Warriors at the time I would watch, there was no expectations, just fun, run tmc, when they kept a game close We were happy, and celebrated highlight plays and a good time. Fast forward 20 years, And have been completely sucked back into Warrior fandom since the we believe years (in no small part to the writers, and posters, on this site). Ive typically been able to keep everything in perspective, they lose? Sucks, but im still having fun; KD goes down, Steph goes down, Klay goes down, all relatively easy to not lose sleep over. Last night I lost sleep, and no matter how I tried to reason with myself, I just found myself so angry. GP2’s whole story, finally, nice guy makes it, and what happens? An asshole clothes lines you in the air, potentially career ending move, it’s sickening.
Now, i do appreciate that we dont go all “Kawaii nation calling for violence against Zaza” against brooks; but it really leaves an empty , no solution feeling that I tend to reserve for things like climate disaster and other major injustices…
I mean, when’s the last time you saw that big of a dirty play? I only really watch the warriors, and I cant recall anything similar in the past 7 years…. Only baby Ted Cruz comes to mind…
Sigh,deep breaths
Airgetlam (16 ♡):
If I see one more "But Draymond Green did something mean in the past!" response to GP2 being clubbed in the head from behind in midair, I'm gonna lose my shit. What the actual living fuck is wrong with people.
ServantOfLuna (15 ♡):
At least it's not a severe injury. But seriously, fuck Dillon Brooks.
And I don't normally swear on this site.
Duby Dub Dubs (15 ♡):
I'm just sad today man. GP was poised to get a nice contract, not to mention helping the team a ton in this postseason. Now it's some unknown future comeback and Dub Nation chewing nails waiting to hear about the severity.
But I'm glad Daniel took this track on his article today:
Stephen Curry 3-of-11
Klay Thompson 2-of-12
Andrew Wiggins 1-of-7
Jordan Poole 1-of-6
The fact that our core shot like that and the game was within reach anyways bodes well for the future. Now the Warriors coaching staff gets a few days to brainstorm and practice and go over film. The Grizz defense gets so discombobulated by the Warriors motion offense, it's crazy that our team is shooting so bad
Goofus (14 ♡):
>>>>Speculation. (I’m an ED doc).
Great we’ve got a guy who spends his time working with wieners speculating about Payton’s elbow. (Shouldn’t he be addressing Draymond’s premature ejection issues?)
ServantOfLuna (13 ♡):
I woke this morning hoping to feel better, but I don't feel better at all. That GP2 injury is still lingering in my mind. He finally got a chance to play a full season with an NBA team after playing in the G-League for several years, and have proved to everyone that he deserves to be in the league thanks to his elite defense. But some asshole decided to ruin his season with a dirty foul that may also have a big impact on his NBA career.
Tookie007 (12 ♡):
Just trying to come back to Earth today. Imagine how the Spurs fandom felt when Zaza Zaza’d Kawhi. That was a series changer. Teams gotta deal with shit like that, we’ve just been too familiar with it and it isn’t fair. I’m heartbroken for GPII and hate Dillon Brook’s every fiber. He’s a dirty mtfker and hope karma catches up with him. On GPII, this was his series to really show his worth. Past Memphis though I think we should be okay. Depends who comes out of the East I feel like we need to give Kuminga some run as a playoff crash course anyways. We’ll need him if we have to see the Bucks in the finals. If we can get past Memphis and we will. GPII won’t be as needed and would be more of a luxury to have than not. We can beat Memphis without him but it would’ve be way more fun to watch him shut Morant up. That guy is a great player but god dam he barks too much. Fking Flying Chihuahua over here. Just a rant, cuz deep down im hurt like the rest of us here. :(
DFiB (12 ♡):
A small request: let’s please just not tell other fanbase blogs about this place. I can read enough of their trolling over at Daniel’s other blog, thanks.
Payton fractures elbow after getting hit from…
Memphis comes out physical, wins random ending game to tie series
Asher B. (22 ♡):
"He broke the code," -- Kerr on Dillon Brooks. Absolutely.
