Silver Screen and Roll - Los Angeles Lakers - Golden State Warriors Game Stream 11/09A Blog devoted to Lakers News, Commentary, and Analysishttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/13178/silver-fave.jpg2012-11-10T07:16:09-08:00http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/rss/stream/33889512012-11-10T07:16:09-08:002012-11-10T07:16:09-08:00Back to the basics
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ysJQasj8wOo4aH3MrAT91SQ1YwQ=/0x80:4000x2747/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3001435/155959095.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeff Gross</figcaption>
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<p>Bernie Bickerstaff's Lakers are 1-0 after dominating the Warriors, 101-77. Los Angeles played a free flowing game and simply outperformed an Andrew Bogut-less Warriors squad.</p> <p>After starting the season with the burden of championship expectations and very little team cohesion, Mike Brown had to be the scapegoat for Los Angeles' 1-4 start. Brown was put in somewhat unfair circumstances - having a chance to coach your full starting five for less than 100 minutes, including pre-season, while being expected to win games in the NBA is tough - but his system simply wasn't getting through to the players and the Buss family had to decide whether or not he was worth betting the rest of the season on. Based on his performance last year, they chose against it, and fired him before last night's game.</p>
<p>So, in the first game of the <span>Bernie Bickerstaff</span> era, which shouldn't last more than a week, Los Angeles simplified things and let their talent dictate the outcome of the game rather than operating through a system.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> let the game flow through the post without fidgeting around with backpicks or pindowns to establish deeper position or a mismatch. They simply put <span>Pau Gasol</span>, <span>Kobe Bryant</span> or <span>Dwight Howard</span> on the block, threw them the ball and then basketball ensued. The defense was collapsing from all angles, allowing Pau, Kobe and Howard to hit the open shooter and the open cutter all game long. And even without Princeton action, the Lakers were able to generate some off-ball movement that we haven't grown accustomed to over the past few years.</p>
<p>And then there was Kobe, who started the game off by taking it right at <span>Klay Thompson</span> on the block and turning it over. While that was a sore sight, it was a bit refreshing to see Kobe be that aggressive rather than just trying to initiate the Princeton stuff or spotting up. While we all want the load on Kobe to be lightened, he's still incredibly effective when posting up 15 feet from the basket and he showed that last night.</p>
<p>Bryant favored the right side of the floor all night, switching between the baseline and the right elbow as his operating spot throughout the night. The Lakers frequently ran a pick-and-roll between Kobe and Gasol at the elbow with Bryant having his back to the basket. It worked beautifully most of the time, resulting in some wide open spot-up looks and it allowed Pau to take advantage of a rotating defense when he caught the ball on the roll. It was the kind of two man game that we saw sparingly over the first five games and the Lakers looked a lot more comfortable on the floor last night.</p>
<p>Bryant finished with 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting, a positive sign that he can still be incredibly efficient without getting the majority of his baskets on Princeton action (you can thank his improved shooting from long range for that), while also compiling nine rebounds and seven assists. The only thing keeping Kobe from having the most efficient season of the #24 era in terms of PER is his turnover rate. He's turned the ball over on a ridiculous 15.3% of his possessions (he had four last night). Other than that, Kobe has looked great, and by the way he is talking about <span>Phil Jackson</span>, it sounds like he may be even more motivated to perform if gets another chance to play for the Zen Master. And perhaps the most important stat for Kobe last night was 33. Just 33 minutes for the Black Mamba last night thanks to the blowout.</p>
<p>Pau Gasol didn't have the best of shooting nights yesterday, making only six of his 18 shots, but he played with energy every minute he was on the floor, which is a welcome sight from him. He grabbed 16 rebounds, was active defensively and made some good reads off of pick-and-roll action. Dwight didn't look bad either, though foul trouble and the score meant he only had to play 22 minutes, which is a good thing. The Lakers mostly operated the two man game with Kobe and Gasol so Dwight didn't get that many touches on the roll or in the post but his defense looked like it was continuing to improve.</p>
