A solid win

Finally, a win against a team that is not struggling (no offense to the Clippers and Kings!). It sucks that we had to come from an 18 point deficit, but at least a W is a W. This is a bad loss for the Hawks, that have lost three in the last four games and have fell to 2 1/2 games behind Orlando in the division. After it looked like a secure win in the third, the Warriors mounted a huge comeback and took the lead on a free throw thanks to Jamal Crawford, who couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Now I liked Crawford when he spent some time with the Warriors last season, but he had butted heads with Nellie. Though to be fair, I would say most players do butt heads with Nellie more often than not. Honestly, I don’t even remember that trade and who was brought to the Warriors. However, it was fair to say that the Warriors gave up ANOTHER good player for some random people. Crawford has been the difference maker for the Hawks and is on pace to be in the running for six man of the year.

Back to game, the Hawks had a comfortable 18 point lead in the third. The Warriors responded by scoring 16 points straight in the first quarter to cut the deficit and go on for the win. Stephen Curry lead all Warriors by scoring 32 points and grabbing nine boards. Monta Ellis, who sat a chunk of time in the fourth quarter, scored 26 points. C.J. Watson carried the bench by scoring 15 points and dishing out 6 assists. Overall a good performance by the Warriors, who once again were short manned.

They only had 8 healthy players for tonight’s game while Corey Maggette and Ronny Turiaf sat out of the game. Again, injuries seem to be a big key on why the Warriors are struggling so much. They clearly can compete with the best, as the each team didn’t get more than a 5 point lead in the first half. But when you are only rotating 8 players and there are more injured guys on your bench rather than bench players, teams, who have a very deep bench like the Atlanta Hawks, can wear you down by the third as it was evident in the third quarter. A good gut check for the Warriors as they were able to come back and hold on for the W.