Golden State Warriors Prepare for Baron Davis and the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Golden State Warriors (27-35) are 1-4 on this current seven-game road trip.  What has been frustrating for the Warriors during this road trip is the fact that each of these loses have been by single digits. 

Tonight, they hope to take care of business against former Warrior Baron Davis and the re-shaped Cleveland Cavaliers (12-50).

One thing for the Warriors that has remained consistent is they can keep games close for the majority of the time.  But a handful of players agree that the fact that they are still a young team plays a huge factor when it comes to closing games out in the final two minutes.

When asked about the Warriors and their inability to overtake the Sixers in overtime, Warriors guard Monta Ellis replied, "We've got to find a way to start winning these kinds of games.  We were right there but they made the big plays and won the game."

Many would agree that if the Warriors continue their level of intensity they have shown during this road trip, they may not need any late game heroics from anyone.  After all, the Warriors did defeat the Cavaliers (who, granted, did not have Baron Davis at the time) 116-98 on Jan. 7th. 

One thing that should concern the Warriors, however, is keeping their centers, Ekpe Udoh and Andris Biedrins, out of foul trouble.  While the Cavaliers did pull off a victory over the Knicks in New York this past Friday, the New Orleans Hornets brought them back to reality by blowing out the Cavaliers 96-81. 

Will this be an emotional statement game for former Warrior Baron Davis?  Many would say he is a far cry from his former self when he was on the Warriors.  While Davis does not play nearly as many minutes as he used to, Davis did score 17 points against the Hornets. 

Will the Warriors defense face a motivated and inspired Baron Davis?  Or, will they face the Baron Davis whose statistics have been below average at best since leaving the Warriors to play for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2008?

Tonight's game between the Warriors and Cavaliers begins at 4:00 Pacific Time.