Tookie007 (19 ♡):
I’d go as far as to say that beating Memphis and sending them home is the highest on my nba wishlist for this season.
belilaugh (18 ♡):
Fun fact: Coming into this game GP2 had the highest playoff RAPTOR rating in the league of anyone who had played at least 100 minutes. He was having a pretty dominant run (in limited minutes).
Dilly (18 ♡):
Just saw this.
Gary Payton II has been nominated for the 2021-2022 NBA Cares Community Assist Award!
Tweet using #GaryPaytonII AND #NBACommunityAssist to vote, or you can vote by visiting communityassist.NBA.com
Captain Jack (16 ♡):
Watching the Draymond rebound foul on JA in the final minute again and I'm sorry that's just awful. Morant didn't have legal position whatsoever, he's just smaller and fell. That's a play on, ESPECIALLY in playoff basketball. Also it's impossible to guard him when he's carrying luggage on most of these drives.
GSWlifer (16 ♡):
GP2, you know how much you've gained our love and respect, be strong, we're with you all the way! Send>
belilaugh (16 ♡):
I'm still so angry about that play. Brooks just stole the season from the Warriors, hope he didn't also steal a bunch of money from GP2's pockets this summer.
Five Alarm Freddy (15 ♡):
I couldn’t comment after the GP2 play, I was holding two fussy babies. But now that I have a free hand, for my own sanity I have to get this off my chest: that was the most bush league, cheap shot, ... I honestly don’t have the right words for it.
If anyone thinks that is comparable to Draymond fouling Clarke, I don’t know what to say. That is a career altering play, and guys around the league do not take kindly to that type of cr*p. No punishment is severe enough, because you took a guy out of the playoffs who his worked his ass off. I am just beyond pissed.
I had a feeling Memphis would take this game but to lose GP2 in that manner is infuriating. I need a few days off...
crusty quips (15 ♡):
Dillon Brooks is a giant sack of shit. He absolutely did that on purpose as there was no way that he could have blocked the ball on that play from that angle. TNT crew is wrong when they say he does not have a reputation for that, as he absolutely does. Garbage human.
Five Alarm Freddy (14 ♡):
Like others said, I woke up feeling terrible for GP2. The guy has been nothing but class off the floor and a pain in the ass on it. I have not mentioned it before, but I am pretty convinced one of my twin girls’ first word a couple weeks ago was “gary”. The other one seemed to say “egg”.
Not sure exactly what that means, but GP we love you here more than you know. This is bullshit, not going to sugar coat it, but to the tallest shortest man in the world- our heart is with you. Heal up big man.
BornInDaEB (14 ♡):
fuck dillon brooks, Fuck Dillon Brooks, FUCK DILLON BROOKS
OGG Gurl (14 ♡):
I will find my way to the game on Saturday, I will wear a GP2 jersey, I will bring a Dillon Brooks voodoo doll and stab its heart with needles! Ok, maybe not the last part.
BadlyBrowned (14 ♡):
Dillon Brooks potentially cost GP2 millions of dollars. Fuck him.
Sabrina420 (14 ♡):
Adrian Wojnarowski
@wojespn
·
1m
The NBA will have a decision to make on further punishment for Dillon Brooks, who was ejected for the flagrant 2 foul that led to Payton’s injury.
SoCalJusticeWarrior (13 ♡):
Woke up feeling awful for GPII. Couldn’t even muster the focus and calm to meditate. If I were a believer, I’d say a prayer for him. I’m not, so I just feel like shit. Hope this isn’t it for him, and he can come back better than before.
Game 2 preview: Memphis gets another shot at…
No more home court advantage for Memphis - can Golden State extend their lead with another win on the road?
Sabrina420 (14 ♡):
Never change, Klay.
Anthony Slater
@anthonyVslater
·
1h
Klay Thompson asked what he expects in Game 2 tonight in Memphis: “A physical night at the office.”
belilaugh (10 ♡):
> If you’re looking for the weakest link in regards to change of pace and lateral speed amongst the Warriors’ wings, this is probably it.