<p>The bench had it's best game of the season yesterday and it's fitting that it came on the day that Mike Brown got fired. Two scored in double figures (14 for <span>Jordan Hill</span>, 10 for <span>Darius Morris</span>) and <span>Antawn Jamison</span> and <span>Jodie Meeks</span> combined to add another 13. Morris still makes the occasional "out of control" blunder but he's actually been a more effective spot-up three point shooter than <span>Steve Blake</span> has this season and he showed some nice playmaking ability last night (five assists to one turnover). Hill was his usual active self and even put in an off-balance 15-jumper (a shot he showed he's capable of hitting in Houston). And who would have thought that he most impressive block of the season thus far would come from 36-year old defensive sieve Antawn Jamison? You don't come into Jamison's house expecting to reverse dunk, <span>Richard Jefferson</span>.</p>
<p>It may have been because <span>Devin Ebanks</span> was arrested yesterday morning, but seeing Meeks on the floor was obviously a good thing after he had been in <span>Mike Brown's</span> doghouse for whatever reason. Meeks needs to be in the rotation as he's the best shooter on the team and a capable defender. He may have missed his shots last night, but once he gets into a rhythm he should become the Lakers' most productive back-up guard. Whenever the new coach comes in, Meeks will have a clean slate, so we can only assume he'll be back in the rotation for good soon.</p>
<p>Just about the only bad thing that happened last night was <span>Metta World Peace</span> taking the floor. He missed his first 10 shots of the game (and his first five from deep) and was virtually useless in every facet of the game. He may be the only reason that Phil Jackson doesn't want to come back. On the brightside, Metta's kissing game has never been better.</p>
<p>I don't think you can take much away from Los Angeles' defensive performance last night simply because there were at least 15 possessions last night when the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a> walked up the court and jacked up the first half-open three they set their eyes on. What we can be happy with is LA winning the rebounding battle by a wide margin as well as out-assisting the Warriors by 10. Given the situations that the Lakers are in, I guess we should worry about winning games before we start talking about takeaways, so I suppose a 24-point blowout isn't a bad way to start this homestand.</p>
<p>Oh, and how about those "We want Phil!" chants last night? Laker fans get a lot of flack for their in-game activity level but that was really cool.</p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/11/10/3626710/lakers-crush-the-warriors-by-dumbing-down-the-gameMark Travis2012-11-09T23:12:15-08:002012-11-09T23:12:15-08:00Lakers Final Score: Lakers Thrash Warriors 101-77
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<figcaption>Jeff Gross</figcaption>
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<p>With Mike Brown out of the picture, the purple and gold roar to an easy win.</p> <p>Tonight the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a> took their first bounding step out of the <span>Mike Brown</span> era and into what we all hope will be cheerier times. A turbulent day that began with Laker management calling an end to the Princeton offense experiment and whatever else Brown was cooking up ended with the sort of victory that used to be routine and <i>should</i> be routine. A young, undermanned <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> squad <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400277800">got spanked by 24 points</a> as the Lakers played with a looseness and verve that frankly we never saw once while Brown was in charge. For the first time since <span>Phil Jackson</span> was around - anyone know what that guy's up to these days? - the purple and gold played basketball like they actually enjoyed it and moved around the court like they didn't have cinderblocks lashed to their ankles.</p>
<p>This was the fastest-paced game the Lakers have played this year, with both teams missing loads of shots and pushing the ball upcourt off defensive boards. Golden State kept things even in the first quarter. Early in the second, though, they went six straight trips without scoring, allowing the Laker bench (!) to open up a slight margin. Another Warrior dry spell toward the end of the second let the lead drift into double-digits. Very briefly the Dubs pulled to within two early in the third, but they just didn't have enough ways to score on the bigger, stronger Lake Show. With <span>Kobe Bryant</span> (27 points on 10-for-18 shooting) scoring effectively and making contributions in every phase (7 assists, 9 rebounds, 2 steals), the Lakers went on a 28-10 run spanning the third and fourth periods to blow the game open. The fourth quarter was relaxing, stat-padding garbage time. We used to take performances like this for granted. Tonight it felt like a long-withheld treat.</p>
