Yeah, people often throw out phrases like “No chance” when they apparently don’t know what it means. I’ve seen people here say things like “Warriors have no chance vs. OKC.”
And even if Sengun makes his shot, the Dubs have the ball at midcourt (after a TO) with 5 seconds to run a set play and only need a two-point shot or a couple of FTs to win the game.
Sure. But if we're playing the what if game, what if Amen Thompson doesn't undercut Jimmy in G2? Chances are we win that game and come away with the series sweep. If you're going to wonder what could have been, it doesn't make sense to only do it one way.
Your overall point is well taken. These games have all been close and the margins for the series are small. I think, though, that the ball doesn't just bounce the Warriors way in 3 of these 4 games because of pure happenstance. Luck is the residue of design and this team is practiced in consistently putting themselves in a position to win a close game, which is why they win so many of them in the playoffs.
I don't see how that supports your point. Quite the opposite; my point is what looks like simple random luck to fans often times isn't random at all. A player figuring out another player's tendencies and taking advantage of knowing what they are going to do in a given moment doesn't show up on the box-score.
I think we all tend to exaggerate all the positive situations when a close game is won and forget about what happened when we lost.
They are so much better in close games now for one reason, JB, not some incredible advantage we have because Steph and Dray won 4 titles. They make their share of great plays for sure, but they are very far from perfect. I absolutely want them at the end of the game but just saying I don’t believe their record in close games the last few years has been mind blowing before JB. It comes down to the ability to make a play and Steph always had a defense able to key too much on him.
Last night was the ultimate example. JB buries 5 straight ft’s and gets that rebound. If someone else is there and goes 2 or 3 for 5 it is a different story. DG plays good D.
The last few years have not exactly been a clinic in how to win close games if we are honest.
JB has greatly improved things which kind of shows how much talent matters.
It is not magic or unbelievable coaching but the ability to make a play. Remember when we had KD and how easy he made life?
Q: is that soaring Jimmy rebound (which it should be noted was assisted by a great box-out/seal of Adams by Loon) the greatest rebound in Warrior history? Given the aesthetics, context (elite rebounding team that had been dominating the offensive glass all series; Jimmy coming off an injury and looking pretty hobbled), and consequences (effectively ended a critical playoff game) it has to be right up there, right?
I don't know what would be instead but it didn't seem that big a deal to me in the sense that he just grabbed it. It wasn't some contested or out of nowhere thing. I frankly would nominate that Podz leaping dive for a rebound-putback-miss from the other day as more impressive.
Stoked that the Dubs have: Dray on a reasonable contract through 2027; Podz locked up on rookie contract through 2027; Moody locked up on a bargain contract through 2028; and Post locked up through next year.
Also that game was amazing. Any of the shots or defensive plays could have swung the game in either direction. I am concerned that the refs letting the contact go over the course of the series is going to lead to someone getting hurt. Yes, it's the playoffs, but I honestly don't remember any recent playoff series being THIS physical. Kudos to the Dubs, especially the young ones, in stepping up to the challenge.
Good catch!!! He's been playing above what I expected defensively in this series. Hopefully he maintains that focus. Also curious if Butler has had an impact on accountability on that end.
My theory on Buddy is that he learns, it's just not at a fast rate. So, he looks terrible when compared to Steph and Dray and Butler and Moody.
But ... give him another year in this system and he will learn some more.
The Philly stop, he was acquired in a trade-deadline trade, and had to learn a whole new system and set of teammates. So, it's not a huge stretch to think he just didn't have enough time to learn what he needed to.
I actually expect big things from him next year. He'll still be in his prime, he'll know the system, and the Dubs will know how to use him better.
I think he's been pretty great all year, personally, as I have been very vocal about throughout. I do think he's gotten a little better at limiting mistakes (overreaching his abilities) lately. I wouldn't expect a big leap next year, although getting closer to his 40% career average from three would be nice.
Interesting. I think he is *much* better on defense now than at the beginning of the season.
Offensively, I think he's about what you'd expect .. as you say, maybe some mild efficiency improvement. But, he can grow on the defensive side, I believe.
I agree, the strides he has made on defense since the start of the season have been very noticeable. He's working on changing his defensive reputation with us
I can easily believe that we won last night, because this team is determined as hell and has two very different, effective closers. Still, it's a bit of a miracle that they were able to pull it off, considering how many things seemed to go against them.
