I was at the game, and my reaction is, "best losing game with two Warriors starters thrown out ever."
If I had written notes, they'd be similar to yours (except I knew Cojo was in the G league). I guess getting minutes and playing with the rookies (et al) paid off. Pffft--starters, 2nd unit, they were barely recognizable without 23, 11, and 30, and CP and Saric barely sitting long enough to warm the bench. As you said lots of film to review, and matchups to consider.
About the ejections. In the arena they stopped play and showed a pattern on the scoreboard--no video, or images--during the 4-5 minute (I'm guessing) evaluation. Fans were largely clueless, struggling to get the game on their phones (I had it, but others around me couldn't connect, WiFi probably overloaded). Eventually the scoreboard showed the ref, but after he said "ejection" and Klay and Draymond's names, the outraged roars made it impossible to hear, growing ever louder as Klay, Draymond, and McDaniels left the floor but GOBERT DID NOT. Chase Center mounted the most synchronized "REF YOU SUCK" I've heard there. Usually at least half the audience (maybe more?) is too classy to shout, "ref you suck," but I'd say 70% were in. Looking at the recording today, I don't know if it's the directional microphones, but it doesn't seem too bad. Trust me, on the second level, it's loud.
Out loud I said, "The rookies will play!"
Thanks for mentioning Wiggins' hustle; I was happy to see it, and I want to believe he's on the road to his best play.
Nearby was a Dario Saric fan, and he had a lot to be happy about :-) I worried that Saric was getting battered, but he was determined--2nd Warrior over 20!
We competed and stayed close, but the Twolves used their time outs wisely and they had a better close. MM's 3 was a gift; didn't realize until later that points made are part of the In-Season tournament, so I'm glad it matters. I'm strangely optimistic that we've got some surprises for the league. The trial and error might not be fun, but I'm curious to find out.
Dubs all small mental destruction squad: CP3, Steph, Cojo, Podz and GP2 at center of course. This is what I want to see for a few minutes as a holiday gift from Kerr.
Sounds good to me, except maybe Moses-7-1-wingspan-Moody for Cojo. Cojo has lots of energy but he doesn't seem to be as aware of what the role players do as Moses. My highly-unlikely super secret even smaller small ball weapon: Kendrick Perkins from Santa Cruz. I'm so impressed with his passing.
This had me up in the middle of the night. Draymond tossed in two consecutive games??!! Yes the previous tossage was totally bogus, but wtf dude. He is so out of control. This is another early season Dubs nadir and it has me down.
Yeah, during that game, Dray wasn't ejected, but was still livid - he had an inexplicable replay review go against him, where Gobert held him down on rebound, but the foul was called on Draymond and upheld on review, despite clear evidence that he was fouled first.
He's a good decision maker, has an improved handle, has a real threat of a pull up jumper, and was very efficient as the PnR ballhandler in college so you'd think it wouldn't take the entire franchise core being out for him to get a chance to do something other than stand in the corner. I laughed at the Suns for not exploring what they had at all in Mikal Bridges and then getting fleeced in a trade for him, I would hate it if another version of that happened to the Warriors.
Belilaugh, MM is one of my favorites, so I completely agree. During the off season I couldn't accept the crazy talk about trading MM and/or JK (or Klay!) for various "bigs".
Off on a tangent: I thought CP would not come off the bench for long, still, this Twolves game was a surprise, and high minutes from CP and Saric were inevitable.
I'm happy to see the "2nd unit" leaf out as their individual talents become evident. I wonder if (despite coach endorsements), MM's "silent killer" patience downplays his talents. Ofc Moses has to be himself, but it seems he needs to work on his in-game communication. TJD and BP broadcast confidence and swagger, making it easier to recognize the tasks they can perform for both units. JK has confidence, but his game is still growing to match it (IMO). CP is a communicator, and that's a skill he might need to acquire.
The alternative, I guess, was having Podz play the point instead of CoJo, with MM at the 2. I think Kerr wanted Podz more at the 2 but it could have worked.
