Game Info
- Tip Off: 7:30 PT
- Television: NBATV, CSNBayHD
Scope the Opposition: Forum Blue and Gold
Preview: The Golden State Warriors will open up the season against the Los Angeles Lakers in a contest that promises to light up the scoreboard.
The Purple and Gold started their season last night against the Los Angeles Clippers in an entertaining contest. Many are picking the Clips to win the Western Conference and yet, the Lakers were victorious.
Even with DeAndre Jordan looking like a stud defensive player, the Lakers offense was simply unstoppable. Mike D’Antoni’s group did everything a coach typically asks of his team on offense: take the ball to the hoop, draws fouls and hit open treys.
Indeed, despite a subpar showing from Steve Nash, the Lakers produced 42 points in the paint, 28 free throws and drilled 14-of-29 shots from downtown.
Part of the reason the Lakers dropped 116 points on the Lakers was the incredible night of Xavier Henry. The reserve produced 22 points on 13 field goals in 26 minutes of playing time.
The Warriors will have their hands full when dealing with Pau Gasol and company. However, there is something the Dubs can take from the Lakers’ opening night victory and use to their advantage: turnovers.
The Purple and Gold coughed the ball up 19 times against the Clippers. One might wonder if Golden State can pressure their opponents into that same type of sloppy night and the answer is clearly a positive one for Dubs fans.
During the preseason, the Warriors were quite good at turning over the Lakers and getting out in transition for easy scores. Mark Jackson’s group should be able to reproduce that type of effort and at least make things difficult for their opponents.
The Warriors will be in for a tough matchup but they are ultimately more talented. Tonight’s game might signal a new era for a Golden State team that has historically been owned by the Lakers.
A win tonight will not change the landscape of this feud, nor will it be a landmark in the franchise’s history. However, it could be the first step towards the rise from bullied to bully.
Injury note: Harrison Barnes will miss the first two games of the season.
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