1. Can't get too excited about the win. Kings' defense was practically nonexistent and their offense was minimal. Looked like they weren't really trying at either end.
2. I have no idea why, but Nemanja seems to shoot 3's much better when he's 2-3 ft beyond the arc.
3. In the last 3 games, the Dubs should feature JFK in the low block just to mess with their playoff opponents' scouting reports. Even if they don't do it so much during playoff games, the opponents will need to respect the danger and perhaps double team him when he gets the ball, resulting in passes to the perimeter for open looks to Klay, Steph, Poole, or Wiggs.
Regarding the Moody playing time topic below: Playoff rotation will likely not include Moody or Lee or JTA, right? Steph, Klay, Wiggins, Dray, Loon, Poole, Iggy, OPJ, GP2 Kuminga is already 10. I feel like Bjeliça is being primed for spot minutes in some situations, too. Even 10 players getting regular playoff minutes would be on the high side. 11 or more in normal circumstances feels almost unheard of. I think Kerr was giving Lee and JTA some minutes just because he does that and Moody will also get a few more minutes these last few games, probably.
I'm not sure the *core* playoff rotation even includes Andre and JK. I'm sure they'll see minutes, but I wouldn't rule out the occasional DNP-CD. To me the playoff depth chart goes something like...
Tier 1 (30-40 mins. every game): Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Green, Poole
Tier 2 (10-25 mins. every game, pretty much guaranteed): Porter, Payton, Looney
Tier 3 (anywhere from 0-20 mins. depending on matchup, feel, etc.): Iguodala, Kuminga, Bjelica
Tier 4 (mostly injury insurance, but never say never): DLee, JTA, Moody
Not going to predict minutes per game... hoping those will be game situation decisions "on the fly".
I'd agree that this Tier 1 are the most important players (especially offensively) as we have seen this season... That is a skilled group, but short ... so Looney is probably just as important for his defense and rebounding in certain situations. Payton's defense and Iguodala's overall play control could net them greater minutes in some games, as well as Porter and Bjelica's size, also Kuminga's speed and athleticism. I realize I'm not saying anything much ... except... I do hope that the coaches are willing to play whoever they feel can help the most at that moment in each game.
If Bjelica's mid-season struggles were from back issue that is fully resolved, then he 100% deserves some playoff minutes. We'll see if he can keep it up over next few games.
Over the last 10 games, he's at 66% TS (51/53/87 splits), gobbling 20.6% of rebounds, and averaging 5.7 assists/36 (Second on the team), and not looking NEARLY as horrible defensively as he did for the last 3-4 months.
If you're telling me that those inside the building are suggesting it's physical and related to his back improving (which I saw in one comment below), then Bjelica might be our secret weapon, muahahaha...
Yeah, that's reasonable. I actually think they's mostly stay with 9. Both Kuminga and Bjeilça feel like situational minutes for now. I guess if one gets on a roll ...
With the starters sitting somebody has to play. I expect to see lots more Moody, Lee and JTA for the next week, then they will disappear in the playoffs. I don’t think these are Kerr gifts, just normal use of the deep bench.
I love how ESPN is writing a favorable piece about a guy who got a tech, almost elbowed an opponent in the jaw, and fouled out in 24 minutes... I mean, I love the guy, and I get all that went into those... but I would expect the national media not to be in my mindset :-P
This Athletic article about Embiid had me cracking up (yea, I know it's not about the Dubs - but it's great).
Shows you what happens with a guy with insane confidence, massive competitive drive, and the skills and smarts to deliver. Loved the part about crushing little kids in 2K.
Not to pat myself on the back too much, but I had the Warriors as the #3 or #4 seed from the start of the season though that was with the expectation that both Thompson and Wiseman would be back by the beginning of the year and that Poole, JTA, GPII, OPJ and Lee would be solid off the bench. In fact Poole was better than solid and Lee and JTA haven't contributed all that much. I totally whiffed on just how good Poole would be and how much GPII and especially Kuminga would contribute and there is no way I would have predicted that Looney would be the iron man of the team. I'm happy to be right for the wrong reasons.
You weren't the only one that missed how good Poole, GP2, JFK and the LOON would be this season. Pretty much dismissed universally, including by me. So very happy I was wrong!
Mavericks have an easier schedule than us. So if the Mavs win the rest of their games, Warriors need to win the rest of their games to remain in the #3 seed.