Agreed. I was just saying the only way CoJo doesn't play when CP3 rests and with Steph out (and in this case point forward Dray got tossed as well) would probably have been to put Podz at the point. Podz is a good passer and a smart player, so he might pull it off, but I don't think Kerr wants to go there.
Yeah I agree. They basically only tried that for one possession. Podziemski turned it over, Kerr called a timeout and then subbed CP3 back in.
Kerr constantly calling Podziemski a "connector" is a tell on how he views him, you don't usually hear that about point guards because they aren't connecting the play as much as initiating the play.
Also unrelated to that but some solid Moody propaganda (not sure how much I believe in this stat though, defense is more team-dependent than this imo plus the standard SSS disclaimer):
> Lowest Defensive FG% Allowed Among NBA Guards (min. 60 shots defended)
Can we stop playing kuminga and gp2 together in the second unit? Get gp2 in there with Steph for klay and let klay run with cp3 n kuminga in the 2nd unit
In hindsight, what really disappoints me is that Dray didn't get his money worth - if he had knocked Gobert out, then both teams would've been down two players.
I don't see a lot of nuance and gray area and team spirit stuff in Draymond's chokehold. Podz described it in positive ways as lifting the arena and the team. That ain't it, bro. I don't care if we win by 150. You don't do that to somebody. As we all know, it's not Draymond's first offense. I understand the argument that one should leap to a teammate's defense, but putting an opponent in a headlock, when you already have a longstanding reputation for cheap and dirty play, including punching your own teammate in practice, does not inspire me. It makes it really hard to root for Draymond.
Draymond grabbed Golbert who had a headlock on Klay Thompson. Just because the officials chose to ignore that doesn't make it wrong. I guess if he didn't step in, the officials MIGHT have actually noticed Golbert should have been immediately ejected. The rules don't allow a peace maker to grab an opponent, certainly not around the neck. Draymond didn't attack Golbert, he defended Klay.
The ejection the other day was absolutely insane and a violation of the rules. This one just proves that NBA officials are biased against Draymond; you can call that "a history" if you want but they keep making up rules to punish him.
We can’t really ask Podz as a 20 y.o. rook to say anything other than what he said — rookies are mandated by unwritten law to have their vets’ backs, at least publicly. But I generally agree with the rest of your post.
It would be pretty funny if Podz said, “Draymond is such a dick. I’ve already told Kerr, Lacob, Gruber and both Dunleavy’s it’s time to move his sorry ass.”
Late replay again. Definitely got my money's worth! Was nice to see Kerr HAVE to make lineup and sub adjustments with the HOFers out. Quite a few rotations that haven't played together I imagine. And we will need them in break in case of emergencies down the line. Feels like it's going to be a bumpy one all season long...
Well, that was one of the weirdest starts I've ever witnessed in a Warriors game. What was Draymond thinking when he put Rudy in a head/choke lock? Ejection for Klay? Ridiculous. Ah well.....
Welcome to the NBA, Podz! You kept us in the game and showed your incredible competitive spirit and BBIQ. You've seemed to have turned a corner. Could it be that you will eventually be Steph's replacement? You seem to make things happen and make the games much more fun to watch.
More Cojo, please. More Saric, please. The bench mob rules and should push out some of the starters who have seemed to have lost some of their game. Anyone else notice this? Steph still our leader, though.................
I agree with ur CoJo take. Most of your fellow posters do not. I think the main issue is that CoJo bears a slight resemblance to Chiozza and DNHQ is PTSDed out.
Since I don't see CP3 in our future plans, the Cojo hire also has its roots in ball control. With he and Podz on the floor together, I noticed a lot of energy and chaos against Minny. Cojo doesn't have the ceiling of the Podz but he knows how to run an offense. He is insurance only and comes cheaply. Curry, Podz, and Cojo should be enough as Podz is emerging quickly as a game changer.
I just don't see the Dubs trading CP3. It's a big contract that they can let go of to help get under the second apron. If Klay also takes a reasonable deal ($20-$25 mil), then they are in better shape for the future.
Plus, I don't think CP3 is going to be worth his salary to another team. Other assets would need to go out to bring back a good player.
