Golden State Warriors (4-1) at San Antonio Spurs (4-1)
Tipoff: Friday. 11/8/2013, 5:30 PM PDT
Location: AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas
TV: CSNBA | Radio: KNBR 680 AM
LiveTweet: @LetsGoWarriors
It’s only November 8th, but given the long haunted history of my 29 years on this earth as a Warrior fan, I will say this at any opportunity possible; “Tonight’s matchup features the two teams with the best record in the western conference, the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs!”
Picture credit: http://instagram.com/letsgowarriors (Follow us!)
Ok putting that aside, tonight’s game features a rematch of one of the most entertaining playoff series of the 2012-13 season, and two teams expected to challenge for the western conference come spring 2014. Starting with Golden State, the Warriors come in with one of their best starts in history, with all 4 wins being in the double digits. For the Warriors it begins on the defensive end. In all four victories they have held opponents below 40% from the field. Last year the Warriors did that less than 25% of their games, 19 times to be exact, with a 17-2 record. Through this short season, the Warriors are currently boasting the second best defense (allowing 94.9 points pr 100 possessions). The combination of Andrew Bogut and Jermaine O’Neal’s clogging the paint has allowed the perimeter to be more aggressive and force turnovers. The Warriors are currently forcing 18.8 turnovers per game, led by both, Andre Iguodala, who is averaging 2 steals per game, and Bogut, who is blocking 2 shots per game. That defense has been spearheading the Warriors transition game, where Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Iguodala and David Lee have been lethal scoring.
On the opposing side, San Antonio Spurs comes in doing what they’ve done year after year, discipline defense, offensive execution, team play, and consistent wins. If there was ever a team who show on an instructional video tape to youth teams, this would be it. Spurs come in led by one of the league’s best point guards, Tony Parker the ageless Tim Duncan, and perennial 6th man of the year Manu Ginobili. Beyond the big three, 22 year old small forward, Kawhi Leonard emerged last playoffs as their X-factor, and continues to grow. Leonard is their best perimeter defender and will be put on whichever Warrior is getting hot. Ball movement and balanced offensive attack will be a Warrior key to avoid being shut down.
Injury Notes:
-As of Friday morning, Stephen Curry is listed as day to day with a bone bruise on his left foot suffered Wednesday v. the Minnesota Timberwolves. Early reports are that he will play, but it’s uncertain how limited he’ll be.
–Harrison Barnes, made his season debut Wednesday in emphatic fashion. 12 points on 6-8 shooting in only 14 minutes. Coach Mark Jackson, commented post game, Barnes is still working on getting into game shape, and will slowly be integrated. Look for a slight increase in minutes tonight, but not a jump to 30+ minutes just yet.
Keys to Game:
-Contain Tony Parker’s penetration! As Duncan has aged, the Spurs offense has moved to revolving around Parker. Parker is one of the best in the league at pick and rolls and getting into the lane. Thompson will likely draw the assignment of guarding Parker, and the more he can keep him out of the lane the better.
-Close out shooters! Spurs traditionally have been one of the leagues best 3 point shooting teams, because of Parker’s penetration and Duncan’s great passing out of the high and low post. The Warriors need to stay close to Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard and the mix of shooters off the bench.
-Get out and run off of Defense! Spurs are a great defensive team, however Duncan is 37 and doesn’t run the full court the way he used to. Every opportunity possible to get out and score before Spurs bigs get back is a good idea.
Predictions:
-With Curry potentially limited, Iguodala assumes more ball-handling duty and comes in with a triple double
-Harrison Barnes ignites off the bench and contributes over 15 points.
-Toney Douglas contributes some great on-ball defense, frustrates the Spurs and helps turn momentum.
-Warriors win in a close one, their first win in 29 regular season games in San Antonio
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