After thinking on it some more, I think I can finally describe what was different about Steph's play compared with the other guys.
Most of the guys looked like they were playing under pressure—to make the roster, to show they've improved, to show they can do in games what they were working on in practice—or just playing routinely, like, yeah, preseason games don't mean much anyway, but you've gotta have the right habits.
Steph looked like he was thrilled and overjoyed to be playing NBA basketball again and wouldn't take even a preseason game for granted.
After what he went through last season, it makes sense. But I love that attitude.
A lot of positives, too many to list. Kerr (the coach that many wanted to call "stubborn") is clearly willing to adapt to the strengths of the roster like a good coach should. He hates the three pointer but they shot a ton of them in the first half, which reminds me of Popovich. Curry playing basketball is a delight to watch, not a more exciting player in NBA history as far as I'm concerned. Can't wait to see how Draymond blends in here.
The negatives:
Warriors still have the worst announcing team in the league. My god, I'm only really watching the highlights and it's unbearable. Can Barnett please tell Azubuike that the only way to make Fitz bearable is to let the listener think you are annoyed by him as well? Barnett was great at that, and honestly it was better for Fitz too. Having a bad announcing is like having a cheap owner, you know it's going to affect your happiness for years.
Lacob standing up on that Smailagic three like it was his kid. Perhaps nothing, but I just hope they aren't playing favorites for the guy his kid personally scouted because that roster spot is important. They kinda need a starting center imo, and he's taking up the roster spot that would be used for that so he needs to justify it.
I could have sworn Warrior reporters said they were looking to change Paschall's shot to more of a set shot form, but that didn't appear to be the case. Concerning, but perhaps it was adrenaline and he forgot and reverted? Either way, that'd suggest his three point shot won't be coming around this season, but who knows.
Wiseman being in the huddle with a mask that isn't covering his nose?
Warriors acquired enough to keep them competitive. Starting unit looked rusty. Curry will need time to readjust. No one could stop the Joker. He's a hard matchup. With Baze, Oubre, and Wanaker holding down key positions, the season looks good. Oubre is playing at a different pace than his teammates. Even Curry looks slow in comparison. Oubre has allstar written all over him. He will be our future. If Wiseman's athletics can match his, watch out.
Paschall looks good. He's able to start if needed. Better than Draymond in production. Maybe Draymond will play with the bench. This is an important element for the Warriors. Chriss doesn't look like he's improved at all. No more than a backup. Wiggins is a concern. I expect a lot but he delivers the bare minimum for his skillset and he is a mediocre foul shooter. His opening bucket gave me hope, but the rest of his play did not. No rebounds? He's got to get to the basket. Baze looked ready and able as well as Lee and Poole. The bench held the game.
It's a small sample size so not much will be deduced. Personally, I am rooting for Wesson. I think he may have a higher ceiling than Chriss and Looney. We'll see. Looney is slo mo. His body can't react quickly to the game. If Wiseman has any game, he's got to take the starter's job this season.
BTW, Okoro was the rookie who shined so far in the opening games. A solid stat line. Lamelo had 10 boards, 0 points. Looks like he's his brother's brother.
Great to have Malone make sure his squad jacks up a three at the end - no need for OT in the preseason. It was fun to see the smirk on Kerr's face after the last shot, even under the mask.
Mannion sighting! Not much to report one way or the other yet, but he's racked up at least one assist already.
Mulder's ball-fake into 3 followed by another make on a well-defended 3 are a great sign for his offense. Damion Lee not about to be outdone though, nice.
I'm starting to think Strength in Numbers is back.
After thinking on it some more, I think I can finally describe what was different about Steph's play compared with the other guys.
Most of the guys looked like they were playing under pressure—to make the roster, to show they've improved, to show they can do in games what they were working on in practice—or just playing routinely, like, yeah, preseason games don't mean much anyway, but you've gotta have the right habits.
Steph looked like he was thrilled and overjoyed to be playing NBA basketball again and wouldn't take even a preseason game for granted.