We don't know what the FO sees and wants from Paul. I don't think they will retain him as they need to develop their players like Podz. Steph, Dray, Podz, Cojo, are enough playmakers and energy guys for the team. Quinones should also factor into the bench as a ball handler..
True dat. And Draymond really is the main playmaker for the starters. I always have my eyes looking forward as this team ages. Paul still has plenty of game left but the financials are a big factor for the Dubs. We need to shed a lot of $$$ to be competitive in the future and identify players who will eventually start and take over from the incumbents. If Podz continues to perform magic, it will change the team's dynamics as he is like Steph, creating chaos, organically. Kuminga cannot do that.
OK, so this game had that fracas at the beginning, and the Warriors court is incredibly tame compared to other courts, but it barely felt like an in season tournament game. It'll probably get more interesting with the elimination rounds, but if the Warriors aren't involved, I'll definitely just going to shrug.
Jaden McDaniels on Klay Thompson: "He missed a shot, ran down the court, we probably said something back to each other. To me, it wasn’t that serious. I was laughing and joking around. Some people take things differently."
It was edited for self-protection. The complete response was: "To me, it wasn’t that serious. I was laughing and joking around. I tear other guy's jerseys all the time. All in fun. Some people take things differently."
He's referring to Klay's airball on the other end. They started chirping after that, then the next play happened on the other end where they were jockeying for position which lead to the jersey grabbing/swinging.
I thought about that... but, no: Klay's airball was the first play of the game. There were multiple possessions between that airball and the altercation:
sorry, guess it wasn't the very next play, but pretty sure he was referencing a miss by Klay, as don't think there was much talking going on while they were grabbing each other heh.
He can make up whatever stuff he wants to justify why he was ripping Klay's jersey off. Klay put his hand out on a box out, next thing, Jaden was ripping Klay's jersey off.
Our top level drafting is not that good it seems. Either that or we stuck at developing non experienced college rookies. 4 years later and wiseman can’t even get minutes on the pistons and 3 years later and Kuminga and moody are getting 15 min when we’re missing 3 starters (4 if you include Wiggins).
I'm pretty happy with Moody right now. He needs more minutes but that's not his fault; he's playing well at both ends, staying ready, understands the system, seems to get along well with his teammates.
I think it is unfair to top level drafted rookies to be on a championship aspirational team. You get them with low floor and super high ceiling in mind. But for them to go from low floor to high ceiling, they need consistent 36 mpg on a team where they can make mistakes.
I was at the game, and my reaction is, "best losing game with two Warriors starters thrown out ever."
If I had written notes, they'd be similar to yours (except I knew Cojo was in the G league). I guess getting minutes and playing with the rookies (et al) paid off. Pffft--starters, 2nd unit, they were barely recognizable without 23, 11, and 30, and CP and Saric barely sitting long enough to warm the bench. As you said lots of film to review, and matchups to consider.
About the ejections. In the arena they stopped play and showed a pattern on the scoreboard--no video, or images--during the 4-5 minute (I'm guessing) evaluation. Fans were largely clueless, struggling to get the game on their phones (I had it, but others around me couldn't connect, WiFi probably overloaded). Eventually the scoreboard showed the ref, but after he said "ejection" and Klay and Draymond's names, the outraged roars made it impossible to hear, growing ever louder as Klay, Draymond, and McDaniels left the floor but GOBERT DID NOT. Chase Center mounted the most synchronized "REF YOU SUCK" I've heard there. Usually at least half the audience (maybe more?) is too classy to shout, "ref you suck," but I'd say 70% were in. Looking at the recording today, I don't know if it's the directional microphones, but it doesn't seem too bad. Trust me, on the second level, it's loud.
Out loud I said, "The rookies will play!"
Thanks for mentioning Wiggins' hustle; I was happy to see it, and I want to believe he's on the road to his best play.
Nearby was a Dario Saric fan, and he had a lot to be happy about :-) I worried that Saric was getting battered, but he was determined--2nd Warrior over 20!