I don't think Morant and the Grizzlies want to target Klay over Poole. I think it's because Klay was guarding Clarke. Clarke is probably their most dangerous roll man, but also Klay was the PF and so switching Klay onto Morant means switching someone who is 6'3 or so onto Clarke to go attack the boards. Like Kerr (supposedly) said, the Memphis offense doesn't begin until the shot goes up.
Here's an example, Morant does not get a great shot off on Klay, but Clarke or JJJ seemingly get their hand on the tip. You can see Clarke just shove the smaller GP2 out of the way so it's him and JJJ vs Wiggins which is probably the real goal of what Memphis was running:
Also perhaps relevant is that Bane had 5 fouls and GP2 is pretty frisky fighting over screens, involving Poole could have possibly jeopardized Brooks.
Does Klay still guard Clarke if Dray is playing? Probably so if Wiggins or GP2 are out, and if Poole is out then Klay is on Brooks but still the best guy to target. So I'm sure we'll see them go at Klay a lot. But I don't think it's because he's an easier target than Poole.
Sabrina420 (9 ♡):
Klay has been upgraded to "available" on the injury report. Bane still "questionable".
Son of Aeneas (9 ♡):
For The Athletic subscribers, MT2 has nice piece on Wiggins and his buying in to the unglamorous challenge of playing the 4 and banging with bigger players: https://theathletic.com/3291041/2022/05/03/warriors-andrew-wiggins/
Five Alarm Freddy (9 ♡):
You know it just hit me... Duby when you said "It took an astute Klay Thompson rotation..." I realized just how critical that decision was by Klay. He absolutely bailed on Clarke knowing Ja would try to win it himself. If Klay wasn't there- he almost certainly would have. I don't know why it is just hitting me now, but that split second decision by Klay completely changed everything.
I expect a determined Memphis team today. I would be surprised if we pulled this game out too, but I would love to be wrong.
Supreme Court Decision Leak
Sabrina420 (23 ♡):
Name change in honor of our rights as autonomous humans being stripped.
Abaddon (9 ♡):
I don't want to take away from the impact on women, as it is profound and terrible. However, it is worth noting that there are additional implications for decisions that have been made citing Roe that are likely to become extremely vulnerable as well e.g. possibly Lawrence v Texas. IANAL but these are frightening times we live in.
Duby Dub Dubs (9 ♡):
Nate shared this thread in our writer's chat, but here's a really good twitter thread on exactly those "additional impacts"
Warriors show championship resilience in…
Memphis wasn't dancing last night...
Sabrina420 (27 ♡):
Aye.
Grant Liffmann
@GrantLiffmann
·
1h
In one of the biggest moments of the game, Ja Morant sought out Steph Curry to iso him, and then Curry stripped the ball/blocked his shot
That’s the defining play
DFiB (23 ♡):
The play where Ja jumped recklessly into 3 bodies, predictably collided with them, and unfortunately got turned around exactly the wrong way to land on his back? That's somehow Draymond's fault?
EDIT: It was actually a rebound where Ja was sandwiched between Wiggins & Dray, and Ja tried to reach over Andrew and tip it to open space. He still put himself in that unfortunate situation.
Sabrina420 (19 ♡):
This game, and this article, is one for the history books. Well done, Daniel.
Sleepy Freud (18 ♡):
It's kind of mind-blowing how many players in the league there are who I kind of coveted in the "Poole role" — Beal, Dinwiddie, Herro, Oladipo, etc. — who Poole is now better or way better than.
In the span of a year or so, he's raced right past all those guys to near- Devin Booker level.
SoCalJusticeWarrior (18 ♡):
I love Draymond Green, warts and all.
The Sword Of The Morning (16 ♡):
The Denver Nuggets.
Sabrina420 (15 ♡):
🙃
Duby Dub Dubs
@Punk_Basketball
Jordan Poole led the Warriors in every major statistical category
Gringogoatee (15 ♡):
If we have another game like that, my heart just might not take it. Please, Splash Brothers, help out JPoole (and this old man) and put the next one away early!
