Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors were defeated 105-86 in their home opener against the Los Angeles Clippers on Christmas day. The Dubs had a 43-41 halftime lead and entered the fourth quarter trailing 75-68. Although for stretches it seemed as if the Warriors would make enough plays to win the game, ultimately the Clippers talent came through in the final period and put the game away.
Let’s have a quick look at how some notable Warriors performed against the Clips.
Stephen Curry 4 points|5, rebounds|4 assists|2 steals|2-12 FGs
Despite picking up two early fouls in the first quarter, the former Davidson guard played exceptional defense throughout the game and forced Chauncey Billups (when matched up with him) to take several tough shots.
On offense though, Curry couldn’t hit anything from the field and even missed his only free throw attempt of the game. The time off may have thrown his rhythm off and set him back a little; nonetheless his playmaking was still a thing of beauty to watch.
Monta Ellis 15 points|4 rebounds|8 assists|1 steal|6-19 FGs
Last season Monta shot a frigid 38 percent from the field against the Clips and that trend held up on Christmas day. Monta tried to assert himself offensively in multiple ways but the end result was essentially the same for the most part.
Ellis’ baskets came either in transition or when the Clippers defense broke down and allowed him to get to the rim. Otherwise, the Warriors’ starting shooting guard had little to show for all his shot attempts. He tried to go down on the block to post up, tried to isolate on the wings and also run pick-and-rolls, but the Clippers defense forced him into contested shots (he missed all five 3-point attempts).
Although his scoring attempts were met with mixed results, Ellis still helped out his teammates by drawing the Clips attention and feeding open players for lay-ups and open jump shots.
David Lee 21 points|12 rebounds|2 assists|1 block|10-19 FGs
Lee did a good job of just hanging around the basket to get a few easy opportunities against the Clippers. Indeed, he was the beneficiary of Curry and Ellis’ passes and he was also able to hit the glass for four offensive rebounds.
The former Gator showed good dexterity around the basket as well as terrific body control to avoid defenders when catching the ball in the paint and going up to finish.
Blake Griffin may have finished with 22 points on the night; but Lee forced him to work for all of his points by pushing him towards his help and forcing him to finish over his outstretched arms.
Defense
Although the Warriors were blown out in this one, their defense did a good job of keeping the game close for three quarters and forcing the Clippers to execute their offense to get high percentage shots. Also, GSW outrebounded Los Angeles 48-43 and even snatched 17 offensive rebounds.
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I am actually impressed with how our defense has changed. Atleast in the first 2-3 quarters. Its only the first game, but that was decent. If Curry would of shot like he normally does I think we could of won this game. O well on to the next one.
Guess Curry’s ankle is still alittle tender, little
off tonight. Monta has to bring it all 4 quarters. Kawme and the big men need to be more involved. Thompson da Rook needs to knock ’em down, they’re not fallin yet.
DUBs don’t hang your head this one, here come DA BULLs tomorrow.