We competed and stayed close, but the Twolves used their time outs wisely and they had a better close. MM's 3 was a gift; didn't realize until later that points made are part of the In-Season tournament, so I'm glad it matters. I'm strangely optimistic that we've got some surprises for the league. The trial and error might not be fun, but I'm curious to find out.
So, Draymond's new nickname is "The Saginaw Strangler", right?
Oh yeah! Best comment I've seen on this incident so far.
Dubs all small mental destruction squad: CP3, Steph, Cojo, Podz and GP2 at center of course. This is what I want to see for a few minutes as a holiday gift from Kerr.
Sounds good to me, except maybe Moses-7-1-wingspan-Moody for Cojo. Cojo has lots of energy but he doesn't seem to be as aware of what the role players do as Moses. My highly-unlikely super secret even smaller small ball weapon: Kendrick Perkins from Santa Cruz. I'm so impressed with his passing.
Oops I wrote this and then saw bellilaugh was all over it!
This had me up in the middle of the night. Draymond tossed in two consecutive games??!! Yes the previous tossage was totally bogus, but wtf dude. He is so out of control. This is another early season Dubs nadir and it has me down.
I mean, technically there was a Minnesota game in between the two ejections. Does that completely change your POV?
You guys are kind. Memory wipe, deliberate or accidental.
Yeah, during that game, Dray wasn't ejected, but was still livid - he had an inexplicable replay review go against him, where Gobert held him down on rebound, but the foul was called on Draymond and upheld on review, despite clear evidence that he was fouled first.
I don't blame Goldarn for wanting to forget that first MN game, last-minute comeback attempt notwithstanding.
Maybe The Peacemaker is Gobert’s WWE headlock’s name?
Some examples this game of Moody working with a screen:
https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=190&GameID=0022300025&Season=2023-24&flag=1&title=Moody%204%27%20Driving%20Reverse%20Layup%20(2%20PTS)%20(Payton%20II%202%20AST)
https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=473&GameID=0022300025&Season=2023-24&flag=1&title=MISS%20Joseph%2026%27%203PT%20Jump%20Shot
https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=193&GameID=0022300025&Season=2023-24&flag=1&title=Kuminga%2015%27%20Step%20Back%20Jump%20Shot%20(2%20PTS)%20(Moody%201%20AST)
https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&GameEventID=492&GameID=0022300025&Season=2023-24&flag=1&title=Moody%201%27%20Driving%20Finger%20Roll%20Layup%20(8%20PTS)%20(Joseph%202%20AST)
He's a good decision maker, has an improved handle, has a real threat of a pull up jumper, and was very efficient as the PnR ballhandler in college so you'd think it wouldn't take the entire franchise core being out for him to get a chance to do something other than stand in the corner. I laughed at the Suns for not exploring what they had at all in Mikal Bridges and then getting fleeced in a trade for him, I would hate it if another version of that happened to the Warriors.
Belilaugh, MM is one of my favorites, so I completely agree. During the off season I couldn't accept the crazy talk about trading MM and/or JK (or Klay!) for various "bigs".
Off on a tangent: I thought CP would not come off the bench for long, still, this Twolves game was a surprise, and high minutes from CP and Saric were inevitable.
I'm happy to see the "2nd unit" leaf out as their individual talents become evident. I wonder if (despite coach endorsements), MM's "silent killer" patience downplays his talents. Ofc Moses has to be himself, but it seems he needs to work on his in-game communication. TJD and BP broadcast confidence and swagger, making it easier to recognize the tasks they can perform for both units. JK has confidence, but his game is still growing to match it (IMO). CP is a communicator, and that's a skill he might need to acquire.
Yes. Why Cojo got minutes over Moody is beyond baffling. That should just not be happening.
The alternative, I guess, was having Podz play the point instead of CoJo, with MM at the 2. I think Kerr wanted Podz more at the 2 but it could have worked.
I don't think Kerr views Podz as a point guard
Agreed. I was just saying the only way CoJo doesn't play when CP3 rests and with Steph out (and in this case point forward Dray got tossed as well) would probably have been to put Podz at the point. Podz is a good passer and a smart player, so he might pull it off, but I don't think Kerr wants to go there.