Asher B. (14 ♡):
Remember, you can't spell "SCHADENFREUDE" without "HARDEN"
stopnpop (14 ♡):
I just realized we had to deal with the Joker in Round 1 and Bane in Round 2.
mDuo13 (14 ♡):
Shout-out to Damion Lee who had some very productive minutes while guys were in foul trouble.
TwoRingTest (13 ♡):
Draymond's defensive versatility:
% of time guarding:
Xavier Tillman 15%
Brandon Clarke 15%
Locker room door 30%
Ja Morant 10%
Desmond Bane 10%
Podcast microphone 10%
All others (including referees) 10%
Tonkal (13 ♡):
Chris Paul would be Two-Face in Round 3
Abaddon (12 ♡):
Does Gary Payton II have the best hands in the NBA?
Thinking Basketball:
kinbote (11 ♡):
I appreciate the use of heliocentric in all comments that are Suns adjacent.
Richard (11 ♡):
Even though I think Chris Paul is a dirty player, and kind of boring, and inspires those around him to play dull dirty ticky-tacky basketball … um wait, I’m done.
pooryorick (11 ♡):
Isn’t it funny how everyone on this site inserts a “qualifier” before saying anything complimentary about Chris Paul 😂😂😂
Asher B. (11 ♡):
In my opinion Steph is definitely the best passer. Because he is often the focus of a double team or at the very least the best defender, and because he plays off ball so much and often shoots as soon as he gets open, his passing skills get lost. If he were a traditional point guard, which they sort of tried to make him be in his early years, his skills would be more evident. He just has great handles and vision. Certainly much better than Poole, who is improving. Draymond makes great reads and has a height advantage, but I think Steph if not being so blitzed would be the obvious choice here. Draymond has the advantage of often not being covered when he passes or doing it on the short roll. And for every careless bonehead pass Steph makes, and there have been many, there are also elite cross-court or behind the back passes.
Explain: Klay, Steph and Gary Payton II close…
that was no good for my nerves
GSWlifer (18 ♡):
Andre is the only one not celebrating, too busy giving Draymond an earful! Not Coach Kerr, not Steph, only Andre can do that! 😄
Trogdor (16 ♡):
Thanks Eric, this video really helped highlight for me the contributions of Wiggins down the stretch. Really solid contributions.
Without both Wiggins and GP2's play we're looking at a 0-1 deficit right now.
Abaddon (15 ♡):
Nice to see some shine here on Steph's double block without fouling while saddled with five fouls against one of the most dynamic rim attackers in the NBA today. Yeah the defense funneled Ja but that's what good team defense is about, still requires being in the right place, fast footwork, and very disciplined hands all in a split second of time. Honestly I had no idea Steph had it in him for the actual block with the left after Ja recovered from the first swipe with his right.
Five Alarm Freddy (12 ♡):
I loved the way he was all over Draymond and Klay. Andre knows what the ultimate goal is. This is the exact reason we need him on this team even if his body can't go.
Sleepy Freud (10 ♡):
Updated JP career playoff numbers (per 36)
24.6 pts on *.721 true shooting*
6.5 ast / 2.9 tov
3.6 reb
1.3 stl
0.7 blk
PGBreaker (10 ♡):
Most excellent video. Whoa, great work catching that stoney-face-to-Draymond move by Iguadala in the tunnel!
Trogdor (9 ♡):
They did a good job of making life VERY hard for Steph. You could tell that is what they were selling out for. Frankly, Green getting ejected may have helped the Warriors here.
Why, you ask? Memphis seemed prepared for our regular lateral movement, Draymond QB's the show, action that tends to happen above the 3 point line. Their length and athleticism seemed to bog things down toward the beginning of the game.
When Draymond went out, the Warriors were able to adjust (they did play a long stretch of the season without him) but the Grizzlies didn't really seem able to nearly as well.