<p>The most striking aspect of this game is how freely and energetically the Lake Show performed. As <span>Dwight Howard</span> <a href="https://twitter.com/mcten/statuses/267154486265536512">said in the locker room</a> after the win, "We didn't think as much as we have the last couple games." The offense was simple: pass the ball into the big men, force the defense to collapse, start moving it around until you find an open teammate. The results weren't sparkling - just 1.04 points per possession, mostly thanks to poor first-half shooting - but everyone looked more comfortable and confident. Kobe played just 33 minutes and Dwight just 24.</p>
<p>The Laker reserves actually resembled a reliable second unit. In relief of a foul-plagued <span>Steve Blake</span>, <span>Darius Morris</span> (10 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 turnover) played his best game as a Laker. <span>Antawn Jamison</span> (6 points, 7 rebounds) and <span>Jodie Meeks</span> (7 points, 2 steals) shot badly early on but started to produce once they got the feel for the game. <span>Jordan Hill</span> (14 points on 5-for-5 shooting and 4 rebounds in 19 minutes) was just excellent. All four guys had plus-minuses well above zero.</p>
<p>As for the Warriors, they just couldn't get any sustainable offense going. With center <span>Andrew Bogut</span> out with a sore ankle they had no inside scoring options. The game might've gone differently had their perimeter guys buried some open looks in the first half, but once the Lakers found their footing it was clear this would be an L for the Dubs. The result knocks them down to 3-3 and boosts the Lake Show to 2-4. Up next: the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Kings</a> on Sunday night.</p>
<p>By then we might have ourselves a new head coach. Reports emerged tonight that the Lakers' front office will soon speak with Phil Jackson and Mike D'Antoni about the job. It's clear which option the Staples crowd prefers: periodically in the second half chants of "We want Phil!" filled the arena. This weekend will definitely be an interesting one. In the meantime, let's thank <span>Bernie Bickerstaff</span> for unburdening this team and finally just letting them play.</p>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="37" valign="bottom">
<p><b> </b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>Poss.</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>TO%</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>FTA/<br> FGA</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>FT%</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>3FGA/FGA</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>2PT%</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>3PT%</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>EFG</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>TS%</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>OReb Rate</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>DReb Rate</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="bottom">
<p align="center"><b>PPP</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="37">
<p><b>Dubs</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">97</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">17</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">0.23</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">60</p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="top">
<p align="center">0.29</p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="top">
<p align="center">36</p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="top">
<p align="center">28</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">38</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">41</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">25</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">65</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">0.79</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="37">
<p><b>Lakers</b></p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">97</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">14</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">0.31</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">75</p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="top">
<p align="center">0.31</p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="top">
<p align="center">45</p>
</td>
<td width="33" valign="top">
<p align="center">29</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">44</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">49</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">35</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">75</p>
</td>
<td width="33">
<p align="center">1.04</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><i>Follow Dex on Twitter </i><a href="http://twitter.com/dexterfishmore"><i>@dexterfishmore</i></a><i>.</i></p>
<p><i>For tickets to the next Lakers game check out <a href="http://www.tiqiq.com/silverscreenandroll/nba/los-angeles-lakers-tickets">our ticketing partner TiqIQ</a>.</i></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/11/9/3626294/lakers-final-score-lakers-thrash-warriors-101-77DexterFishmore2012-11-09T19:15:03-08:002012-11-09T19:15:03-08:00Lakers Vs Warriors