>>>The Sacramento Kings and interim coach Doug Christie are finalizing a multiyear contract to make Christie the franchise's next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Christie's agent, Andy Miller of Klutch Sports, negotiated a new deal for the Kings' full-time job this week.<<<
Not exactly sure what Christie did to warrant that. Maybe he gets along with Vivek's daughter?
On the other hand, at this point, getting a good coach to come to Sacramento probably has to be a tall order, given Vivek's spasms of lunacy about coaches.
My buddy went to the game and said the atmosphere was electric. Don't think that the national TV mics capture the true volume of the arena. To be fair, he was in the upper bowl which is always more boisterous.
I was originally cool with whatever happens this year as long as we get the young guys playoff experience but now I want it all. This team has had too many classic moments in the short time they've been together.
Imagine it, he plays great defense and then grans the missed shot on the rebound. Immediately, he pushes the pace in transition, weaves around a Looney screen into a step back three point splash for the championship winn!!!!
“MR UNTOUCHABLE does it again!!” screams Fitz!! Apricot does a celebration audit of Curry/Draymond who are currently 14/15 in our depth chart as the grizzled veterans!
Lmao I knew people would bring up his vertical. I just don’t value combine testing like that because in game athleticism is just a completely different animal.
In game, we don’t see Podz skying for athletic dunks/layups. Even with rebounding, it’s a lot more a function of rebounding and running tips/into space.
I seriously think a 20 ppg BP is an all-star/ fringe all-NBA player. Just a consistently winning player, and growing into a legit second option on top of that really unlocks a team!
Overall, about the same with an edge to LA, but it really depends on who’s playing. AD was their only big who frightened me, but LBJ and Luka are really big for their positions.
Gotta be smaller by a per minute average. The Lakers play LeBron, Luka, Hachimura, and DFS 24 minutes for every second half, and all of those guys are taller than our primary center.
Less fun fact, a couple of the top ten are recent and against the Dubs. But fun seeing that Klay game from 2013 against the Spurs on there. Youngsters don't know just how good Klay was in his prime.
True re: the first part. However, only one of those games against the Dubs was a win against them, incidentally being Jalen Green's game 2 performance in this series. The other game was JJJ against the Dubs in Game 1 of the 2022 conference semis, a game which the Dubs won in thrilling fashion!
Once again, when a dust-up was happening, Adams simply grabbed the largest guy on the other team (Post), picked him up, and carried him away. It seems to work every time.
Unnerving is right. I remember barreling over the line with the ball in a rugby game, just needing to touch it down to score, when this Adams-esque dude from wherever we were (maybe Gloucester) catches my jersey with one hand. I was 200lbs and moving, but he swung me back like he was catching a rag in the wind. It's odd how the feeling of powerlessness stays with you. An echo of pre-memory toddler experience? Maybe. But I expect Post will be OK. I love that he was in there being hot-headed and letting everyone know it. Draymond especially will appreciate that. I think it calms Dray down when he is not the only one. Stay mad, Stroop.
How? He's one of the best rebounders, if not, the best rebounder in the league; he can set hard screens for his teammates; and he's tall and very strong. His only weaknesses are that he can't shoot FTs and cannot play for 30 mins/game due to him missing the entirety of last season, but his strengths are far more superior to his weaknesses.
You forgot: can't dribble, can't create his own show, can't shoot a two point shot outside of a layup, can't shoot a three. Those are all extremely important skills for a basketball player.
I haven't watched his defense when switched on the perimeter much. I do remember his steal on Hield but as an overall skill I'm not sure if he can do it well in general.
Also, he's a big man who goes all out and I don't think he can play much more than the 25 minutes a game or so he's giving at the moment. Particularly if a team can get out in transition and make him run the floor a lot. Also, kinda injury prone.
I think he's a real weapon and have a lot of respect for him, but he absolutely has limitations.
Still don't like having to face against him. The last team I want him to go to are the Lakers, who will most likely go after him during the free agency.
New thread up!
Ok. This is simply an observation and not being negative or pessimistic.
Just listened to the podcast that Monte Poole is on, Dubs Talk.
The Warriors are just too smart and experienced for Houston and they have no chance and really never had a chance. They just aren’t ready.
Well didn’t they have the ball down 1 with 13 seconds left to win the game on the Warriors home floor?
A classic mindset that people can have after winning a game that was one 12 foot missed shot from being a devastating loss.
In another life a long time ago, I learned a lesson about that. I will not bore you with the details.