The Warriors are definitely better with Dray, but Memphis knew more what to expect with him in there. Good thing Green isn't the only one on the team who is a great passer and has a high BBIQ.
Janet (6 ♡):
Brilliant E1P - thank you! Watching the E1Ps help slow the game down for me in real time.
Captain Jack (5 ♡):
Also, the Shining Twins defense.... LOL
Post game: Warriors overcome everything, eek…
Draymond Green ejected early, but Golden State too poised
Asher B. (34 ♡):
Let's take a moment to appreciate this moment for Klay. After the Toronto Debacle, we watched as Klay went down with not one but two career-threatening year-long injuries. And they kept putting microphones in Klay's face and asking, "What are you thinking," and he'd say things like "It's so hard to be patient because I just want to be out there playing meaningful ball." And it seemed like the hope was fading, at times. Then he came back and wasn't all that good, at times. Even in this game, he fouled early and missed a lot of shots and free throws. And then: in the final minute he hits a dagger three and moves his feet perfectly to defend the final layup. Game. Over. Look at the exhilaration on his face as he fist pumps right after that. What a redemptive arc. What a great guy Klay is. What a win.
Eric Apricot (31 ♡):
I
just
wanted
to
tell
you
that
I
love
you
all
Eric Apricot (29 ♡):
At least that lineup has a true center in GP2
Sabrina420 (29 ♡):
Last thing I saw in this game before Draymond's ejection was Klay ripping off his warmups like an angry hyena, to return to the game after sitting with foul trouble. I hope somebody giffed that.
TheWarriorsTalk
@TheWarriorsTalk
·
1m
Klay Thompson: "I played angry, I played angry. Then Andre grabbed me at the end of the game he said 'keep your composure' and then I realized I need to settle down, it's one game, we didn't come here to win one...I'm very thankful for Andre's leadership..."
DrumRollGyro (23 ♡):
Man I love how composed the team was. These Dubs are really so mentally buff, it’s nuts. They go hard af. They played so hard and made just enough plays to overcome bad officiating and won a hell of a game.
Chaos_Samedi (22 ♡):
Very proud of Kerr's coaching tonight, he wasnt strict or blinded by his ideals.
He started the game out with curry GP2 pick and rolls to attack ja. He played kuminga at the right times and for the right amount of time
He played dlee and went with a super small lineup with wiggins at the 5, I love it
Dilly (21 ♡):
Stressful game. Loved how they fought back in the 2nd half and kept fighting. I rewarded myself for eking out the 1-point win with a bowl of Neapolitan ice cream slathered with chocolate syrup and a slice of chocolate cake.
Also loved Klay being heard on camera after his defense on Ja at the end of the game: "Fucking free throws."
Sleepy Freud (20 ♡):
We’re like, “fuck the cheating refs, fuck JJJ going 6-9 on bullshit falling-forward threes, fuck Steph and Klay bricking FTs and wide open threes, fuck missing Dray$ … we still got this.”
GlueAndBold (17 ♡):
Poole outscored their entire bench.
paulteen (16 ♡):
I still can't believe we won.
crusty quips (16 ♡):
I will be totally fine with that if they also decrease his foul from an F2 to an F1, as they should.
crusty quips (16 ♡):
I thought I was being a homer when I was losing my voice yelling at the refs in this game. Looking around online now after the game, it seems that there is broad consensus that this game was poorly officiated and the F2 on Dray was way overboard. Feels really good to win that one and see the team weather adversity.
What's cool about this win is that although Jordan had a fantastic game and so did guys like GP2 and Loon, most of the team has the capacity to play much better. Klay was sub-par, Steph didn't shoot it up to his regular standards, we didn't have Dray for over half the game and still came away with the W. I hope that this is as demoralizing for the Grizz as it is energizing to the Dubs.
SoCalJusticeWarrior (15 ♡):
Donovan Mitchell on Twitter defending Dray. Don’t make me like you, Spida.
belilaugh (15 ♡):
GP2 looks very adept at screening running the 4 on 3 (and can finish if he is given the lane too like we saw on that dunk). As long as he can hit that three in like the 34-36% range, he's a total playoff player, very versatile and hard to exploit.