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Bernie Bickerstaff takes the wheel in the first game of the post-Mike Brown era.</p> <p>Anticipation is building for the (hopefully) triumphant return of <span>Phil Jackson</span>, but he's not home yet. For now we have veteran NBA man <span>Bernie Bickerstaff</span> holding the fort. One would hope we'll see a newly energized <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> floor on the team tonight as they move into a new stage of the young season. If the Lakers do lose tonight they'll fall to 1-5 for the first time since 1960.</p>
<p>Tonight's opponent is Golden State, off to a 3-2 start against meh competition. <span>Stephen Curry</span>, <span>Klay Thompson</span> and <span>David Lee</span> have been their central players so far, none of them performing particularly well. <span>Andrew Bogut</span>, their best defensive player, is out with a sore ankle. <span>Harrison Barnes</span>, their prize rookie, is off to a slow start. In other words, this is a team the Lakers should pound.</p>
<p>A win, any win, will do just fine for now. Especially since we don't have <span>Mike Brown</span> to kick around anymore.</p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/11/9/3625298/lakers-warriors-game-threadDexterFishmore2012-11-09T15:23:14-08:002012-11-09T15:23:14-08:00Game Preview: The New Beginning's New Beginning
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/coLxRWyF3yQ0E5H_JkDad03lLDA=/995x0:3050x1370/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2974911/154538440.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Swing by and prime yourself for the Lakers basketball game tonight against the Golden State Warriors. Yes, the Lakers still play basketball and don't only moonlight as a soap opera. </p> <p>What a day, what a day. Everyone may have heard that <span>Mike Brown</span> is no longer coaching the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> by now, but if not... well... <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/11/9/3623418/mike-brown-has-been-fired">Mike Brown is no longer coaching the Los Angeles Lakers</a>. After being run out of the playoffs in the second round by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> last season it was clear change was coming for the Lakers.</p>
<p>It started with acquiring <span>Steve Nash</span> for the Lamar Odom TPE and a few spare draft picks. Sweet. But now, Steve Nash is hurt and there's no solid time table on just how long he will be wearing suits on the sideline</p>
<p>Then, <span>Andrew Bynum</span> was sent packing to Philadelphia so let his 'fro grow out and join the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.libertyballers.com/">76ers</a> as the Lakers added all-NBA center <span>Dwight Howard</span> to their big board of talent. This was the move. THE move. For years it was in the back of every Lakers fans mind, and apparently the Buss family as well. Well, he's here now, but everything to this day has been an exhausting exercise. The Princeton offense required far too many words to defend. For whatever it's worth, the offense is still ranked highly in efficiency and appeared to be at the bottom of the issues these Lakers faced. But in the analysts poured, 1500+ words at a time defending why it still makes sense to take the ball out of the hands of Steve Nash. Describing to the finest detail why <span>Pau Gasol</span> would flourish at the elbow as a point forward, and <span>Kobe Bryant</span> would find levels of effectiveness we could only dream of.</p>
<p>The Princeton is dead, and buried beside it is the hope that Mike Brown could make it all work. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/11/9/3623608/mike-brown-fired-Los-Angeles-Lakers-patience-requires-time">As C.A. Clark wrote today</a>, patience and time simply weren't the Lakers cards, and here we are. It's been a day full of nothing but Lakers. At work today almost every co-worker I grind out 40 hours with had to ask me what I thought about Mike Brown being sent packing. I live in upstate New York, about as far as possible I can be from Southern California as can be in the United States.</p>
<p>Win, lose, or not playing at all the Lakers are still the biggest drama in the National Basketball Association.</p>
<p>There's a great basketball game tonight though at Staples Center, believe it or not. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> are a tough team, though not as tough as can be considering <span>Andrew Bogut</span> will be out for the night. Their prize jewel in the <span>Monta Ellis</span> trade. Still, <span>Stephen Curry</span>, <span>Klay Thompson</span>, and noted Laker abuser <span>Jarrett Jack</span> will be there to finish off a Lakers team that is now without a head coach. Whether or not Mike Brown being fired is the right long term solution matters not tonight, the team has to be spinning considering they just lost the man who has spent all off-season, preseason, and regular season trying to implement an offense that they are now dumping down the drain like spoiled milk. Principles that not longer apply.</p>