Yeah I agree. They basically only tried that for one possession. Podziemski turned it over, Kerr called a timeout and then subbed CP3 back in.
Kerr constantly calling Podziemski a "connector" is a tell on how he views him, you don't usually hear that about point guards because they aren't connecting the play as much as initiating the play.
Also unrelated to that but some solid Moody propaganda (not sure how much I believe in this stat though, defense is more team-dependent than this imo plus the standard SSS disclaimer):
> Lowest Defensive FG% Allowed Among NBA Guards (min. 60 shots defended)
>
> 32.8% — Dennis Smith Jr.
> 35.2% — Moses Moody
> 35.8% — KCP
> 37.0% — Nickeil Alexander-Walker
> 37.1% — Lonnie Walker
> 37.4% — Chris Paul
> 38.2% — Jrue Holiday
> 39.0% — Russell Westbrook
> 39.3% — SGA
> 39.7% — RJ Barrett
https://twitter.com/KnicksMuse/status/1724808155815960986
Can we stop playing kuminga and gp2 together in the second unit? Get gp2 in there with Steph for klay and let klay run with cp3 n kuminga in the 2nd unit
In hindsight, what really disappoints me is that Dray didn't get his money worth - if he had knocked Gobert out, then both teams would've been down two players.
Podz need to be in the rotation with everyone healthy, we should also try starting Saric even with Curry back.
I don't see a lot of nuance and gray area and team spirit stuff in Draymond's chokehold. Podz described it in positive ways as lifting the arena and the team. That ain't it, bro. I don't care if we win by 150. You don't do that to somebody. As we all know, it's not Draymond's first offense. I understand the argument that one should leap to a teammate's defense, but putting an opponent in a headlock, when you already have a longstanding reputation for cheap and dirty play, including punching your own teammate in practice, does not inspire me. It makes it really hard to root for Draymond.
Draymond grabbed Golbert who had a headlock on Klay Thompson. Just because the officials chose to ignore that doesn't make it wrong. I guess if he didn't step in, the officials MIGHT have actually noticed Golbert should have been immediately ejected. The rules don't allow a peace maker to grab an opponent, certainly not around the neck. Draymond didn't attack Golbert, he defended Klay.
The ejection the other day was absolutely insane and a violation of the rules. This one just proves that NBA officials are biased against Draymond; you can call that "a history" if you want but they keep making up rules to punish him.
We can’t really ask Podz as a 20 y.o. rook to say anything other than what he said — rookies are mandated by unwritten law to have their vets’ backs, at least publicly. But I generally agree with the rest of your post.
It would be pretty funny if Podz said, “Draymond is such a dick. I’ve already told Kerr, Lacob, Gruber and both Dunleavy’s it’s time to move his sorry ass.”
He's here to entertain you. Problem is many of us don't share his sense of entertainment. He's got some demons, methinks.
What he does to get ejected or a flagrant foul is not entertaining at all.
Late replay again. Definitely got my money's worth! Was nice to see Kerr HAVE to make lineup and sub adjustments with the HOFers out. Quite a few rotations that haven't played together I imagine. And we will need them in break in case of emergencies down the line. Feels like it's going to be a bumpy one all season long...
Well, that was one of the weirdest starts I've ever witnessed in a Warriors game. What was Draymond thinking when he put Rudy in a head/choke lock? Ejection for Klay? Ridiculous. Ah well.....
Welcome to the NBA, Podz! You kept us in the game and showed your incredible competitive spirit and BBIQ. You've seemed to have turned a corner. Could it be that you will eventually be Steph's replacement? You seem to make things happen and make the games much more fun to watch.
More Cojo, please. More Saric, please. The bench mob rules and should push out some of the starters who have seemed to have lost some of their game. Anyone else notice this? Steph still our leader, though.................
Why more Cojo, specifically? It can't be the stats, and my eye test doesn't like what it's seeing. What are you seeing?
I want to see him more to determine if he gives us enough to retain him after Paul leaves. He and Podz can run amok and I like the chaos they bring.
