Ellis led the Warriors with 26 points and six rebounds. Dorell Wright had one of his better games and finished night with 23 points and seven boards. David Lee had a relatively quiet night with 22 points and four rebounds. From the bench, a scoring punch came from Nate Robinson who finished with a stat worthy night of 14 points, five assists, three steals and two boards.

The Warriors came out blazing in the first quarter as they finished 39-22. But even with a huge scoring differential in the first quarter, the Warriors got outworked in the paint as they were outscored 56-32. But they overcame the advantage for the Suns by hitting over 40% of their threes and shooting over 80% on free throws.

It was also good that the Warriors grinded out a win.

“I feel like we executed on both sides of the basketball when it matters most,” Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. “If I had to design a win, I would have designed it this way. It was much better for our future to grind out a win.”

All this without Stephen Curry, who left the game with a strained right tendon in his foot. Now how does it feel to see Jeremy Lin blow it up in NYC, when the Warriors had this guy for at least another year and then be a restricted free agent?!?!?!

Feb. 22, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis (8) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at the US Airways Center. The Warriors defeated the Suns 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE.

Again, that is what doomed these Warriors. They gave away the lead, stayed close in the game was up ahead with the opponent taking the last shot and again their defense fails them. And what is more irritating is that defense is an effort game. It’s not about talent but it’s about heart, dedication and just effort. And while, I won’t go the point to say that the Warriors don’t have effort, it’s the lack of superstardom that comes with playing great defense.

Right now, what’s in the news? What is showing on the highlight reels? Yes, it’s Jeremy Lin and his Asian-American background, but he is scoring like crazy. It’s not about his defense. Right after, there is a highlight with LeBron James throwing it to Dwayne Wade for a two hand jam (scoring) followed by James dominating the Magic. None of these highlights include any real defense. Why? It’s cause it’s boring. There isn’t a whole lot of stats and like I stated earlier, it doesn’t take a boat load of talent.

But what doesn’t need talent, need effort and heart. And right now, as much as the Warriors are saying the right things of finishing the game right and not giving away the lead, they can only look at themselves in the mirror and blame their lack of effort.

Losing to the Memphis Grizzlies, makes it three in a row and not a very good road trip so far. Stats wise, the Warriors did a great job. Against the Grizzlies,  Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 36 points and six assists. He hit six out of nine threes and shot 13 out of 21 shots. His battery mate, Monta Ellis had an equally good game with 33 points and six assists. David Lee almost had another double double with 14 points and nine rebounds. However, he had a key turnover, an offensive foul,  at the end of the game, when the Warriors were only down by one with five seconds left. Forget about Andris Beidrins and Dorell Wright. Wright had a big fat donut again while Beidrins only scored one basket. Useless.

The bench was no help either. Only Ekpe Udoh’s eight points were worth talking since he hit two big free throws to put the Warriors up by two with 28 seconds left. His stat line was so much better than Beidrins overall, though he did play a few more minutes than Beidrins, this guy is coming off the bench and is being paid way less. Amnesty Beidrins and let’s get a durable big man who can contribute more than him.

The Warriors shot 16 more threes than the Grizzlies and made 46% of them. They did shoot nine less free throws, though the percentage was better than the Grizzlies. They were out rebounded by the Grizzlies and gave up eight more points in fast breaks. And overall, they played well against the Grizz. It is unfortunate that they didn’t finish the defensive stance and get the rebound.

Warriors welcome “Lob City” Clippers on Monday night at the Oracle. Be there to see Griffin throw down some dunks!

Feb 18, 2012; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Fedex Forum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Golden State Warriors 103-102. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-US PRESSWIRE