<p>This was considered a critical stretch for the Los Angeles Lakers before Mike Brown was fired, and now it seems even more important for reasons beyond the court. Who will the Lakers replace Coach Brown with? Mike D'Antoni? <span>Phil Jackson</span>? <span>Jerry Sloan</span>? How will the players respond to not having a true head coach to run the show? Will this be a breath of fresh air, or a tightening around the neck? This new era of Lakers basketball has been a failed liftoff, if there has been a night to just go out and play for the love of the game, it's tonight for the purple and gold. The future is an unknown entity, which is scary. For fans and players alike.</p>
<p>Lakers, Warriors, Friday night. The weekend is here, but the work is only beginning for the Lakers and the front office. Take a deep breath everybody. Change is coming. Be sure to check out Nate Parham of <a href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State of Mind </a>answering five questions about the Golden State Warriors <a target="_blank" href="http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/11/9/3624662/talking-los-angeles-lakers-golden-state-warriors">here</a>, and check the counterpart Lakers questions <a target="_blank" href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2012/11/9/3623854/los-angeles-lakers-vs-golden-state-warriors-mike-brown-fired-antawn-jamison">here</a>!</p>
<p>For tickets to the next Lakers game, check out our ticketing partner <a target="_blank" href="http://www.tiqiq.com/SilverScreenandRoll/NBA/Los-Angeles-Lakers-Tickets">TiqIQ</a></p>
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/11/9/3624764/the-los-angeles-lakers-golden-state-warriors-game-previewDrew Garrison2012-11-09T14:42:21-08:002012-11-09T14:42:21-08:00Talking Lakers - Warriors; Five Questions
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7laH8MLMGWBCA2FpC2VH5MhVNEA=/709x342:2759x1709/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/2972463/153846991.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Nate Parham of SB Nation's Golden State of Mind stops by and answers five questions about the Golden State Warriors. Prep up for the game with his insight into our Northern California brethren!</p> <p>Hey hey, everyone, there's still a game to be played tonight! Look over here! <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/NateP_SBN">Nate Parham</a> of sister blog <a href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State of Mind</a> and I exchanged questions before tonight's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a> game. Read about the Warriors below, and be sure to check their Lakers section <a target="_blank" href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2012/11/9/3623854/los-angeles-lakers-vs-golden-state-warriors-mike-brown-fired-antawn-jamison">over here</a>!</p>
<p><b>One of the bigger trades last season was the Monta Ellis-Andrew Bogut swap. Bogut was hurt and is just now starting to play with the Warriors, and is out 7-10 days unfortunately. However, in the limited amount of time he has been able to play, how do you feel about him being the anchor of the team?</b></p>
<p>I feel that we finally have someone on this roster who knows how to play defense. Where that shows up in the numbers most dramatically is in the Warriors rebounding, but in the Warriors' last trip to LA against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> they won the rebounding battle even without Bogut - it is just a better rebounding team this year by virtue of adding depth to the frontcourt. What we most readily notice from watching the games is Bogut as a player who not only has active feet and great instincts as a help defender, but also does a great job from the back line directing his teammates and he's already been a positive locker room presence from all reports. <br><br>Even if he can only average 20-30 mins per game for 60-65 games this season, that's a huge asset that the Warriors haven't had in literally decades.</p>
<p><b><span>Klay Thompson</span> was one of my favorite rookies last season, his shooting stroke had me raving before he was drafted, and he's shooting a respectable 37.9% from deep so far through the season. What are a few realistic benchmarks you'd like to see Klay Thompson hit this season?</b></p>