I agree with ur CoJo take. Most of your fellow posters do not. I think the main issue is that CoJo bears a slight resemblance to Chiozza and DNHQ is PTSDed out.
Since I don't see CP3 in our future plans, the Cojo hire also has its roots in ball control. With he and Podz on the floor together, I noticed a lot of energy and chaos against Minny. Cojo doesn't have the ceiling of the Podz but he knows how to run an offense. He is insurance only and comes cheaply. Curry, Podz, and Cojo should be enough as Podz is emerging quickly as a game changer.
I just don't see the Dubs trading CP3. It's a big contract that they can let go of to help get under the second apron. If Klay also takes a reasonable deal ($20-$25 mil), then they are in better shape for the future.
Plus, I don't think CP3 is going to be worth his salary to another team. Other assets would need to go out to bring back a good player.
We don't know what the FO sees and wants from Paul. I don't think they will retain him as they need to develop their players like Podz. Steph, Dray, Podz, Cojo, are enough playmakers and energy guys for the team. Quinones should also factor into the bench as a ball handler..
U make some really strong points although im not as high on Podz sustaining this level of play but all you need is one pure backup
pG cause Draymond is also a defacto PG
True dat. And Draymond really is the main playmaker for the starters. I always have my eyes looking forward as this team ages. Paul still has plenty of game left but the financials are a big factor for the Dubs. We need to shed a lot of $$$ to be competitive in the future and identify players who will eventually start and take over from the incumbents. If Podz continues to perform magic, it will change the team's dynamics as he is like Steph, creating chaos, organically. Kuminga cannot do that.
OK, so this game had that fracas at the beginning, and the Warriors court is incredibly tame compared to other courts, but it barely felt like an in season tournament game. It'll probably get more interesting with the elimination rounds, but if the Warriors aren't involved, I'll definitely just going to shrug.
Jaden McDaniels on Klay Thompson: "He missed a shot, ran down the court, we probably said something back to each other. To me, it wasn’t that serious. I was laughing and joking around. Some people take things differently."
https://twitter.com/JonKrawczynski/status/1724683391101186333
Didn't McDaniels grabbed and tore Klay's jersey? McDaniels's response is...highly questionable at best.
It was edited for self-protection. The complete response was: "To me, it wasn’t that serious. I was laughing and joking around. I tear other guy's jerseys all the time. All in fun. Some people take things differently."
Bro... this all happened after Ant missed a shot, lol... some serious fantasy land stuff there...
He's referring to Klay's airball on the other end. They started chirping after that, then the next play happened on the other end where they were jockeying for position which lead to the jersey grabbing/swinging.
I thought about that... but, no: Klay's airball was the first play of the game. There were multiple possessions between that airball and the altercation:
https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-gsw-0022300025/play-by-play
sorry, guess it wasn't the very next play, but pretty sure he was referencing a miss by Klay, as don't think there was much talking going on while they were grabbing each other heh.
He can make up whatever stuff he wants to justify why he was ripping Klay's jersey off. Klay put his hand out on a box out, next thing, Jaden was ripping Klay's jersey off.
Couldn’t really watch much today. Did we get more pnrs with Chris Paul?
I dunno. He had 4 assists and 4 turnovers tonight.
Our top level drafting is not that good it seems. Either that or we stuck at developing non experienced college rookies. 4 years later and wiseman can’t even get minutes on the pistons and 3 years later and Kuminga and moody are getting 15 min when we’re missing 3 starters (4 if you include Wiggins).
I'm pretty happy with Moody right now. He needs more minutes but that's not his fault; he's playing well at both ends, staying ready, understands the system, seems to get along well with his teammates.
I think it is unfair to top level drafted rookies to be on a championship aspirational team. You get them with low floor and super high ceiling in mind. But for them to go from low floor to high ceiling, they need consistent 36 mpg on a team where they can make mistakes.
Yeah which is why the 2 timeline thing was bs
Podz played 39 minutes, though.
Sorry by top level drafting I mean lotto picks. He did 2 in college also right?
Didn't crack it in Illinois his first year, so yes but not in the way that you'd expect given his current play
I think he means lottery wise