GSW·2012-13| WEEK 6: Dec 2- 8, 2012 + Player Profiles

[Valor]

Like the trade by the Bulls, but not their lineup overall....they look real weak at the two-guard spot, who's the center now that Big Z and Noah are gone?

Nice win over the Clippers btw, and just wanna add that recaps are looking as good as ever

[Clutch]

Andrew - it's funny but I really started to feel paranoid the CPU was out to get Noah so I had him sit one out, even though I knew the previous game's injury had no repercussions whatsoever lol;

megarover - thx man; best perimeter defender? tough call really; steals-wise It's tight between 'buike, Curry & Carter with Kelenna holding the slight edge, though i think a lot of his steals come from Curry & Carter forcing the actual turnover and him recovering the loose ball:



Martti - "Area 51" is terrific vs slower/less athletic defenders and fills in at both PF and C positions; really really glad we snagged him in the off-season!

Ax - yeah Steph just couldn't get it going due to B-Diddy hounding him all night long

Valor - thx man and we'll be facing CHI in a few weeks so there'll be a more in-depth preview then; I'll tell you this much - they're running a rookie Center currently! Rose isn't too happy but, more on that in a few weeks

[Lamrock]

Nice win against the Clips. I hated the VC trade, but it looks like he's a good fit and playing dividends for you.

I've been thinking about making a new dynasty, but waiting for the free agent extravaganza to go down. Was considering doing Golden State again, but with current rosters. Funny to think how different that roster, my Nellieball roster and this roster are from each other.

[Clutch]

Lamrock - a bit curious about, "I hated the VC trade" - elaborate? he's definitely a gamble that's paid off though, for now anyway;

i'd wait a bit even after the FA extravaganza; it'll be a while yet before the W's are sorted, what w/the likely change of ownership, possible trades etc.; but yeah those 3 roster incarnations would be radically different and all would be hypothetically possible since they're a franchise which seems to get rebuilt every other year

[Clutch]

TEAM PREVIEW


Off-Season Moves


Current Record: 8-6

Breakdown

Rudy Tomjanovich coached the Houston Rockets to back-to-back NBA championships in '94 and '95 and coined the phrase, "Don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion!" Never could his words have rung more true than with the Dallas Mavericks' championship run last season.

After dropping 0-2 to the Jazz in the opening round of the Playoffs, Dallas stormed back to take the series in 6 and advance to the 2nd round; from there, the Mavericks were pushed to game 7 in three consecutive series: first vs the Spurs in the Conference semis, then the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals and ultimately the Magic in the NBA Finals. Driven by the notion of veteran Jason Kidd's last playoff run before retirement, Dallas found a way to win and eventually captured the 2011 NBA crown.

Now in the 2011-12 season, Jason Kidd is back and hungry for more. At the ripe old age of 38, Kidd is the oldest active player in the NBA. In fact, most of last season's championship team has returned in addition to Kidd, who was convinced to fulfill his contract's final year and defend the crown by NBA Finals MVP, Dirk Nowitzki.

Nowitzki, along with Caron Butler and Deshawn Stevenson all agreed to multi-year contracts; the only casualty of the off-season was losing free-agent Von Wafer to the Golden State Warriors.



Can the Mavericks repeat? Well, the Dallas starters average age is 34 now, which means father time is definitely not on their side; but as Rudy T. stressed, heart has more to do with it than anything, so it's wise not to lift the crown off their heads just yet.

Injury Status for 11/29/11 - GS @ DAL
GOLDEN STATE - None
DALLAS MAVERICKS - None

[Lamrock]

In general, its illogical to deal a great SG in his prime for an SG who's past his. On Live, Carter's ratings are inflated so it works though. In real life, trading Kevin Martin for VC would be lunacy.

The team I made did things a little bit differently, going in a more cap-conscious direction - keeping the Maggette trade, but also making another and drafting a different player (Udoh is a joke). I have a feeling the Warriors repeated rebuilds may be why they've only made the playoffs once in the past 15 years.

[kibaxx7]

Biedrins did an acceptable job starting for Noah. Good luck against the Mavs!

[Axel The Great]

GL against the Mavs. I find Dirk Nowitzki a pain in the ass in video games, on the boards and on the perimeter.

[Clutch]

Lamrock - I get where you're coming from now; yeah, in the context of Live06, player contracts, ratings and other future off-season considerations the VC trade works out; incidentally, I wouldn't put K-Mart in the 'great' category myself (reserved for such studs as Wade, Kobe) but he's definitely solid;

Thierry - Beans had better be damned acceptable! He is only their RL starting center afterall… though maybe Epeee U will become the next Camby or Bill Russel and take RotY and… lol riiiight;

Ax - Dirk is definitely a handful to say the least; we did swipe Von Wafer from them though, so maybe he's the difference maker? Hahah

Incidentally, EPIC nxt game vs the world champs; unfortunately things real busy again so updates will slow up a bit :\

don't worry i'm not gonna BAT (bust a thierr)

j/k T

[kibaxx7]

I'm deliberating between "Pull a Thierry" or "bust a thierr".

