I'm happy that they're winning, but it's also super frustrating how they keep giving up that big lead. It was 74-51 yesterday, I think. It's like doing hard work and then giving it to the other on a silver platter.
it also makes it impossible to enjoy them going up big within the first ~30 minutes of the game, just feels like dread for the inevitable blowing of the big lead
The Warriors have blown 6 double-digit leads this season. I don't think this stat includes the ones where the Warriors just barely hang on. Btw, this was a December 9th stat and we have 2 blown double-digit since (but we hung on to get win).
Teams are doing to us what we used to do to them way back when. Remember when no lead is safe meant that we’d be the one coming back? Now it’s because we give it up like it’s nothing
Exactly! Since we used to come back from every lead, we were kept a bit happy, knowing this team has a bit of a fight in them. Now, we're the ones giving up the big lead, and it's always in like the 3rd quarter. The Warriors are getting tired. I don't want to admit it. I don't think you want to either, but they're old, grumpy, and tired every single game.
I've really enjoyed watching the Warriors last two games. Finally, we get to see the young guys plugged in to the rotation for meaningful minutes in key roles and situations. It's like watching a new team get formed. Both games were wins, both games we let a large lead slip away, and both games were won because of key contributions from our rookies! And, both games won without Draymond. So many of the fans here felt it was impossible to be without Draymond. For me, it's like a breath of fresh air seeing plays executed without the heavy hand. If those trade rumors are true, maybe we walk away with something special given back to us.
Just listened to Light Years podcast. Paraphrasing but they mentioned there are rumors of Dray being on the trade block - they even talked about which teams may be interested in him
Huh? Is this pure speculation or someone in media has quoted a credible source?
IIRC, the Light Years boys were referencing a comment from Zach Lowe along the lines of “IF Draymond returns.” Zach’s petty plugged in, and typically quite careful with his words, so they assumed he was hearing stuff.
But Zach also has no problem throwing out made up stuff, with the caveat that he is just making it up. ie he never tries to sneak anything by anyone, just throwing out all the options.
IIRC Lowe recorded a new intro for that podcast where he addressed the “if he comes back” language. Said he didn’t know anything specific, it was just poorly worded. He must have gotten some feedback.
Realistically though, why would it make sense? Draymond has been the second best player on the Warriors when he's played, the Warriors have no chance of doing anything significant if he's traded, Curry wants him around, and he just signed a contract extension?
Context: Their whole discussion was around if the Warriors decide to move him and the headaches that come with him.
On paper, I wouldn’t want to move him, but I can see the team repeating Kerr’s infamous lip-read quote “ I’m so fucking sick of Draymond’s bullshit.” If you cut bait, Allen isn’t a bad return for damaged goods.
I think that deal sounds terrible for the Warriors tbh. Draymond is the co-engine of the dynasty and still way better than he gets credit for imo, he was the second best player on a title team two seasons ago.
I think he was the second best player on that team but he did not provide much in the finals and we still beat the Celtics in 6. That team had so many pieces firing off at once. I wonder how many games that playoff run he act was the 2nd best player. Wiggs was a lot and even Poole had games where he went off
People are forgetting because we won, but I absolutely would've challenged the "foul" by Kuminga on Simons with about 20s on the clock, because it looked like it should've been an offensive foul with the "chicken wing" pushoff and no clear contact from JK. Maybe we would've lost that one, but Kerr took a timeout anyway so it seemed like an easy one to at least try. What was he saving the challenge for, overtime? I'd rather negate an entire and-1 if there's a chance.
I felt the same thing in real time...I was like 'why ISN'T Kerr challenging that? Nothing to lose. I think it could have changed the ending of the game because it was a push off, easy to see. Was he fouled prior to the push off? Maybe, but worth the challenge.
No way that was an offensive foul. Best outcome is they lose the and part of the and one, so a point. Could still have challenged, but it was marginal IMO.
Looked like Simon’s used his left hand to keep Kuminga away or even push him off. Would have been a close call and given warriors don’t get benefits we likely would have lost that challenge - but I also thought it should have been challenged at that critical juncture
Would have been a waste of a timeout. Imagine if that Podz charge was called a block and they couldn't challenge it? Or Sharpe makes it or gets fouled and they can't advance the ball? All of that optionality gone to challenge something that wouldn't have bene overturned, just because the announcers were trying to convince fans that it was a good idea to challenge?
