If you look at the records, the Warriors aren’t far behind. Too bad they play in the West, where there are more dominating teams. And while the Warriors can try to make the playoffs, the trade yesterday that sent shockwaves throughout the Bay, should probably try tanking now so that they can get a top 7 pick in this year’s draft.
And it also sucks that Monta Ellis is gone because he’s had his way against the Celtics. He’s averaged about 26 points against them. And with Ekpe developing, it only seem fitting that he continue to build his confidence against a very small Celtic team. But no more. Can’t dwell on what the Warriors had and what they now are left with. Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson are very unlikely to play tonight. And Stephen Curry is still a question mark as he did not suit up last night.
But does the Warriors need those three? Last night’s game said no. They outplayed, out hustled the Kings on the Kings’ home floor. Maybe it was the heavy hearts of losing one of them that made them play great. Maybe they just got lucky (I mean they shot over 50%!). But if they play the same way tonight, they’ll have a good shot of making it a back to back win on back to back nights.
The Celtics come trudging up to the Bay Area after splitting two games in LA. After a gritty win against the Clippers, the Celtics all of a sudden have won 7 out of their last 9 games after the all-star break and now are poised to secure that 7th spot in the playoff race. The question mark for them tonight is whether Ray Allen will suit up and if he does, how effective is he. During the waning moments of the game on Monday, Allen appeared to slip on the water, slightly turning his ankle. He return to the floor but was quoted that his ankle would be (and should be) sore.
The only concern I have for the Warriors is who is going to defend and contain Rajon Rondo. Monday night showed that Rondo can play (when he wants to of course) against the best of the best. Chris Paul was uneffective all game and didn’t score until the fourth quarter. Can Nate Robinson contain Rondo? You going to put Klay Thompson on him? And will a veteran team beat up on an emotional, young, leaderless (but not worse that New York Knicks!) team. We’ll also see how Mark Jackson does against a pretty decent coach in Doc Rivers.
Either way, Warrior fans should hope to see a good game as the Warriors look to continue to find their new identify without Ellis and the Celtics who are looking to continue their momentum on a season high eight game road trip.
Game is at the Oracle and tips off at 7:30pm PST.
VS
Can this guy check Rondo? Will he have his way, now that Ellis is gone?