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David Lee, PF 43 MIN | 9-17 FG | 0-2 FT | 8 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 18 PTS | -15Zach Randolph owns David Lee. Before tonight’s contest, Z-Bo averaged 20.8 PPG, 11.2 RPG on 53% shooting in 12 career games with Lee as the opposition. Lee was bothered by both Randolph and Gasol all night and was very dependent on pot shots, postups and putbacks for his scoring. Lee couldn’t get anything going outside, missing all four of his shots from outside the painted area tonight. In fairness to Lee, he’s faced the likes of Serge Ibaka, Derrick Favors (twice) and Zach Randolph. Defensively, Randolph took advantage — 21 points and 12 rebounds — but made Randolph work for it as Z-Bo made numerous tough shots throughout. For a defender of Lee’s caliber, this was an admirable effort. |
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Andre Iguodala, SF 48 MIN | 3-14 FG | 1-2 FT | 4 REB | 14 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 4 TO | 7 PTS | -4Andre has proven over and over again he can run an offense, and the 14 assists bring his season average up to 5.6 APG — a career high. That being said, 3/14 from the field can’t happen without Curry. As the primary ball handler and initiator of the offense, shooting 21% from the field won’t cut it. Many are questioning Iguodala’s decision not to call a timeout on the last possession: I didn’t mind it. The statistics say that not calling a timeout reaps better results, and in this situation — with the daunting Grizzlies frontcourt and the score tied — the call from both Jackson and Iguodala to let him take it was the right move. A set Grizzlies defense with no Curry on the floor isn’t an appealing hypothetical. |
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Harrison Barnes, SF 49 MIN | 6-14 FG | 2-2 FT | 8 REB | 5 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 2 TO | 16 PTS | -11Barnes did most of his damage early, scoring 12 of his 16 points in the first half and being the most aggressive he’s been all season. Playing the most minutes he’s logged in any regular season game in his young career, Barnes also grabbed seven of his eight rebounds in the second half. An aggressive Barnes is the best Barnes, but I can’t help but wonder what driving to the basket more and settling less for the turnaround jumper or contested midrange shot will do for his game. Too often do we see Barnes begin to drive to the basket and stop just outside the painted area only to have to pass out of it or put up a contested, tough shot. A minor offensive quip in what will be a transition season for the second-year forward. |
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Andrew Bogut, C 43 MIN | 6-8 FG | 0-0 FT | 14 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 2 BLK | 1 TO | 12 PTS | 0Bogut has looked great this season. He’s running up the floor with relative ease — no grimacing — and has showed an improved lift with the numerous lobs, rebounds and tap-outs. The Aussie had the monumental task of not only guarding Marc Gasol but having to face the defending Defensive Player of the Year on the offensive end. While most of his makes came off lobs or putbacks, the offensive output can’t be argued. Bogut will never be a consistent force on that end of the floor, but getting the dirty points count just the same. 14 rebounds against a formidable Grizzlies frontcourt is nearly as impressive. |
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Klay Thompson, SG 48 MIN | 9-19 FG | 1-2 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 3 TO | 21 PTS | +1When Curry is out, Thompson suffers. Not because he can’t create his own shot or stay active defensively, but because the open looks and the transition buckets are nowhere to be found. Spacing is imperative for this offense to run seamlessly, and Curry out — who demands constant attention in the form of double teams — leaves the Warriors often scrambling for isolation shots or becoming all too dependent on the low-post games of Lee and Bogut. Thompson, in the two games Curry has not played: 14/35 (3/12 from deep), 1/2 FTs, two rebounds, two assists and six turnovers. |
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Three Things We Saw
- Quote of the night: “We had talked about it previous; he [Andre] did a good job of getting to his spot so he had options. I’m fine with the action that took place…I thought we were able to get a stop and get a quality look. What I wanted to do was make sure we got that last shot. The stats say that if we tai the last one there is no way for us to lose. So we forced overtime.” — Mark Jackson on the last possession of regulation
- The Warriors have now lost an astounding 11 straight games to Memphis dating back to November 26, 2010. They last beat Memphis at home on November 3, 2010 (115-109) and on the road on April 4, 2008 (117-86).
- Looking ahead: Golden State now heads to Los Angeles in the first leg of a B2B as they play the Lakers (5-7) on Friday and the impressive Blazers (10-2) at Oracle on Saturday.