You could play the other side too. We don’t challenge, they take the lead and we lose by 1-3 points (I forget if it was tied or not after the non challenged and 1)
I’m not saying challenge just because you can but that seemed like a good candidate to. I think the coaching staff is just scarred and is hesitant now
Not Curry's best game, not his worst. All streaks must come to an end. In a game his shot wasn't falling, he found other ways to impact the game. Blazers wanted to take him out of the game, and it worked in some sense, but Curry often made the right play to counter it.
Wiggs had a few plays that started to give me hope. The quick decision on the turnaround and dunk. A rebound he snatched out of the air with authority. His 3 was feeling good. Can't say it was quite the greatest game I've seen from him, but one of the best. Counter-argument that they were against a quite bad team is very accurate, but I'm going to take what I can get for the moment.
Wiggins's rhythm was excellent. on threes, that look a player gets when they catch the ball, hop into their shot, and you know it's on line if not going in as soon as they catch it. Also on a drive to the hole, just found his spot, worked his man, extended for the finger roll. Also stayed alive on defense. Basically, everything he used to do. Hope he's back for good.
That said, I’d love to see Draymond demonstrate control from the get-go with something radical for him. Something that reminds everyone, every minute he plays, that he is master of his emotions. If I were Dray, I’d resolve not to argue - ever - with the refs. He could freeze them out with silence. He could joke or converse if he felt like it. But he would never weigh in on any call - ever. Be Ghandi out there. His intense silence would say a lot.
So, my working theory about why the Dubs have struggled seconds halves is that they are struggling with finding a base working “identity” and can’t make adjustments together that well yet… so other teams figure them out, and the Warriors don’t have counters to go to yet.
Witnessing Podzilla's rampage after his emergence from the calm waters of Podziemski Cay Lagoon, disturbed by the toxic rays of another DayDay nuclear test, I am coming to the view that he is the spiritual successor to the core: underrated, unathletic, occasionally too cocky and smart for his own good, and with a weighty chip on his shoulder. Whatever makes his motor run, I love watching him play. You can see him learn and grow from every mistake. This may become his team.
Look, I get that anyone who can’t jump out of the gym is called “unathletic”, but I think we need a different term because he (and Steph, similarly) are far from “unathletic”.
His vertical at the combine was excellent — 31.5 inches, same as Cam Whitmore. Back in summer league when everyone was crapping on the pick, Athletic Alchemy also noted his high level core strength, which is something he shares with Steph.
I TOLD you guys in preseason that Podzjiemski would start for Wiggins and take a charge to win a game in which Steph went 0-8 from three, but NO ONE believed me. Sigh. It's hard to always be right.
1. You all are confused. Sure Steph didn’t hit a 3 and didn’t score much, but he was a gravitational nightmare, setting up lovely passes, assists and easy buckets for his teammates. Crazy pass to Looney was so good even Kevon couldn’t miss the layup. Steph was excellent tonight.
2. Klay the mad bomber had two good games in a row. I’m still not a true believer in the “now Klay is back” religion, but I’m questioning everything. Give me a few more weeks of this and I’ll reconsider the rotation of heavenly bodies.
3. I feel pretty bad for Portland fans. This team isn’t going to be good for a long time.
4. Wiggins scores 25. Another ‘I hold my breath every time he touches the ball’ player. When he plays within his best skills things work out ok. But no dribbling into traffic, sir!
5. On the other hand Currygravitonic waves could be altering the motion of the planets, which could explain erratic movements by Wiggins and Klay. NASA is sending a probe to the asteroid belt to gather data.
6. I love our rookies. More TJD, more Podz (ok, about this much is cool)!
7. Starting Kuminga and the Dubs still aren’t acing how to use him yet. More set plays, more paint actions, more assists from Steph, Podz and CP3, all will do wonders.
8. Watching Podz, TJD, Moody and Kuminga all flying around the basket is giving me the tingles. Get it organized and we could have a whole new NBA ballet happening.