Sengun makes that shot it is 2-2 and Houston has home court and younger legs. Are they still too this and too that to win?
I feel very good about our chances but this ain’t over yet, especially with the injury problem.
Yeah, people often throw out phrases like “No chance” when they apparently don’t know what it means. I’ve seen people here say things like “Warriors have no chance vs. OKC.”
And even if Sengun makes his shot, the Dubs have the ball at midcourt (after a TO) with 5 seconds to run a set play and only need a two-point shot or a couple of FTs to win the game.
Sure. But if we're playing the what if game, what if Amen Thompson doesn't undercut Jimmy in G2? Chances are we win that game and come away with the series sweep. If you're going to wonder what could have been, it doesn't make sense to only do it one way.
My point was simply about the razor thin win and that because they lost doesn’t mean they are incapable of coming back.
I was reacting to the narrative that they are hopelessly overmatched because they lost that game.
Or…..I can hear that podcast if we had lost by one. Warriors are in deep trouble against the size and athleticism and those young legs!
The perception can change night and day so easily.
Your overall point is well taken. These games have all been close and the margins for the series are small. I think, though, that the ball doesn't just bounce the Warriors way in 3 of these 4 games because of pure happenstance. Luck is the residue of design and this team is practiced in consistently putting themselves in a position to win a close game, which is why they win so many of them in the playoffs.
You just kind of made my point though.
What are you saying if the shot went in and we lost?
JB misses a desperation 3 and Brooks commits a silly foul.
A lot of luck too.
I don't see how that supports your point. Quite the opposite; my point is what looks like simple random luck to fans often times isn't random at all. A player figuring out another player's tendencies and taking advantage of knowing what they are going to do in a given moment doesn't show up on the box-score.
That is true. I agree 100 pct.
However…
I think we all tend to exaggerate all the positive situations when a close game is won and forget about what happened when we lost.
They are so much better in close games now for one reason, JB, not some incredible advantage we have because Steph and Dray won 4 titles. They make their share of great plays for sure, but they are very far from perfect. I absolutely want them at the end of the game but just saying I don’t believe their record in close games the last few years has been mind blowing before JB. It comes down to the ability to make a play and Steph always had a defense able to key too much on him.
Last night was the ultimate example. JB buries 5 straight ft’s and gets that rebound. If someone else is there and goes 2 or 3 for 5 it is a different story. DG plays good D.
The last few years have not exactly been a clinic in how to win close games if we are honest.
JB has greatly improved things which kind of shows how much talent matters.
It is not magic or unbelievable coaching but the ability to make a play. Remember when we had KD and how easy he made life?
49ers: Kittle has signed a 4 year extension.
Q: is that soaring Jimmy rebound (which it should be noted was assisted by a great box-out/seal of Adams by Loon) the greatest rebound in Warrior history? Given the aesthetics, context (elite rebounding team that had been dominating the offensive glass all series; Jimmy coming off an injury and looking pretty hobbled), and consequences (effectively ended a critical playoff game) it has to be right up there, right?
Any other nominations?
I don't know what would be instead but it didn't seem that big a deal to me in the sense that he just grabbed it. It wasn't some contested or out of nowhere thing. I frankly would nominate that Podz leaping dive for a rebound-putback-miss from the other day as more impressive.
He was also fouled on the play and made his free throws!
That was one awesome rebound and all things considered I can’t think of a bigger one.
I don't remember all of Loon's 50 rebounds in G6 against Memphis in 2022 but maybe a couple of those ones are up there too
Yet somehow Adams still almost got his hands on it. That dude is a got dang problem on the glass.
Stoked that the Dubs have: Dray on a reasonable contract through 2027; Podz locked up on rookie contract through 2027; Moody locked up on a bargain contract through 2028; and Post locked up through next year.
Also that game was amazing. Any of the shots or defensive plays could have swung the game in either direction. I am concerned that the refs letting the contact go over the course of the series is going to lead to someone getting hurt. Yes, it's the playoffs, but I honestly don't remember any recent playoff series being THIS physical. Kudos to the Dubs, especially the young ones, in stepping up to the challenge.
Also Steph and What’s-his-name that Butler dude for two more years. They don’t suck.
It’s the Rockets. They’ve got Adams (beast), Sengun (young savvy physical big), Brooks (meathead), Thompson (elite athlete), and FVV (fire hydrant). Elite assembly of physicality.
Don't forget Udoka, architect of it all.
* Buddy locked up for two years after this one on a bargain basement contract.