Chasing Rings... (13 ♡):
Watched on game delay (Holy wacky whistles Batman!) and then read through each of the 1,597 game thread comments to experience the nerve wracker again! I just want to say I love you all :)
====
We know this because we share a mentality that runs decades deep
A mentality that beats in all of our hearts
It flows through our veins
We can't help it
We're Gold-Blooded!!!
Bel (13 ♡):
This was truly a ‘Strength in Numbers’ game for the our guys. So proud that they didn’t get discouraged and persevered to the very last second of the game. Let’s get the next one!
Trogdor (13 ♡):
Remember, a series doesn't start until a team wins on the road!
ServantOfLuna (13 ♡):
I think the strategy to beat the Grizzlies is to slow down the game and force the Grizzlies to play half court offense rather than in transition, which is what I believe Kerr did in the 2nd half.
Sleepy Freud (13 ♡):
It didn’t even need a review, cos it was obviously off Memphis. Just an inexcusably awful officiating performance overall. If we had lost, it would have been devastating.
ServantOfLuna (13 ♡):
Bad things that happened in this game:
-JJJ was shooting super well
-De'Anthony Melton was playing out of his mind
-Ja Morant was shooting well. He's normally not a good three point shooter.
-Brandon Clarke was annoying with his rebounds
-Klay didn't have a good shooting day
-Curry was average
-Green was tossed out of the game towards the end of the 1st half
-GP2, Klay, and Curry had to play with foul trouble
-What the heck was up with the free throw shooting?
Good things that happened in the game:
-Bane didn't have a good game
-Brooks didn't shoot well
-Poole was excellent
-GP2, OPJ, and Looney were amazing with rebounds
-WE WON!
belilaugh (13 ♡):
Also I think the Grizzlies winning in 6 benefited the Warriors a lot. Memphis had less than 48 hours to prep for this game and now the Warriors get like a 3 day break after Game 2 which will hopefully get them in a good place physically to defend homecourt (which of course is all they have to do now to win the series).
EDIT: Grizzlies winning in 6 AND the Warriors being a big draw and the league wanting to ensure they play a Sunday game.
Warriors v Grizzlies complete schedule, plus…
Enjoy the calm before the storm
PlainCandleLight (23 ♡):
Very impressive answers by JP on his finding a way to shine. From the interview by Sam Amick from The Athletic.
“I can’t say that I want to be great or that I want to make an impact if I’m not applying myself. “
“….I’m seeing what works for these guys at the highest level. I’m seeing it every day. I’m seeing what Klay is doing. I’m seeing what Steph is doing. Like, how they work out, when they work out, how long they work out, who they work out with, what they do in their workouts, right? It works, so it shouldn’t even be that complicated. Why would you want to try to do anything else? Obviously, you want to have your own uniqueness to your game, right? You want to have your own type of style, but the formula is kind of right there. And if you really want it, just follow the study guide. You don’t have to be the guy to say, “Oh, I did it this specific way,” or “I did it my way.” You could test that theory out if you want, but it’s right here in front of me, so I’m going to just follow that. You still have player development coaches and coaching staff and a lot of the vets who are still just telling you to keep going, boosting your confidence, telling you if you’re doing something wrong. Obviously, there’s the little intangibles in there. But big picture, they’re giving me the study guide, and I happen to have the creators who wrote it, so I get to ask any question I want.”
Alex (18 ♡):
Your spineless prediction of needing five games brings shame to our fanbase! Warriors in 2, Memphis forfeits, disbands team, gives us Bane and all of Ja's hair ties as tribute!