9. I’ll take the victory but WTF what is up with making every game a squeaker? I herby grant the Dubs one monster blowout of the Celtics, up 35 going into the 3rd quarter. Make it so!
That was 3 by 3. Chill. That’s because there are 9 planets (I’m on Pluto’s side here) and there are some serious astrophysical issues that must be addressed soon to maximize Steph’s primary numbers.
You are spot on about Steph’s gravity. The Blazers commentators said the same thing throughout the game. He also got TJD going when he was on the floor with him, JK, and Moody.
I came here because i was thinking about Steph's assists. If style points were a thing we would have blown them out. There was the spinning behind the back lefty to Moody breakaway; there was the no look quick zip to Wiggins alley oop; there was also a long low bounce pass to Looney at the rim. Spicy I like it.
Yep, he's been HIGHLY inefficient as a player with the Wizards. Hopefully, as the season continues and he adjusts to playing on an extremely untalented squad like the Wizard where he is now one of the primary focuses of the defense that his play consequently improves.
Easily the worst Steph game of the year. I don't remember a worse one last year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they won the last game he didn't hit a three too (Finals Game 5 against the Celtics).
New thread: https://dubnationhq.com/p/explain-rookie-trayce-jackson-davis/
I'm happy that they're winning, but it's also super frustrating how they keep giving up that big lead. It was 74-51 yesterday, I think. It's like doing hard work and then giving it to the other on a silver platter.
it also makes it impossible to enjoy them going up big within the first ~30 minutes of the game, just feels like dread for the inevitable blowing of the big lead
The Warriors have blown 6 double-digit leads this season. I don't think this stat includes the ones where the Warriors just barely hang on. Btw, this was a December 9th stat and we have 2 blown double-digit since (but we hung on to get win).
Teams are doing to us what we used to do to them way back when. Remember when no lead is safe meant that we’d be the one coming back? Now it’s because we give it up like it’s nothing
Exactly! Since we used to come back from every lead, we were kept a bit happy, knowing this team has a bit of a fight in them. Now, we're the ones giving up the big lead, and it's always in like the 3rd quarter. The Warriors are getting tired. I don't want to admit it. I don't think you want to either, but they're old, grumpy, and tired every single game.
It was 22 at one point…
Ik, it's crazy
I've really enjoyed watching the Warriors last two games. Finally, we get to see the young guys plugged in to the rotation for meaningful minutes in key roles and situations. It's like watching a new team get formed. Both games were wins, both games we let a large lead slip away, and both games were won because of key contributions from our rookies! And, both games won without Draymond. So many of the fans here felt it was impossible to be without Draymond. For me, it's like a breath of fresh air seeing plays executed without the heavy hand. If those trade rumors are true, maybe we walk away with something special given back to us.
> So many of the fans here felt it was impossible to be without Draymond.
Pretty sure this didn’t happen.
Pretty sure it did.
Just listened to Light Years podcast. Paraphrasing but they mentioned there are rumors of Dray being on the trade block - they even talked about which teams may be interested in him
Huh? Is this pure speculation or someone in media has quoted a credible source?
Haha!
Draymond is not going to be traded
IIRC, the Light Years boys were referencing a comment from Zach Lowe along the lines of “IF Draymond returns.” Zach’s petty plugged in, and typically quite careful with his words, so they assumed he was hearing stuff.
But Zach also has no problem throwing out made up stuff, with the caveat that he is just making it up. ie he never tries to sneak anything by anyone, just throwing out all the options.
IIRC Lowe recorded a new intro for that podcast where he addressed the “if he comes back” language. Said he didn’t know anything specific, it was just poorly worded. He must have gotten some feedback.
Realistically though, why would it make sense? Draymond has been the second best player on the Warriors when he's played, the Warriors have no chance of doing anything significant if he's traded, Curry wants him around, and he just signed a contract extension?
It's just content.
If your second best player only makes himself available for half the games, I don’t think he’s necessarily the 2nd most valuable player on the team.
One trade they discussed was Draymond for Jarret Allen. I could get behind that deal.
And that is why you are a great guy but not an NBA GM
Context: Their whole discussion was around if the Warriors decide to move him and the headaches that come with him.