Good catch!!! He's been playing above what I expected defensively in this series. Hopefully he maintains that focus. Also curious if Butler has had an impact on accountability on that end.
My theory on Buddy is that he learns, it's just not at a fast rate. So, he looks terrible when compared to Steph and Dray and Butler and Moody.
But ... give him another year in this system and he will learn some more.
The Philly stop, he was acquired in a trade-deadline trade, and had to learn a whole new system and set of teammates. So, it's not a huge stretch to think he just didn't have enough time to learn what he needed to.
I actually expect big things from him next year. He'll still be in his prime, he'll know the system, and the Dubs will know how to use him better.
I think he's been pretty great all year, personally, as I have been very vocal about throughout. I do think he's gotten a little better at limiting mistakes (overreaching his abilities) lately. I wouldn't expect a big leap next year, although getting closer to his 40% career average from three would be nice.
Interesting. I think he is *much* better on defense now than at the beginning of the season.
Offensively, I think he's about what you'd expect .. as you say, maybe some mild efficiency improvement. But, he can grow on the defensive side, I believe.
I agree, the strides he has made on defense since the start of the season have been very noticeable. He's working on changing his defensive reputation with us
I can easily believe that we won last night, because this team is determined as hell and has two very different, effective closers. Still, it's a bit of a miracle that they were able to pull it off, considering how many things seemed to go against them.
Does JB play Wednesday?
Unclear, the bumping he suffered in the game could cause the injury to stiffen up again and cause him to miss another game. Hope not.
Oh yeah, he's back
Test
this site definitely acting strangely today
>>>The Sacramento Kings and interim coach Doug Christie are finalizing a multiyear contract to make Christie the franchise's next head coach, sources tell ESPN. Christie's agent, Andy Miller of Klutch Sports, negotiated a new deal for the Kings' full-time job this week.<<<
https://bsky.app/profile/shamsbot.bsky.social/post/3lnxnsrwiq22w
Not exactly sure what Christie did to warrant that. Maybe he gets along with Vivek's daughter?
On the other hand, at this point, getting a good coach to come to Sacramento probably has to be a tall order, given Vivek's spasms of lunacy about coaches.
A much better performance from the Chase Crowd tonight compared to Saturday. Could still get better though.
I have to admit the "refs you suck" chants sounded so out of place for Chase goers. 😆
Last time I was there the crowd chanted it. Seems par for the course at most arenas these days.
My buddy went to the game and said the atmosphere was electric. Don't think that the national TV mics capture the true volume of the arena. To be fair, he was in the upper bowl which is always more boisterous.
I was on NBCSA and it sounds like they captured the excitement better.
I was on NBCSA and it sounds like they captured the excitement better.
I was originally cool with whatever happens this year as long as we get the young guys playoff experience but now I want it all. This team has had too many classic moments in the short time they've been together.
I got the PERFECT NICKNAME FOR PODZ!!
Imagine it, he plays great defense and then grans the missed shot on the rebound. Immediately, he pushes the pace in transition, weaves around a Looney screen into a step back three point splash for the championship winn!!!!
“MR UNTOUCHABLE does it again!!” screams Fitz!! Apricot does a celebration audit of Curry/Draymond who are currently 14/15 in our depth chart as the grizzled veterans!
He's still The Underground Man to me
Crash Test Dummy
Crashiezmski hits too
Air Pods works for me
I think it's gotta be Air Podz but yeah this is the one.
But it makes no sense, it’s not like he got hops. And its referencing earphones which is like the least cool thing imho
He's got a very good vertical. It's a big part of why he gets so many rebounds.
https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-strength-agility?SeasonYear=2023-24
Lmao I knew people would bring up his vertical. I just don’t value combine testing like that because in game athleticism is just a completely different animal.
In game, we don’t see Podz skying for athletic dunks/layups. Even with rebounding, it’s a lot more a function of rebounding and running tips/into space.
He definitely does have hops though. He had one of the highest vertical leaps at the combine.
I like that one too
By the way, Post All Star Break, Mr Untouchable has averaged 16 pts/6 rbd/3 ast on 56 TS% and 44% from three in 30 mpg.
By next year, if he slightly improves on this production, he might be competing with Jimmy for regular season second option lmao!
I seriously think a 20 ppg BP is an all-star/ fringe all-NBA player. Just a consistently winning player, and growing into a legit second option on top of that really unlocks a team!