(note: I never support trying to manipulate the matchups, because it always seems to come back to bite the team that tries it, but if it just works out that Memphis gets eliminated by someone else, I won't be sad ... Unless the warriors also get knocked out, and then I am kinda rooting for Memphis, definitely over the Suns).
For the remnants of Dub Nation who have not yet committed hara kiri: the Warriors just passed Phoenix in defensive rating and are now #2 in the league behind Boston.
I'm so happy the regular seasons almost over, it's too goddamn long. NBA Teams aren't stupid, they don't want to face a healthy Steph/Klay/Dray trio in a 7 game series, and now they have an Uber-confident Jordan Poole that deserves MIP as much as anybody rn, to deal with?! BRING IT ON, western conference!
My takeaways from the game:
1. Can't get too excited about the win. Kings' defense was practically nonexistent and their offense was minimal. Looked like they weren't really trying at either end.
2. I have no idea why, but Nemanja seems to shoot 3's much better when he's 2-3 ft beyond the arc.
3. In the last 3 games, the Dubs should feature JFK in the low block just to mess with their playoff opponents' scouting reports. Even if they don't do it so much during playoff games, the opponents will need to respect the danger and perhaps double team him when he gets the ball, resulting in passes to the perimeter for open looks to Klay, Steph, Poole, or Wiggs.
I’m excited about the win due to playoff seeding implications. So excuse me for being excited.
They'll keep running playoff rotations out there to build some chemistry. No need to get fancy.
https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2022/4/4/23003293/oakland-athletics-coliseum-sports-town-negotiations
So interesting, thanks.
Regarding the Moody playing time topic below: Playoff rotation will likely not include Moody or Lee or JTA, right? Steph, Klay, Wiggins, Dray, Loon, Poole, Iggy, OPJ, GP2 Kuminga is already 10. I feel like Bjeliça is being primed for spot minutes in some situations, too. Even 10 players getting regular playoff minutes would be on the high side. 11 or more in normal circumstances feels almost unheard of. I think Kerr was giving Lee and JTA some minutes just because he does that and Moody will also get a few more minutes these last few games, probably.
I'm not sure the *core* playoff rotation even includes Andre and JK. I'm sure they'll see minutes, but I wouldn't rule out the occasional DNP-CD. To me the playoff depth chart goes something like...
Tier 1 (30-40 mins. every game): Curry, Thompson, Wiggins, Green, Poole
Tier 2 (10-25 mins. every game, pretty much guaranteed): Porter, Payton, Looney
Tier 3 (anywhere from 0-20 mins. depending on matchup, feel, etc.): Iguodala, Kuminga, Bjelica
Tier 4 (mostly injury insurance, but never say never): DLee, JTA, Moody
Tier 5: Wiseman
Not going to predict minutes per game... hoping those will be game situation decisions "on the fly".
I'd agree that this Tier 1 are the most important players (especially offensively) as we have seen this season... That is a skilled group, but short ... so Looney is probably just as important for his defense and rebounding in certain situations. Payton's defense and Iguodala's overall play control could net them greater minutes in some games, as well as Porter and Bjelica's size, also Kuminga's speed and athleticism. I realize I'm not saying anything much ... except... I do hope that the coaches are willing to play whoever they feel can help the most at that moment in each game.
I figure Iguodala is in your Tier 2, but what do I know...
If Bjelica's mid-season struggles were from back issue that is fully resolved, then he 100% deserves some playoff minutes. We'll see if he can keep it up over next few games.
Over the last 10 games, he's at 66% TS (51/53/87 splits), gobbling 20.6% of rebounds, and averaging 5.7 assists/36 (Second on the team), and not looking NEARLY as horrible defensively as he did for the last 3-4 months.
If you're telling me that those inside the building are suggesting it's physical and related to his back improving (which I saw in one comment below), then Bjelica might be our secret weapon, muahahaha...
Wardell, Jordan, Andre, Draymond, Nemanja line up has so much playmaking...
Playoffs rotation will probably be:
Curry, Klay, Wiggins, Green, Looney
GP2, Poole, Iguodala, OPJ, and Bjelica
I would like Kuminga in there, but the above rotation looks solid IMO.
Sounds about right, but Loon and Poole should be flipped.
Yeah, that's reasonable. I actually think they's mostly stay with 9. Both Kuminga and Bjeilça feel like situational minutes for now. I guess if one gets on a roll ...
