After a porous, uninspired 0-6 start, the majority of the sports population labeled the Warriors as just another flash in the pan. What was missing during their dreadful first two weeks of play turned out to be a very cohesive ingredient: Stephen Jackson.
Since his return to the lineup, the Warriors are 26-12 and playing upbeat and aggressive basketball. They lead the league in shots per game, steals per game and are currently second in the NBA in scoring per game at nearly 109 per contest.
Golden State has beaten the Spurs and Rockets twice, while also defeating the Lakers, Suns, Cavilers, as well of a host of other playoff contending teams. Ironically one of the only teams they have struggled against is the Dallas Mavericks, the same team they gave fits during last years playoffs.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Jackson's return has united the chemistry of the Warriors and made every player on the team better. Monta Ellis, last year's most improved player, has continued to blossom during the past few weeks.
Ellis is averaging 17.6 ppg, but has absolutely gone on a tear in January. Ellis scored a career high 39 against the Nets and has scored 20+ five times this month. His incredible quickness and uncanny knack for finishing in traffic has molded him into one of the most explosive guards in the NBA off the dribble and a constant penetration threat.
While Jackson has provided the missing piece that was vacant earlier on and Ellis has been the recent standout, Baron Davis has consistently been the heart and soul of the Warrior identity.
Feeling snubbed by the fans in the All-Star voting, Davis played with a chip on his shoulder against New Jersey posting a triple double with 25 points, 10 assists, and 12 rebounds. Outside of Lebron James, there isn't a single player in the NBA that is as important to his team as Davis.
While they struggled without Jackson, the Warriors would be in absolute dismay if Davis were to miss time. His 22.3 ppg and magic-like orchestration of the offense cannot be replaced.
When the Warriors big three are hot, there is no team in the NBA that Golden State fears. If teams fall into the Warriors up tempo style of play, their incredibly quick guards and artful passing will give opponents fits. No matter what seed the Warriors land, the team they are playing is going to be burdened with a terrible migraine.
Davis, Jackson and Ellis are all emerging as superstars in perfect harmony with Golden State's revival. With a tinker or two before the trade deadline and a favorable schedule down the stretch, the Warriors will be looking to prove that last year's emergence.
comments (4) write a comment »
write a new comment
10 months ago
You forgot to mention that they are all trigger happy players with no veteran leadership. Davis and Jackson have the composure of rookies and it shows by Jackson having 7 technical fouls (Good for 3rd best in the league) and Davis with 5 technical fouls (Good for 9th best in the league). Jackson's lack of immaturity also shows from the Legendary Brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills and this incident last season that caused him to miss the first few games of this season.
10 months ago
The Warriors are playing a college type game and the fans are loving it.
The NBA has become almost mechanical and the Warriors are truly a refreshing breath. Add to this the fact that they are winning and it is truly a winning combination.
10 months ago
I love watching the Warriors play. They can penetrate almost at will and have plenty of shooters. I think one of their most under rated players is Matt Barnes. He comes to play every night, does whatever is needed...on night he is popping treys, the next he is dominating the boards...fun player.
As for Sean's leadership view...Jackson is growing up. Sure, they are a testy team but that can work. How many times to Rasheed Wallace get T'd up the year the Pistons won the title? Sure, you can argue all those guys would be better served to control their emoitions better, but they also know how to win and how to get their teammates fired up.
Nice article.
10 months ago
Leadership? At the beginning of the season Baron Davis bought three books on leadership/courage/teamwork/loyalty and started a reading club that any Warrior could be a part of. Most attended because it would be looked down upon if they refused. They analyzed the literature and talked about how to apply it to basketball. They are making an effort to mature, to harness their emotion and apply their energy to the game. They have leaders, obviously Davis is the face of the franchise, but on the court Jackson can be their best leader. Also we have seen Harrington step up at times (ie against the Nets where he dropped 18 in about a 10 minute span and fueled the comeback) and Ellis who is blossoming into a very bright star. No doubt, they are one of the most fun teams to watch in the NBA. Anyone one warrior can beat you on a given night.
write a new comment