Golden State Warriors (2-1) at Philadelphia 76ers (3-0)
Tipoff: Monday. 11/4/2013, 4:30PM PDT
Location: Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia, PA
TV: CSNBA | Radio: KNBR 680 AM
Livetweet: @LetsGoWarriors (by @goldenstatenz)
After yet another strong win at home against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, the Warriors look for their first road win in Philadelphia against the surging, to everyone’s surprise 76ers later on tonight. Executives, media, and fans alike all expected the Sixers to be the league’s whipping stick, but 3 games later they are undefeated with impressive wins against the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and Chicago Bulls. The Warriors look to head back to their birth place of Philadelphia and starter their 4-game road trip delivering the Sixers their first loss of this young season.
The return to Philadelphia not only marks the return to the franchise’s origins, but it’s a homecoming of sorts for Andre Iguodala and Marreese Speights who both began their careers in the City of Brotherly Love. For Iguodala it will be a bittersweet return. Only 3 players remain from Iguodala’s tenure with the team along with a new coach in Brett Brown and a new GM in Sam Hinkie to match. While in Philadelphia Iguodala was widely respected and revered from players, coaches, and analysts around the league, but was never considered the franchise player that he was propped up to be by the organization and fans always held this against him. Even after being rewared his first All-Star selection while helping lead the Sixers to a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and an Olympic Gold Medalist to top that off fans were still thinking of every trade possible to get rid of the Swiss army knife. During his 8-year tenure with the franchise Iguodala averaged 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals, but his, but after averaging 19.9 points in 2007-2008 his ppg. dropped each of the next 4 seasons as his role changed under Head Coach Doug Collins, a role change which deemed him “overpaid” in the fans eyes. Two seasons later and Iguodala is now in the third chapter of his career as he is know twice removed from the team which selected him 9th overall in 2004. Competition and respect push Iguodala and I’d look for him to come back with a vengeance while attempting to shut down his good friend Evan Turner whom Iguodala mentioned he had already received a “you’re next” text from to Marcus Thompson II . Iguodala said his friend and former teammate was just “giving us more motivation.”
The Sixers have not only emerged as a surprise to the league with the 3 wins, but they also emerged as one of the more fun teams to watch early on in the season which should make for a compelling contest between two teams led by their young, budding PG’s. For the Warriors, Stephen Curry is already considered a superstar averaging 23 points and 9 assists, but his turnovers, 18 the past two games after only just 1 in the team’s opener have been a problem. This will be an issue to watch as Curry matches up with the Sixers rookie PG Michael Carter-Williams. Known to fans as MCW, Carter-Williams has been a huge surprise early on averaging 20.7 points, 4.7 rebound, 9 assists, and 4.3 steals per game. He has really been the spark of this team and the key to their 3 victories.
Carter-Williams 4.3 steals per game is due to his 6’6 frame and 6’7 wingspan. Carter-Williams length provides an interesting wrinkle into the now anticipated matchup as Coach Mark Jackson expressed concern over Curry’s turnover’s in an interview with CSNBA’s Monte Poole:
“He understands that he has to be better,” Jackson said. “He understands that if we are going to achieve our vision he’s got to take care of the basketball.”
Now most of Curry’s turnovers have come from him trying to do too much as opposed to him just losing the ball which is a sign that he could just be getting his feeling back into where he needs to pass the ball.
Curry spoke on the situation:
”Just trying to do too much, thread the needle,” Curry said. ”I’ve been studying film, trying to get better, and I’ll continue to do that.
“I’ve got to play smarter. Sometimes, getting a shot up is better than trying to thread a needle when it’s not necessary.”
Keys to the game:
Take care of the ball – In 2 wins this year the Warriors average 16.5 turnovers per game. In the teams 1 loss they turned the ball over 25 times. In the Sixers 3 wins they forced the other team to turn the ball over 18.6 per game while averaging 17.5 turnovers per themselves. This issue really relies on Curry cleaning up his nasty habits from the previous 2 games in anticipation of being guarded by a young, active Michael Carter-Williams and Sixers backup Guard Tony Wroten who both will be looking to continue to make a name for themselves.
Control the paint: So far through 2 games the Warriors have been outscored 126-118 in the paint, -8 differential. The Sixers, on the other hand are outscoring their opponents 168-146, a +22 differrential. 74 of those points inside the paint for the Sixers came Friday against a Washington Wizards team without it’s starting big man, Nene. That being said the Sixers are shooting 64.5% in the paint on 124 attempts compared to the Warriors 57.7% on 97 attempts. The Warriors are a much better shooting team that the Sixers, and most teams for that matter while the Sixers thrive pushing the ball and attacking the rim. The Warriors can change this tonight with big man Andrew Bogut controlling the paint and Andre Iguodala funneling opposing players his way. The Sixers lone game against a known rim-protector was against Joakim Noah and the Chicago Bulls, the lone game in which the Sixers were outscored by an opponent in the paint.
Sustain a lead and control the 4th Quarter: In each of the Sixers 3 wins they outscored their opponents in the 4th Quarter propelling them to victory. Outscoring opponents by a total of 20 points, 6.6 points per game. Momentum and the Sixers fast-paced play were key to these differentials and the Warriors will need to sustain any push. Even if Curry or Klay Thompson go nuclear again this one may come down to how Coach Jackson manages minutes and lineups to confront any late push by a young Sixers team.
Predictions:
- After besting the Miami Heat, John Wall, and Derrick Rose; Michael Carter-Williams and the Sixers will suffer their first loss
- Curry keeps his turnovers to 4 or less. Still a high number, but a step in the positive direction
- David Lee tops his season best in points (24) and rebounds (12)
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