On paper, I wouldn’t want to move him, but I can see the team repeating Kerr’s infamous lip-read quote “ I’m so fucking sick of Draymond’s bullshit.” If you cut bait, Allen isn’t a bad return for damaged goods.
I think that deal sounds terrible for the Warriors tbh. Draymond is the co-engine of the dynasty and still way better than he gets credit for imo, he was the second best player on a title team two seasons ago.
I think he was the second best player on that team but he did not provide much in the finals and we still beat the Celtics in 6. That team had so many pieces firing off at once. I wonder how many games that playoff run he act was the 2nd best player. Wiggs was a lot and even Poole had games where he went off
People are forgetting because we won, but I absolutely would've challenged the "foul" by Kuminga on Simons with about 20s on the clock, because it looked like it should've been an offensive foul with the "chicken wing" pushoff and no clear contact from JK. Maybe we would've lost that one, but Kerr took a timeout anyway so it seemed like an easy one to at least try. What was he saving the challenge for, overtime? I'd rather negate an entire and-1 if there's a chance.
I felt the same thing in real time...I was like 'why ISN'T Kerr challenging that? Nothing to lose. I think it could have changed the ending of the game because it was a push off, easy to see. Was he fouled prior to the push off? Maybe, but worth the challenge.
No way that was an offensive foul. Best outcome is they lose the and part of the and one, so a point. Could still have challenged, but it was marginal IMO.
Looked like Simon’s used his left hand to keep Kuminga away or even push him off. Would have been a close call and given warriors don’t get benefits we likely would have lost that challenge - but I also thought it should have been challenged at that critical juncture
Would have been a waste of a timeout. Imagine if that Podz charge was called a block and they couldn't challenge it? Or Sharpe makes it or gets fouled and they can't advance the ball? All of that optionality gone to challenge something that wouldn't have bene overturned, just because the announcers were trying to convince fans that it was a good idea to challenge?
Kerr took a timeout immediately after the free throw anyway, so it wouldn't have been a waste regardless.
You could play the other side too. We don’t challenge, they take the lead and we lose by 1-3 points (I forget if it was tied or not after the non challenged and 1)
I’m not saying challenge just because you can but that seemed like a good candidate to. I think the coaching staff is just scarred and is hesitant now
The key to warrior future success: three quick fouls by saric so TJD can play!
Not Curry's best game, not his worst. All streaks must come to an end. In a game his shot wasn't falling, he found other ways to impact the game. Blazers wanted to take him out of the game, and it worked in some sense, but Curry often made the right play to counter it.
Wiggs had a few plays that started to give me hope. The quick decision on the turnaround and dunk. A rebound he snatched out of the air with authority. His 3 was feeling good. Can't say it was quite the greatest game I've seen from him, but one of the best. Counter-argument that they were against a quite bad team is very accurate, but I'm going to take what I can get for the moment.
A bad team that is ranked highly on defense
Wiggins's rhythm was excellent. on threes, that look a player gets when they catch the ball, hop into their shot, and you know it's on line if not going in as soon as they catch it. Also on a drive to the hole, just found his spot, worked his man, extended for the finger roll. Also stayed alive on defense. Basically, everything he used to do. Hope he's back for good.
But his recovery will affect your guy, JK - especially when Draymond comes back.
Nice problem to have though. The silver lining to all the clouds is playing time for the kids - and they have made the most from it!
*if
nah - when.
We Believe in redemption.
That said, I’d love to see Draymond demonstrate control from the get-go with something radical for him. Something that reminds everyone, every minute he plays, that he is master of his emotions. If I were Dray, I’d resolve not to argue - ever - with the refs. He could freeze them out with silence. He could joke or converse if he felt like it. But he would never weigh in on any call - ever. Be Ghandi out there. His intense silence would say a lot.
Just an idea…
Boy did Andrew look inwiggorated! But like the end scene in Inception, will it keep spinning or...
So, my working theory about why the Dubs have struggled seconds halves is that they are struggling with finding a base working “identity” and can’t make adjustments together that well yet… so other teams figure them out, and the Warriors don’t have counters to go to yet.
PHEW....we'll take that win anyway we get it...way to go wigs, klay; lots of healing going on....