<p>While people foresaw this as a potentially big season for Thompson, I was a little bit skeptical because when he really caught fire at the end of the season he wasn't playing with NBA regulars - for the most part in fact, he was playing with four entirely different starters. With Curry healthy (knock on wood), Barnes developing, and Lee also a scoring option, one thing I was really looking for was to see Thompson round out his game a bit and become more of an all-around player. I think you're seeing that in the form of his vastly improved effort on the boards and him getting to the line more often. Moreso for the sake of the unit than his own success, I'd like to see Thompson get his free throw attempts per game to about 4 and I would've been pleased with even 4 rebounds per game (he's currently averaging 5.6 and I can't see him keeping that up). <br><br>So anyway, while others had loftier scoring goals goals, I was thinking 14 points on 44+% shooting, 4 boards, 2-3 assists, and 4 FTAs. He's a better defender than I think he gets credit for even among Warriors fans, especially with Bogut behind him.</p>
<p><b>Condolences on losing <span>Brandon Rush</span> with the ACL tear, he was one of the players many Lakers fans were longing for in free agency (who isn't though at times eh?). This should open up playing time for rookie <span>Harrison Barnes</span>. Do you find this to be an opportunity for a team with younger assets, or a set back on the season?</b></p>
<p>Man that injury happened during our GSoM Night - rough way to open the year.<br><br>The optimistic way to look at this: although everyone harped on the Warriors needing a small forward, that was the Warriors' deepest position entering the season with Rush, Barnes, and <span>Richard Jefferson</span>. Then you also have to consider that with the Warriors giving the Jack-Curry pairing heavy minutes, Thompson is also getting some run at the three as well. So they have options in terms of filling Rush's minutes and replacing what he does offensively. The real loss is what Rush provided the team defensively - he was arguably the team's best wing defender. The real opportunity here is to see who steps up defensively and Barnes has done an admirable job on that end, especially for a rookie - I think he has all the tools to be a solid defender in the league and I think something that some of us underestimated when he was drafted is his work ethic. He's improved dramatically even since summer league and defensive intensity is no small part of that.</p>
<p><b>What's the pulse like for Golden State right now? Do you see them being able to fight for a playoff spot with the roster, health granted? It seems like the talent is there, but will the execution?</b></p>
<p>L.A. fans are as familiar as any fanbase with the Warriors' past two decades: the Warriors have been largely irrelevant on the national landscape. Where I think we're all it's at is that he organization is headed in the right direction, toward a place when the Warriors are relevant to the national discussion. <br><br>They made decisions this offseason that didn't just help them put together a more talented roster but a roster with more complementary pieces that clearly has amazing potential when healthy. With the uncertainty about Bogut's health timeline in terms of both how many games he can play and how often he can play in them - not to mention anxiety about Curry's ankle - fighting for a playoff spot is somewhat realistic, but I'm not sure making the playoffs is going to be easy or realistic. What I'm looking for is whether Mark Jackson and the coaching staff are able to bring this unit together and maximize their talent over the long-term, no easy task for a head coach who still has less than 82 regular season games of experience. Thus far it's hard to be anything but pleased with their performance in light of the circumstances and I think continuing to make forward progress as an organization is a more important goal to me than whether they make the playoffs.</p>
<p><b>You have three words to describe the Golden State Warriors, what would they be, and why?</b></p>
<p>Movin' on up<br><br>After decades of struggle - to find a center, to sustainably field an even semi-competitive team for more than a year, finding a dependable star (when healthy) - the Warriors finally look to have built something that we can have faith in. <br><br>I'm not saying this is they're year and they're still far from being a contender. But this is not a roster of misfits that will have to get by on a gimmick or a group of talented players with a gaping hole. They're good enough to be in every game they play and possibly win more than they lose into the foreseeable future. It's a low bar as a Warriors fan, but it's been a long time coming.</p>
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<p>Many thanks to Nate again, some great information about the Golden State Warriors and how they're looking with Bogut, Barnes, and the rest of their intriguing roster pieces. Be sure to give him a follow <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/NateP_SBN">@NateP_SBN</a> and read his work over at <a href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State of Mind</a></p>
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https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2012/11/9/3624662/talking-los-angeles-lakers-golden-state-warriorsDrew Garrison