Trades Do Not Equal Winning

For the Warriors, the trades made before the deadline and at the deadline have yet to be proven effective (minus the whole point of tanking). On Friday, it was really odd to see Monta in a Bucks uniform. Of course, you knew the emotions had to be high for everyone. I bet Monta’s heart was pumping real fast and he probably couldn’t wait until the game started.

First bucket of the game (really fitting too since the night was really about Monta Ellis coming back to play AGAINST the Warriors) belonged to Monta. There was a video tribute before completed with a huge, “Thank You.” Ellis then went and did what he did in those highlights: Score. He put the Bucks up by two and they never really looked back. They had control of the entire game, even when the Warriors made a run. Ellis finished the game 18 points, 4 boards and two steals. Modest numbers for him, but good for the Bucks, as they don’t need him to be THE guy, but be one of the guys.

In the three game absence since the Warriors traded Monta Ellis, rookie Klay Thompson (who the Warriors are counting on to refill Ellis’ shoes) has been the guard they were hoping to get since the draft. Following a 26 point game burst against the Celtics in the Wednesday loss, he scored 19 points.

The Warriors were outscored 32-12 in the first quarter alone. They cut the lead down to seven after Thompson hit a three but then were down 56-43 by halftime. They were also out rebounded 54-35 and gave a ton of points in the paint (52).  At one point, the Bucks led the Warriors by 30! All these statistics lead the Bucks scoring 120 while giving up 98 points.

The two new Warriors, Andrew Bogut (injury) and Richard Jefferson did not play. Because Stephen Jackson did not pass his physical yet in San Antonio, Jefferson had to wait for his Warriors debut.

David Lee led the Warriors with 22 points and nine boards. Nate Robinson, who has stepped in nicely to fill in for Stephen Curry’s absence had 13 points and six assists. Dorell Wright, who came off the bench that night, had 17 points and 7 boards, while Dominic McGuire had 11 points and two boards to help the cause.

And because Andris Beidrins is horrible, he only played 10 minutes, one bucket and the Warriors had to go small most of the time.

In the second game of the back to back, the Warriors traveled to Utah to take on the Jazz. And while Jefferson was available, he effect on the game was not that huge. He only scored nine points on 2 of 14 shooting. Not a good way to debut for your new fan base.

The Jazz were also without a Jefferson, Al Jefferson, who was attending his grandmother’s funeral. Instead, former Arizona player, Derrick Favor started in his place and took full advantage of A. Jefferson’s absence. He out hustled, out played and out worked most of the Warriors front line (though I do agree that the front line is very small at this point). He was everywhere for the Jazz. Scoring (23 points), rebounding (17 boards) and being a defensive presence (he blocked Nate Robinson’s shot at the very end of regulation).  His hustle contributed to the 65-40 rebounding advantage for the Jazz.

Several times in the game, the Warriors were leading. But lazy passes, careless turnovers and just lack of hustle let the Jazz stick around and not have the lead grow. A prime example is when Dorell Wright had the a steal and the Warriors up by two, instead of driving home the basket with force and make it a two possession game, he cruised down the court and had his lay-up blocked from behind. That lack of effort must be driving Mark Jackson crazy.

No surprise, the Warriors were lead again by the next “Big Three.” Nate Robinson had a team high with 19 points, three boards, four assits and two steals. David Lee had 18 points and 7 boards. Klay Thompson’s stock continues to rise as he contributes another double digit night with 17 points, two boards, two assists. Dorell Wright had a pretty good back to back game as he had 13 points and 10 boards. Wow, for the first time, I think he had as many boards as points!

The bench did not really provide any spark, as none of them scored more than 9 points. Although, all that got playing time did score at least 4 points.

The Warriors will find it more difficult to find scoring now that Monta Ellis has been traded away. Also, with Stephen Curry’s absence, they will even have a tougher time. But once the injuries get healed (Curry and Bogut) the Warriors could be a dangerous team. I think that Curry and Bogut will have a difficult pick and roll to defend and it will be just as hard to defend if Lee is in the pick and roll with Curry. This will also give the bench a bolster in scoring as Nate Robinson will return to the bench and man the second unit. Finally Thompson could get even more easy shots once Curry gets back. A sharp shooter in his own right, Curry could open more lanes for Thompson and vice versa.

The Warriors play the Timberwolves on Monday night at Oracle. Tip off is at 7:30 pst.