Game Thread: Thompson, Bjelica back in lineup as Dubs host Knicks
Game Thread: Thompson, Bjelica back in lineup as Dubs host Knicks
Warriors, top of Western conference quiet at trade deadline
Ah, the NBA trade deadline, where the imaginary meets the real, and dreams are measured against outcomes. The Golden State Warriors did not trade for a new washing machine, like Klay Thompson suggested. But neither could they add a marginal big man capable of eating rotation minutes. Nor were they able to turn junk drawer assets into a roster upgrade.
Everyone is sensitive on this issue. People who are eager for a trade demand action, and those comfortable with the front office’s leadership are equally vociferous in defense of their opinions.
Depending on where you personally come down on the spectrum of trusting the front office in Golden State, today was either maddening, or the natural inertia of a built out team with limited fungible assets and three centers out of action (while a fourth plays through a thigh bruise). And between all the injuries and roster balancing issues, the Warriors for sure have some potential areas for improvement.
But no move was to be found.
Were the Warriors holding on to assets too tight? Or were the potential deals all so unfavorable that it’s not worth the risk? No one will every truly know, and that’s the fun/maddening part of all this.
Regardless, the Warriors are back in action tonight as they host the New York Knicks. The hope is to get back on track after getting absolutely blasted in the 4th quarter on their way to a smashing loss at the hands of a Utah Jazz team playing without Gobert.
Thankfully, Golden State the strongest home record in the league; and the Knicks are 11-16 on the road, have lost six straight, and nine out of their last ten games away from home. Angry Warriors are happy Warriors!
On the injury front, Golden State will shuffle Otto Porter back out of the lineup and Klay Thompson back in — plus oh hey look, it’s a backup center!
GAME DETAILS
WHO: Golden State Warriors (41-14) vs New York Knicks (24-31)
WHEN: Thursday, February 10th, 2022 // 7pm PDT
WATCH: NBCSBA
Blog Buddy: The Strickland
Big moves in the East; top of the West stands pat
It was a busy trade deadline, featuring lots of little moves, and a major roster upheaval or two. The big news on the day is the trade that sent Ben Simmons and Seth Curry to Brooklyn to join the new look Nets — the latest team that saw their big three era fail to launch.
That trade is surely to shake up the Eastern Conference playoff race, but the top of the West mostly stood firm. The Phoenix Suns made a minor move to add some additional wing depth and the Warriors didn’t make any moves.
The other big deal was a massive four team transaction that sent Serge Ibaka to the Bucks (nice pickup for Milwaukee) — but mostly this looks like a bunch of deck chairs getting rearranged on the Titanic.
The Sacramento Kings made a couple of interesting moves, first sending out promising young talent, Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers and getting back Damontas Sabonis. A high price, but as they say “good goods ain’t cheap. And cheap goods aren’t good.” And then swapping out dissatisfied but and ineffective Marvin Bagley for some players that miiiiiight help?
Also, the Portland Trail Blazers finally broke up a backcourt that was fun, but ultimately unable to find any traction at a high enough level to matter. Portland moved CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell to the New Orleans Pelicans.
In exchange, the Blazers got Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a couple of salary match guys, and some pick considerations, according to the official announcement.
If Wiggins shot his usual 17, we would have won.
tough one.
Some silver linings, but also felt like this was more of the same. Teams getting better at sticking their attacks into the Warriors weakness.
Post Game: https://dubnationhq.com/p/nope-dubs-fall-short-again