With the starters sitting somebody has to play. I expect to see lots more Moody, Lee and JTA for the next week, then they will disappear in the playoffs. I don’t think these are Kerr gifts, just normal use of the deep bench.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33667036/golden-state-warriors-draymond-green-turned-corner-first-back-back-injury
I love how ESPN is writing a favorable piece about a guy who got a tech, almost elbowed an opponent in the jaw, and fouled out in 24 minutes... I mean, I love the guy, and I get all that went into those... but I would expect the national media not to be in my mindset :-P
This Athletic article about Embiid had me cracking up (yea, I know it's not about the Dubs - but it's great).
Shows you what happens with a guy with insane confidence, massive competitive drive, and the skills and smarts to deliver. Loved the part about crushing little kids in 2K.
Another good development: Wiggins is crushing the 3 point line.
And the FT line! 29/40 in last 10 games (72.5%)
In context of seeding against East:
Dubs -
vs Mia: Behind 1 game but have won tie breaker; Have similar SRS
vs Bos: Up 1 game but have lost tie breaker; They have toughest SRS
vs Mil: Up 1.5 games but have lost tie breaker; They have mid-SRS and play one more game
vs Phi: Up 1.5 games and tie-breaker is undecided; They have easiest SRS and play one more game
This is gonna be a barn burner too.
Updated seeding permutations between us, Nuggets and Mavs.
N+ = N or more
We will atleast be 5th seed with this win.
Our games = Lakers, Spurs, Pels
1+ Ws by us or 1+ Ls by Nuggets (vs/@ Spurs, Grizz, Lakers), we will have atleast #4 seed and HCA
3 Ws by us or 3 Ls by Mavs or 2+ Ws by us AND 1+ L by Mavs or 1+ W by us AND 2+ Ls by Mavs (vs/@ Pistons, Blazers, Spurs), we will have seed #3
IMO. We should be able to win 1 of next 3 or Grizz will beat Nuggets. So #4 is pretty much guaranteed barring injuries.
#3 seed looks unlikely - somewhat possible - we win next 3 games (low probability) or we win 2 AND Mavs loose 1 (extremely low probability).
Not to pat myself on the back too much, but I had the Warriors as the #3 or #4 seed from the start of the season though that was with the expectation that both Thompson and Wiseman would be back by the beginning of the year and that Poole, JTA, GPII, OPJ and Lee would be solid off the bench. In fact Poole was better than solid and Lee and JTA haven't contributed all that much. I totally whiffed on just how good Poole would be and how much GPII and especially Kuminga would contribute and there is no way I would have predicted that Looney would be the iron man of the team. I'm happy to be right for the wrong reasons.
You weren't the only one that missed how good Poole, GP2, JFK and the LOON would be this season. Pretty much dismissed universally, including by me. So very happy I was wrong!
Who do we play in 1st round?
- Both Jazz and Nuggets have Grizz
- Jazz also play Suns.
- Jazz also play one additional game (B2B).
But
- Jazz have the tie breaker over Nuggets.
- Jazz play OKC and Blazers (compared to Nuggets playing Spurs and Lakers)
This is gonna be a barn burner!!
E1P request: Kuminga's assists (+ the celebrations on his epic dunk)
Bjeli love seems appropriate too. Dude’s only strong game of the season?
Slater called it his best game since the season opener against the Lakers, which seems about right
He looked pretty damn good early on.
You read my mind
Dubs clinched no worst than #5 seed tonight. One more win or one Denver loss and they clinch #4 seed.
Apparently, Bjeli is feeling better and getting his timing back after the back injury. (According to Kerith)
Speaking of backs, Dray’s just back from a back injury and played in a back to back. That’s pretty amazing.
Guess they're both back on track
So you're saying that both his back and his back are back on track after a back to back, is that right?
Yes, I'm not backing away from that statement.
Warriors remaining schedule:
4/7- vs. Lakers
4/9- @ Spurs
4/10- @ Pelicans
Mavericks remaining schedule:
4/6- @ Pistons
4/8- vs. Blazers
4/10- vs. Spurs
Mavericks have an easier schedule than us. So if the Mavs win the rest of their games, Warriors need to win the rest of their games to remain in the #3 seed.
Is there *any* advantage of the #3 seed over the #4 seed? I don’t see one.
