Dallas Mavericks (13-9) at Golden State Warriors (12-10)
Tipoff: Wed. 12/11/2013, 7:30 PM PDT
Location: ORACLE Arena, Oakland, CA
TV: CSN Bay Area/ESPN | Radio: KNBR 680 AM
Livetweet: @LetsGoWarriors (by @goldenstatenz)
On March 13, 2012, the Golden State Warriors forever changed their franchise. They traded Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh, and Kwame Brown to the Milwaukee Bucks for Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson. This monumental trade made a statement to the rest of the NBA that the Warriors were committed to winning and committed to Stephen Curry being the face of the franchise.
At the time, many Warriors fans were shocked and angry that Ellis, a fan favorite, was traded. Even Ellis seemed shocked when the trade was first announced. Now, not just Warriors fans, but also Ellis, can see why this trade was so important for the evolution of this team and why it was ultimately the right decision.
“I think it’s best for both teams,” Ellis said, adding, “I knew it was going to come to this at one point I my life. I used to be that young guy coming in and playing behind Baron (Davis) and Stephen Jackson and then they (left). I knew one day that some young guy was going to come in behind me and do the same thing, so I was prepared for it.”
Warriors fans might have been angry that Ellis was traded, but they gave him a very warm welcome just a few days later in his first game at Oracle Arena as a member of the Bucks.
“It was great how the fans applauded, showed their respects,” Ellis said. “I respect them for that. Much love. I’ve been here for seven years. It was up and down, but at the end of the day, I can’t ask for anything more.”
After a year and a half with the Bucks, Ellis signed with the Dallas Mavericks in this past offseason. He must enjoy being in that Mavericks uniform, because he’s having one of the best years of his career. He leads the Mavericks in points (21.5), assists (5.6), and steals (1.6) per game. He’s been more efficient this season too as he’s shooting 47.2 percent from the field, compared to his career average of 45.6 percent, and 37.3 percent from three, compared to his career average of 31.9 percent.
The main reason why he’s been experiencing such success this season is because he isn’t the primary option on offense. Playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki has allowed Ellis to play more freely and not carry as much of the offensive load. It also gives him more room to drive to the basket, since Nowitzki likes to spread the floor. Ellis and Nowitzki have led the Mavericks to a 13-9 record this season.
Since being traded in 2012, Ellis has played four games against the Warriors, with both the Bucks and the Mavericks. In 36.3 minutes per game, he has averaged 17 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in those games. Against the Warriors, he’s shot 35.7 percent from the field, 21.4 percent from three, 83.3 percent from the free throw line, and has a 43.6 true shooting percentage in those four games against his former team.
As a Maverick, Ellis has played one game so far against the Warriors in Dallas on November 27th. The Warriors lost that matchup, but they were able to hold Ellis to just four points on 2-for-16 shooting in 32 minutes. Ellis did have 10 assists and two steals though. In that game, the Warriors were playing in their second game of a back-to-back on the road. The Warriors appeared to be tired, and they were down for much of the game.
Ellis will return to Oracle Arena tomorrow night for the first time as a Maverick. Warriors fans will enjoy seeing a former fan favorite, but they certainly want to see the Warriors get a win, especially after their disappointing loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday.
It will be nice for the Warriors to see a familiar face, but on Wednesday night, Ellis will transform from a former fan favorite to a foe. They’ll have to contain him again in order to pull off the win. With their home crowd behind them, the Warriors should have a better chance of beating Ellis and the Mavericks for the first time this season.
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