Witnessing Podzilla's rampage after his emergence from the calm waters of Podziemski Cay Lagoon, disturbed by the toxic rays of another DayDay nuclear test, I am coming to the view that he is the spiritual successor to the core: underrated, unathletic, occasionally too cocky and smart for his own good, and with a weighty chip on his shoulder. Whatever makes his motor run, I love watching him play. You can see him learn and grow from every mistake. This may become his team.
> unathletic
Look, I get that anyone who can’t jump out of the gym is called “unathletic”, but I think we need a different term because he (and Steph, similarly) are far from “unathletic”.
That nitpick aside, great comment.
Podziemski and Curry are at very different levels of athleticism though. Podz isn't nearly as quick.
His vertical at the combine was excellent — 31.5 inches, same as Cam Whitmore. Back in summer league when everyone was crapping on the pick, Athletic Alchemy also noted his high level core strength, which is something he shares with Steph.
His ingame vertical doesn't seem to be anywhere near as high.
I TOLD you guys in preseason that Podzjiemski would start for Wiggins and take a charge to win a game in which Steph went 0-8 from three, but NO ONE believed me. Sigh. It's hard to always be right.
3 Thoughts.
1. You all are confused. Sure Steph didn’t hit a 3 and didn’t score much, but he was a gravitational nightmare, setting up lovely passes, assists and easy buckets for his teammates. Crazy pass to Looney was so good even Kevon couldn’t miss the layup. Steph was excellent tonight.
2. Klay the mad bomber had two good games in a row. I’m still not a true believer in the “now Klay is back” religion, but I’m questioning everything. Give me a few more weeks of this and I’ll reconsider the rotation of heavenly bodies.
3. I feel pretty bad for Portland fans. This team isn’t going to be good for a long time.
4. Wiggins scores 25. Another ‘I hold my breath every time he touches the ball’ player. When he plays within his best skills things work out ok. But no dribbling into traffic, sir!
5. On the other hand Currygravitonic waves could be altering the motion of the planets, which could explain erratic movements by Wiggins and Klay. NASA is sending a probe to the asteroid belt to gather data.
6. I love our rookies. More TJD, more Podz (ok, about this much is cool)!
7. Starting Kuminga and the Dubs still aren’t acing how to use him yet. More set plays, more paint actions, more assists from Steph, Podz and CP3, all will do wonders.
8. Watching Podz, TJD, Moody and Kuminga all flying around the basket is giving me the tingles. Get it organized and we could have a whole new NBA ballet happening.
9. I’ll take the victory but WTF what is up with making every game a squeaker? I herby grant the Dubs one monster blowout of the Celtics, up 35 going into the 3rd quarter. Make it so!
That was 3 by 3. Chill. That’s because there are 9 planets (I’m on Pluto’s side here) and there are some serious astrophysical issues that must be addressed soon to maximize Steph’s primary numbers.
You are spot on about Steph’s gravity. The Blazers commentators said the same thing throughout the game. He also got TJD going when he was on the floor with him, JK, and Moody.
🤍 And the Copernicus award for best comment goes to...
I came here because i was thinking about Steph's assists. If style points were a thing we would have blown them out. There was the spinning behind the back lefty to Moody breakaway; there was the no look quick zip to Wiggins alley oop; there was also a long low bounce pass to Looney at the rim. Spicy I like it.
At his news conference. Steph said he was tired last night. And he was clearly tired tonight.
You can see it in his eyes.
Absolutely saw it.
Celtics are starting their four-game road trip on Tuesday. They will be facing:
12/19- Warriors
12/20- Kings
12/23- Clippers
12/25- Lakers
https://twitter.com/GoIdenState/status/1736585128049029371
I know it's most likely a wet spot but damn... why does JP always find himself in these situations lol
ouch, that looks like it hurt.
Sniper.
That’s sad. Almost feel sorry for him. He’s not having a good season so far.
Yep, he's been HIGHLY inefficient as a player with the Wizards. Hopefully, as the season continues and he adjusts to playing on an extremely untalented squad like the Wizard where he is now one of the primary focuses of the defense that his play consequently improves.
Sad. Do feel sorry for him.
Wow, pure Poole party!
Easily the worst Steph game of the year. I don't remember a worse one last year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they won the last game he didn't hit a three too (Finals Game 5 against the Celtics).