2028 Olympian - exactly the kind of guy you need to pair with superstars, as we're currently observing firsthand
He’s gotta improve his efficiency though, 56 TS% is not good enough!
I hope that's where he gets the extra points ;)
Are the Warriors smaller than the Lakers or about the same size?
Good question, but I'm not sure it matters... at least this year. Hard to see Minny losing three straight.
These lineups we are playing with DG at a 5 must be the smallest in modern NBA history for a playoff team.
Are we talkin’ length or girth, here?
Overall, about the same with an edge to LA, but it really depends on who’s playing. AD was their only big who frightened me, but LBJ and Luka are really big for their positions.
Length or girth LOL
Gotta be smaller by a per minute average. The Lakers play LeBron, Luka, Hachimura, and DFS 24 minutes for every second half, and all of those guys are taller than our primary center.
At the same time, I feel like DFS/Rui don’t really utilize their size that well offensively and defensively tbh.
DFS is more of a perimeter defender and Rui is just big for nothing. Kind of like Hayes
They do not. They are more JK than Dray in that regard.
Podz is the third youngest player ever to hit 6 or more threes and post a Hollinger Game Score over 23,5 in a NBA playoff game.
Can you guess the players who did this younger than Podz without clicking the link?
Hint: Doncic is 4th and 5th on the list.
https://stathead.com/tiny/0Kp5o
Fun fact, he's also the only one of those 3 players who accomplished this in a win
Less fun fact, a couple of the top ten are recent and against the Dubs. But fun seeing that Klay game from 2013 against the Spurs on there. Youngsters don't know just how good Klay was in his prime.
True re: the first part. However, only one of those games against the Dubs was a win against them, incidentally being Jalen Green's game 2 performance in this series. The other game was JJJ against the Dubs in Game 1 of the 2022 conference semis, a game which the Dubs won in thrilling fashion!
Once again, when a dust-up was happening, Adams simply grabbed the largest guy on the other team (Post), picked him up, and carried him away. It seems to work every time.
It's a total Wilt thing to do. There's a whole legendarium about Wilt picking large men up and moving them. I get to see the next best thing
That must be so unnerving for a guy used to being the biggest guy around to feel like a little kid getting carried away.
It is pretty funny...you can see when the person (Post yesterday) kinda just relaxes and let's it happen.
Unnerving is right. I remember barreling over the line with the ball in a rugby game, just needing to touch it down to score, when this Adams-esque dude from wherever we were (maybe Gloucester) catches my jersey with one hand. I was 200lbs and moving, but he swung me back like he was catching a rag in the wind. It's odd how the feeling of powerlessness stays with you. An echo of pre-memory toddler experience? Maybe. But I expect Post will be OK. I love that he was in there being hot-headed and letting everyone know it. Draymond especially will appreciate that. I think it calms Dray down when he is not the only one. Stay mad, Stroop.
Steven Adams is a Free Agent this summer... just saying. Will be interesting to see where he goes and what he gets.
Is he a giant sized Looney? Loon can shoot it a bit but rarely does.
How does he do against the Joker?
His weaknesses are significant.
And yet, the Warriors can't exploit them. He's been by far Houston's most effective player. +35 net rating in game 4.
How? He's one of the best rebounders, if not, the best rebounder in the league; he can set hard screens for his teammates; and he's tall and very strong. His only weaknesses are that he can't shoot FTs and cannot play for 30 mins/game due to him missing the entirety of last season, but his strengths are far more superior to his weaknesses.
You forgot: can't dribble, can't create his own show, can't shoot a two point shot outside of a layup, can't shoot a three. Those are all extremely important skills for a basketball player.
I haven't watched his defense when switched on the perimeter much. I do remember his steal on Hield but as an overall skill I'm not sure if he can do it well in general.
Also, he's a big man who goes all out and I don't think he can play much more than the 25 minutes a game or so he's giving at the moment. Particularly if a team can get out in transition and make him run the floor a lot. Also, kinda injury prone.
I think he's a real weapon and have a lot of respect for him, but he absolutely has limitations.
Still don't like having to face against him. The last team I want him to go to are the Lakers, who will most likely go after him during the free agency.
Would love to see a BP, DG, JB, Looney, Adams lineup. They'd have a league average offense on like .2 ts
Adams could average 5 assists a game by just grabbing offensive rebounds and kicking it out to Steph.
Lakers should throw whatever they can at him
Lakers need a pick and roll threat for Doncic first and foremost I think
Yeah probably right