Golden State Warriors Attempt to Take Advantage of Wizards' Six-Game Skid
The Warriors (26-33) are in desperate need of a road-win tonight against the Washington Wizards (15-44).
The victory would certainly give them momentum to finish this seven-game road trip as strong as possible. With two defeats at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Indiana Pacers, the Warriors face yet another team below .500 winning percentage.
In order to improve upon last night's performance in Indiana, the Warriors must have Monta Ellis shooting the ball at the level he was shooting before the all-star break. During last night's game against the Pacers, Ellis went through a stretch where he missed eight out of ten shots.
Warriors' fans will look forward to Ellis shooting the way he was before the all-star break. When the shot starts falling, he can then become more of a weapon by getting other teammates and three-point-shooters involved.
Also, the Warriors must get production from the center position. The two Warriors' centers Andris Biedrins and Ekpe Udoh combined for the almost negligible totals of four points and nine rebounds.
Tonight, against a young, struggling Wizards team, these players must find ways to contribute more than they have in the previous two road games.
A couple of things that basketball fans should keep in mind regarding this game are as follows: The Wizards will be playing this game without their head coach Flip Saunders who will be with his ailing mother in Ohio.
Also, the Warriors must improve upon their interior defense in order to stop Wizards small-forward Andray Blatche from attacking the basket and scoring at-will. Blatche has averaged 46 points and 18 rebounds the last two times these teams met in Washington D.C.
The point guard match-up between the Warriors' Stephen Curry and Wizards' John Wall will also be fun to watch. One can argue that whoever wins this battle will more than likely lead their team to victory tonight. John Wall is also the first rookie in the history of the franchise to reach 200 rebounds and 400 assists.
Tonight's game between the Warriors and Wizards begins at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time.