Phood Fight (16 ♡):
Are we playing with house money? If we were told at the beginning of the season that Wiseman would play 0 minutes, extended time off for Dray and Andre, our core would only log 11 minutes on the floor together all year, and Wiggins would lead the team in 3pt%, wouldn't we feel that the season is already a success? Third best record in the league, possibly lose in the 2nd round to the team with the second best record in the league? Not to mention that we have secured at least 2 future stars in Poole & Kuminga AND Klay looks as good as Klay has looked in year 1 of his return? And Curry was in early MVP talk and Dray had DPOY locked up if not for missed games? And Kerr and staff managed to thread the needle on Lacob's dream of a never-ending dynasty? Pretty damn good year I would say.
As a fan, I just want to say thanks Dubs. In my mind, from here on out, it's all gravy and whipped cream. Then again, I really like gravy and whipped cream, so rip their hearts out Dubs.
Eric Apricot (13 ♡):
In the 2015 Finals, I said if they could just somehow win the Finals, I wouldn’t ask for anything else ever again.
Then in the Bang Bang game, when Andre went up for the game-tying free throws with no time left, I said if he made those, I really really wouldn’t ask for anything again.
So I wouldn’t call it a loss in the 2nd round a success, but I’ve been just enjoying the ride for years now
*Quickly deletes all game thread comments*
rcknfn (12 ♡):
He is talking about 3 ptrs made and that is not necessarily a great metric. But yeah - they are up there as well.
3PT% = Wolves (#12) 35.8% vs Warriors (#8) 36.4%
Per game 3PTM = Wolves (#1) 14.8 vs Warriors (#3) 14.3
Total 3PTM = (#1) 1211 vs Warriors (#3) 1176
Asher B. (12 ♡):
That was just a weird series. I conclude nothing useful honestly. Except that my prior view that the Wiggins/Kuminga for DLo trade was a steal has been upgraded. It was GRAND THEFT FUTURE
Five Alarm Freddy (11 ♡):
This should be a competitive series. That said I like they way things are shaping up, our guys have that look, they got their first close-out win in the books. They have a taste and will want more.
I called Warriors in 5 versus Denver before the playoffs started. I feel a split coming in Memphis with us taking the game tomorrow. I feel we hold court at home, losing one more on the road and winning a Klay game at home. Here’s to good series with no injuries on either side.
Trogdor (8 ♡):
Can we look at this season as a good season regardless? I'd say yes. We developed young talent and Klay got his groove back.
Are we playing with house money now? No way. This isn't some underdog team of youngsters just happy to be there.
Anything less than a trip to the WCF is grossly underachieving. Anything less than a trip to the finals is disappointing. Anything less than a championship is not reaching our potential.
I'm not a championship or bust sort of guy, but sometimes it the shoe fits...
Tim & Chris Burger (7 ♡):
If I went back in time to meet Cohan-years me, and I told him about everything that’s happened with the Warriors since 2015 and also that I’d be disappointed if they didn’t win the 2022 championship, he’d slap me for even ever falling out of ecstasy. (It wouldn’t be a first slap either; he’d slap me for thinking I’m lying to him about them winning not just one ring, but multiple ones.) (Yes, Cohan-years me needs to chill with the violence, I’m gonna talk to him bout that too.)
belilaugh (7 ♡):
They have a top 10 all time player in the waning years of his prime, a second round exit is not a successful season
Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open…
The debut of the Super Splash Bros Super Monkey Death Car Lineups
Goofus (24 ♡):
If someone makes a comment on the comments of the week post and it becomes a comment of the the week, does that cause an irreversible interruption to the space/time continuum?
g8tgod (13 ♡):
This was a fun read. Some of these I remember from the original posting; some I haven't seen before. But the DNHQ community really brings it. Thank you all. This is a fun group to cheer/lament/speculate/hope with.
storytellinsabrina (12 ♡):
Joe Viray
@JoeVirayNBA
·
10m
In my view, the X-factor in this series?
Gary Payton II. He's probably the only one capable of covering Ja in single coverage for an extended period. Steve Kerr will have to find extended time for GP2 on the floor; in turn, GP2 will have to make himself useful on offense.
belilaugh (10 ♡):
Memphis was the #1 offensive rebounding team in the league and the #3 team in the league at forcing turnovers, both areas of concern. Warrior opponents were second lowest in foul rate as they are not a team who pressures the rim, so the advantage that Minnesota had by keeping JJJ off the floor might not be there for the Warriors.
