GS Warriors Countdown: Amazing Plays from the Top 3 Warriors of the 21st Century
With the 2011-2012 NBA Season indefinitely on hold, basketball fans have been forced to re-live the better times of seasons past. Warriors fans in particular have had a scarce number of memorable moments within the last few years. The chants of "We Believe" and an amazing playoff upset have been drowned out by injuries, under-performance and broken expectations.
The purpose of this countdown is not only to rank amazing plays from the top three Warriors of the 2000s, but it should also remind fans just how exciting and electrifying our Warriors can be.
3. Jason Richardson: Backboard Alley-Oop
1 of 3Honorable Mention: Helicopter Slam
J-Rich is easily one of the most dynamic Warriors ever. As a two-time Slam Dunk champion, Richardson gave Golden State a high-flying and athletic scoring threat from 2001-2007.
In his six-year stay with the Warriors, he averaged a solid 18 points, five rebounds and three assists per game, while teaming up with Baron Davis to create one of the best backcourts in the league.
The clip above shows a glimpse of the excitement J-Rich brought to the Warriors as he slams down a sick Baron Davis alley-oop off the glass.
2. Monta Ellis: Huge Jam over Turiaf
2 of 3Honorable Mention: Epic Reverse
Monta is one of the quickest players in the NBA. His lightning-fast first step, along with his ability to finish near the hoop, has made him one of the best scorers in the game.
Monta's ability to penetrate and create off the dribble allow him to score at will. See for yourself in the clip above as he crosses hard to his left and slams it down right over Turiaf.
1. Baron Davis: Posterizing Andrei
3 of 3This is easily one of the greatest moments in Warriors' history. Just look at Matt Barnes—his reaction tells it all. Baron is filthy.
Davis was the catalyst of the 2007 playoff run, constantly making clutch plays throughout both the regular season and postseason. As a Warrior, Baron averaged All-Star caliber numbers, totaling 20 points, eight assists and four rebounds per game. Yet beyond statistics, Baron was the heart of the "We Believe" Warriors. His leadership helped push Golden State into the playoffs as they ultimately completed one of the biggest upsets in NBA history.
Although Golden State eventually lost to the Jazz, this nasty dunk over Kirilenko will forever symbolize the "We Believe" era.