If we tank the back-to-back, karma says we'll face Dallas in the conference finals.
Instead of Memphis? I'll take that!
(note: I never support trying to manipulate the matchups, because it always seems to come back to bite the team that tries it, but if it just works out that Memphis gets eliminated by someone else, I won't be sad ... Unless the warriors also get knocked out, and then I am kinda rooting for Memphis, definitely over the Suns).
We can also make sure we have home court in the finals if we win out
Avoid bad karma of trying to tank down a spot. I’m pretty confident that the Basketball Gods aren’t fond of that.
Not advocating tanking, just wondering if it’s worth worrying about as a fan.
Staying at 3rd seed probably means winning out, which gives them the best chance of home court if they make the finals.
Okay, I can buy that one.
We get the Jazz as our first round opponent assuming that the Jazz lose more games than the Nuggets.
The Jazz at #6 is not a given, though. The Nuggets could still easily be #6.
Nor is it a given the Jazz are a more desirable first round opponent than Denver.
Hah, we have the Lakers. That alone makes our schedule easier than the Mavericks!
For the remnants of Dub Nation who have not yet committed hara kiri: the Warriors just passed Phoenix in defensive rating and are now #2 in the league behind Boston.
That’s awesome. A great stat to back up what we have seen lately
Bjelica used to play for the Kings, right? I think tonight was a revenge game for him.
Yes and…. Does anyone ever feel motivated for revenge against the kings?
I'd imagine just the relief of not being there is pleasure enough.
Did people notice that absolutely insane stat they posted during the broadcast?
Winning seasons in SAC history:
Under Rick Adelman: 8-0
Under all other head coaches: 0-29
Kings with JWill, CWebb, Peja were a great great team to see playing. Better than Lakers
Notable stats:
Poole: (+19)
22 points 9/15 FGs 4/9 three pointers
5 rebounds 5 assists 4 turnovers 1 block
Bjelica: (+9)
19 points 7/11 FGs 3/6 three pointers 2/2 FTs
12 rebounds (2 off.) 6 assists 2 turnovers 2 blocks
Wiggins: (+7)
25 points 8/16 FGs 4/7 three pointers 5/6 FTs
5 rebounds 5 assists 1 turnover 1 steal
Kuminga: (+12)
17 points 6/11 FGs 2/3 three pointers 3/6 FTs
5 rebounds (1 off.) 4 assists 1 turnover 1 steal 1 block
Lee: (+11)
11 points 5/10 FGS 0/3 three pointers 1/1 FT
5 rebounds (1 off.) 2 assists 1 turnover 1 block
Payton II: (+10)
2 points 1/4 FGs 0/1 three pointer
3 reboudns (1 off.) 1 turnover 3 steals
Kings:
Barnes: (-14)
18 points 7/17 FGs 1/8 three pointers 3/3 FTs
10 rebounds (3 off.) 1 assist 2 turnovers 1 steal
Jones: (-13)
17 points 5/10 FGs 0/1 three pointer 7/8 FTs
6 rebounds (1 off.) 2 assists 2 turnovers
DiVincenzo: (-4)
14 points 4/13 FGs 2/9 three pointers 4/4 FTs
4 rebounds 4 assists 2 turnovers 2 steals
Mitchell: (-19)
9 points 4/11 FGs 0/1 three pointer 1/2 FTs
1 rebound 9 assists 2 turnovers 1 steal
Metu: (+0)
9 points 3/6 FGs 1/2 three pointers 2/2 FTs
3 rebounds 1 assist 1 turnover
• 50+ wins
• Near certain home court in the first round
• Steph likely back for the playoffs
• JP, Dray, Wiggs, Klay, Loon, Payton, Kuminga, Otto, Bjelica all balling
• Lakers crashing and burning
But not before half of Dub Nation committed hara kiri because reasons.
it was a pretty miserable stretch, but we kept the flame alive
😂 😂
I'm so happy the regular seasons almost over, it's too goddamn long. NBA Teams aren't stupid, they don't want to face a healthy Steph/Klay/Dray trio in a 7 game series, and now they have an Uber-confident Jordan Poole that deserves MIP as much as anybody rn, to deal with?! BRING IT ON, western conference!
I'm just insanely excited to see Steph, Klay and Dray play together for more than a damn game.
I know. Stuck on 11 freaking minutes since 2019!!!