If I am Memphis I am putting Morant on Wiggins. Is Wiggins a good enough screener to force that switch for Poole or Curry? Is Wiggins capable of driving to the rim with Morant on him like Beverley did or is he going to do what he often does and settle for long twos because he's not confident in his handle or his free throwing? Is Wiggins ready to take on the challenge inside like in Games 1 and 2 against Denver and not curl up in a ball like the rest of the series? Was Klay's phenomenal Game 5 performance on the boards something he is capable of doing now with his new frame and can he be the guy to keep someone like Clarke at bay?
If Wiggins is not ready, is Kuminga capable of guarding Morant? Not keeping him in front but playing him well within the team concept? Because I could see Kuminga taking advantage of Morant defensively with post ups and perhaps more importantly with crashing the glass like OKC did in 2016 with Roberson when Curry was on him. Or is Kuminga capable of guarding Jones? That would be another way to get him on the ball, not exactly sure he is playable otherwise.
Two interesting factoids about Steven Adams' importance to the Grizzlies:
Can the Warriors force Adams off the floor early in the series? I'm not worried about him in a do or die game but he is perhaps the strongest human in the NBA and the early series minutes could help in an overarching strategy to wear the Warriors down. It seemed to me like the Warriors were wearing down in that Denver series, perhaps from Draymond taking on the Jokic matchup so much (and he kinda mentioned it in his podcasts indirectly). Perhaps Adams has a bad case of COVID though, in which case he might not be a factor.
Will Kerr be willing to bench Poole for GP2 if needed? This is the box score of the one game the Warriors won against Memphis:
https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401360309
Poole in COVID protocols, GP2 got 30+ minutes. I think that if GP2 can get 30+ minutes a game in this series (along with Curry and Green) and is useful offensively and dominant defensively, the Warriors will win the series. But will they be able to play GP2 30 minutes? Can a Curry/Poole/GP2 lineup work? Is Poole disciplined enough defensively for the pressure the Grizzlies are about to put on him? Is he going to get flustered?
Is Curry in a physical place where he can deal with all of the hits he'll get from Brooks and still deliver? How is that foot?
Is Klay going to be affected by playing every other day and the travel later in the series? Are his legs back completely?
Will Memphis hack GP2/Wiggins?
Will Iguodala be available for this series at all?
Can OPJ remember that he's a fucking 40% career three point shooter and act like it?
I see the Grizzlies as a (worse) version of 2016 OKC, they have the size/athleticism/etc. but they lack the KD (although they do have more depth than that OKC team). Imo one of the hardest things about that matchup was Ibaka's defense on Draymond. Can JJJ do the same thing? To this day I think that OKC team outplayed the Warriors overall. But Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are maniacal competitors and they brought the Warriors back from the dead in that series with elite shotmaking. I simply cannot pick against those guys, I'll have to see them fail in a playoff series where they are all healthy to believe it first. There is a bit of faith to this prediction, but:
Warriors in 6.
ServantOfLuna (10 ♡):
Ja Morant when defended by Andrew Wiggins during the regular season in 9:31 matchup minutes:
11pts, 5asts (1tov), 1stl, 5/17 FG (29.4%), 0/4 3PT
Ja Morant when defended by Gary Payton II during the regular season in 16:04 matchup minutes:
7pts, 4asts (5tov), 1blkd, 2 stls, 2/12 FG (16.7%), 0/3 3PT
Eric Apricot (10 ♡):
I’ve developed a rule of thumb for rooting for MIN: no matter how far ahead they get, they will blow it so what are we even doing here
You’re welcome
Dub Nation HQ Comments of Week, plus open thread
So most of us are aware of the: If Dubs ≥ 30 Assists = W.
Is there a correlating equation for Turnovers?
I would be ok with just the Warriors winning.