[Clutch]

I'm deliberating between "Pull a Thierry" or "bust a thierr".

GRAND MASTA YOINKSTA!

[Martti.]

Or the classic 'I'm gonna Thierry this'.

[Clutch]

OT Thriller In Wild West Shootout

Nov 29, 2011 Dallas, TX (AP) - The Golden State Warriors succumbed to the world champion Dallas Mavericks in a nail-biting 135-130 overtime defeat and are now 0-2 this season in games tied at the end of regulation.

Despite the loss the Warriors can feel very good about their collective effort, considering how they refused to relent and in turn, pushed the champs to the limit.

When Dallas showed signs of an early knockout, leading Golden State by 3 after the 1st-quarter, the Warriors responded with a huge 11-0 run to knock the Mavericks back on their heels and take a 5 point lead into halftime. Joakim Noah and Anthony Randolph were huge during this 2nd-quarter surge and would finish a combined 32 points, 18 rebounds and 3 steals for the Warriors.

But momentum shifted after halftime as Dallas showcased their championship mettle, Caron Butler and Jason Kidd leading the way. The duo would spark a Mavericks comeback not only erasing Golden State's halftime lead, but pushing a 6 point Dallas advantage entering the final period. Part of their success had to do with the Warriors losing their best 1-on-1 defender, Kelenna Azubuike, during a knee-to-knee collision injury with Butler which occurred at the 4:57 mark.

Both teams had windows of opportunity to close out the match in regulation but failed:

A hobbling Azubuike returned in the 4th to bury a trey which gave the Warriors a comfortable 97-90 lead at the 4:21 mark, but Dirk Nowitzki would not be denied and single-handedly took over to give Dallas a 108-106 edge with 37.8 seconds remaining. He would finish with 22 points, 9 rebounds.


In your face - TWICE - Caron Butler!

Wincing through obvious pain, Azubuike drilled a second clutch 3-pointer with 30.1 seconds remaining to recapture the lead 109-108. Dallas was unable to convert their next possession, and the Warriors looked in control as Stephen Curry sank 2 free throws to push the lead to 3 points at the 22.3 mark.

But as champions do, seasoned-vet Jason Kidd stepped up by sinking a trey of his own at the 16.5 mark to tie the game; Curry's forced, post-timeout shot attempt was off mark and the game carried into OT.


Kidd nails one in Curry's eye to send the game into overtime

The score continued to see-saw back and forth during overtime, until a crucial moment with 24.9 remaining and the Mavericks ahead 128-125.

Jason Terry managed to cheat the passing lane and snared a errant delivery from Curry to Carter. Then "the Jet" made 1-2 free throws to give Dallas a 129-125 edge after being intentionally fouled to stop the clock. Even so, Golden State refused to go quietly.

With 15.7 left in the game, Curry drained a deep trey to shave Dallas' lead down to 1; but it would ultimately be the Warriors' last breath, as they eventually conceded to free throws and an expired game clock.


Too much Matrix for the Randolph down the stretch | "The Jet" sealed the deal on this costly Warriors turnover

"They gave us a tough game tonight, but we're all about winning tough games," said veteran forward Sean Marion who, along with Caron Butler, carried the Mavericks in the overtime period. The two led Dallas with 27 points a piece while Golden State's vintage new comer, Vince Carter, dropped a game-high 35 points as well as 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals.

"It's a tough loss, but that's why they're the champs," said Carter after the game. "Still, we can't hang our heads. Steph (Curry) had terrific night, (Anthony) Morrow was great off then bench… in all, our guys played hard and that's all you can ask." Stephen Curry finished a terrific night with 26 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds and 4 steals while Morrow tallied 13 points and an assist off the bench.

The Warriors have little time to dwell as they travel to Oklahoma City in two days, starting the final month of 2011 against one of the league's most lethal tandems in Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade.

[Andrew]

Sounds like a wild game indeed, no shame in losing to the defending champs though.

[Martti.]

OKC again? Damn.

Tough loss, Carter has become the leader of this team. Only 2 blocks for the team? I'd expect more then that.

[kibaxx7]

Nice game by VC, but both Dirk and Butler were almost perfect. Tough loss man. Good luck against Durantula and Flash.

[Axel The Great]

Nice job almost pulling an upset. Maybe it's a sign that you'll make the postseason and push teams to the limit.

[megarover]

Curry and VC seem to be a very good backcourt. Too Bad Dirk was on fire.

[Clutch]

Andrew - to quote 'Sheed, "Both teams played hard."