After what he went through last season, it makes sense. But I love that attitude.
A lot of positives, too many to list. Kerr (the coach that many wanted to call "stubborn") is clearly willing to adapt to the strengths of the roster like a good coach should. He hates the three pointer but they shot a ton of them in the first half, which reminds me of Popovich. Curry playing basketball is a delight to watch, not a more exciting player in NBA history as far as I'm concerned. Can't wait to see how Draymond blends in here.
The negatives:
Warriors still have the worst announcing team in the league. My god, I'm only really watching the highlights and it's unbearable. Can Barnett please tell Azubuike that the only way to make Fitz bearable is to let the listener think you are annoyed by him as well? Barnett was great at that, and honestly it was better for Fitz too. Having a bad announcing is like having a cheap owner, you know it's going to affect your happiness for years.
Lacob standing up on that Smailagic three like it was his kid. Perhaps nothing, but I just hope they aren't playing favorites for the guy his kid personally scouted because that roster spot is important. They kinda need a starting center imo, and he's taking up the roster spot that would be used for that so he needs to justify it.
I could have sworn Warrior reporters said they were looking to change Paschall's shot to more of a set shot form, but that didn't appear to be the case. Concerning, but perhaps it was adrenaline and he forgot and reverted? Either way, that'd suggest his three point shot won't be coming around this season, but who knows.
Wiseman being in the huddle with a mask that isn't covering his nose?
Warriors acquired enough to keep them competitive. Starting unit looked rusty. Curry will need time to readjust. No one could stop the Joker. He's a hard matchup. With Baze, Oubre, and Wanaker holding down key positions, the season looks good. Oubre is playing at a different pace than his teammates. Even Curry looks slow in comparison. Oubre has allstar written all over him. He will be our future. If Wiseman's athletics can match his, watch out.
Paschall looks good. He's able to start if needed. Better than Draymond in production. Maybe Draymond will play with the bench. This is an important element for the Warriors. Chriss doesn't look like he's improved at all. No more than a backup. Wiggins is a concern. I expect a lot but he delivers the bare minimum for his skillset and he is a mediocre foul shooter. His opening bucket gave me hope, but the rest of his play did not. No rebounds? He's got to get to the basket. Baze looked ready and able as well as Lee and Poole. The bench held the game.
It's a small sample size so not much will be deduced. Personally, I am rooting for Wesson. I think he may have a higher ceiling than Chriss and Looney. We'll see. Looney is slo mo. His body can't react quickly to the game. If Wiseman has any game, he's got to take the starter's job this season.
BTW, Okoro was the rookie who shined so far in the opening games. A solid stat line. Lamelo had 10 boards, 0 points. Looks like he's his brother's brother.
Well, I think early on, Was are definitely gonna need their length and athleticism to make up for the mistakes they'll be making on defense.
I dunno how good we'll be but we should be pretty active.
So who gets the 14th spot - MM or JTA?
Smiley and Mannion both sucked, get rid of them.
Thank you LGW for the first gamethread! Love it here!
Boy did Mannion look like trash...
Great to have Malone make sure his squad jacks up a three at the end - no need for OT in the preseason. It was fun to see the smirk on Kerr's face after the last shot, even under the mask.
Dubs win! Dubs win!
Good, smart decisions by the Dubs this last couple possessions. D.Lee extremely smart placement to earn free throws off the rebound there.
Mannion is 0-fer several now including the layup off a great drive.
Based on these past 5 minutes, if the Warriors win this game it'll be Mulder's credit and if they lose it's on Smiley.
Come on Smiley
Mannion sighting! Not much to report one way or the other yet, but he's racked up at least one assist already.
Mulder's ball-fake into 3 followed by another make on a well-defended 3 are a great sign for his offense. Damion Lee not about to be outdone though, nice.
I'm starting to think Strength in Numbers is back.
So, maybe keep Mulder then
Is Moulder on non-guranteed contract?