Martti - been seeing a lot of OKC i know; face them 1 more time this month (Dec) then i think that'll be the last of them! unless we meet in the post-season;

Thierry - didn't really realize how much dmg Butler was doing; he just had a quiet, spectacular night;

Ax - meh, "Almost" doesn't cut it but i'm hoping you're right; we stay healthy? this team has a good shot at a post-season spot;

mega - thx man; really liking the 'seasoned-veteran' presence VC's brought to the team; Dirk will be Dirk so not much to do there but try an slow the others down but didn't do a good job of it

[Clutch]

Thunder, Clippers Agree To Deal

Nov 30, 2011 Oklahoma City, OK (AP) - Just a week ago the Oklahoma City Thunder made a deal acquiring 4-year pro center Josh Boone from the New Jersey Nets. Today they brought a seasoned veteran center to their front court in the form of Brad Miller, along with rangy forward Dorell Wright from the Los Angeles Clippers, in exchange for guards Jordan Farmar and Kyle Weaver.

Now 35 and in his 14th season, Brad Miller brings a knowledgeable, experienced bigman to the Thunder who can score, defend and has exceptional passing skills, a perfect complement Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade.


Miller & Wright - the missing ingredients to a Thunderous title run?

Miller also brings an expiring 9M contract in case he doesn't work out; an ulterior motive no doubt on the minds of OKC's front office, who are well aware that Denver's bigman, Nene Hillario, becomes eligible for free agency next season.

7-year pro Dorell Wright, now 26, is a lanky, athletic small forward with solid offensive and defensive skills who should provide Durant much needed support off the bench.

The Clippers, who previously had no true point guard relief for 12-year veteran Baron Davis, hope 25 year old, 5-year pro Jordan Farmar can come in to fill the important role. Farmar, a quick, defensive-minded point guard won a title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 before signing a 3-year contract with Oklahoma City in June 2010 after LA was dethroned by the Bosoton Celtics.


Farmar & Wright expected to carry a heavy load for that other Los Angeles team

Kyle Weaver, also 25 and now in his 4th season, was necessary to the trade for salary match purposes but will unlikely see much playing time in LA behind reserves Kareem Rush, Fred Jones and the Clippers 2011 2nd-overall draft pick, rookie Vlade Petera.

[Andrew]

Seems like a decent enough deal for both sides.

[Axel The Great]

Now Baron has somebody to back him up. Pretty good deal imo.

[Martti.]

I bet Wade wanted Wright, one of his best friends after all.

[Clutch]

I bet Wade wanted Wright, one of his best friends after all.

hm, didn't even think about that but i suppose you're right thx for the comments guys

[Clutch]

Meal Ticket Magnificence Takes OKC

Dec 1, 2011 Oklahoma City, OK (AP) - Anthony "Meal Ticket" Randolph spoiled the Thunder debuts of Brad Miller and Dorell Wright as the Golden State Warriors simply overwhelmed Oklahoma City 132-121 on the road at Ford Center. The Warriors are now 3-0 vs Oklahoma City, having defeated the exalted Thunder in all three meetings so far this season.

Randolph led a relentless blitz for Golden State which saw 5 players reach double-digit scoring while they controlled the glass and second-chance opportunities by out-rebounding Oklahoma City 40-26. Randolph finished a remarkable performance with a team-high 24 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks.

"When I'm on my game like I was tonight, I feel pretty unstoppable, like I can do no wrong," said the 3-year pro.

Golden State's usual starting small forward, Kelenna Azubuike, sat out to rest a strained right calf injury and was replaced by Vince Carter who finished with 19 points and also did a tremendous job limiting Kevin Durant to 14 points.

Durant was escorted to the lockers at the 8:47 mark of the 4th-quarter after an unintentionally hard collision with Warriors bigman Sean Williams. The Warriors held a 10 point advantage at that point and Durant did not return to finish the match; however, good news from early test results indicated his injuries were not severe.

Debuting for the Thunder, center Brad Miller struggled with 5 turnovers but still managed to gather 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Meanwhile, Thunder newcomer Dorell Wright's final tally was much more promising with 22 points on 8-14 shooting off the bench in just 20 minutes of play.

All-Star Dwyane Wade carried Oklahoma City down the stretch in the absence of Durant, scoring 12 points in the final period and finished with a game-high 28 points as well as 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.

The Warriors will have three days to prepare before traveling to Memphis to rematch the upstart Grizzlies who won the first contest between the two teams early in November.


The league's most feared dynamic duo on the move | Another crafty duo starting to draw a buzz and make waves in the NBA

The Warriors big men crashed the boards hard all night for the huge rebound and second-chance opportunity advantage

Flash strikes 2 of his game-high 28 over the double-team | Carter weaves past defenders finishing with a smooth Gervinesque finger-roll

Miller is sure to file harassment charges after Noah's suffocating defense

Wright was alright in his OKC debut, and even broke out the baby sky hook over Steph Curry for 2 of his 22 points