The injury-riddled Golden State Warriors are one of the eight teams languishing below the Sixers in league-wide standings. In fact, their 16-39 mark makes them the proud owners of the league's third-worst record. The teams met in Philly earlier in the season, and the Sixer picked them apart on their way to a blowout victory. Preview and game thread after the jump.
Golden State currently has seven guys listed on their injury report, and all seven will most likely miss tonight's game. Don Nelson has been forced to trim his rotation to eight, and start a 6'8" power forward from Creighton to give him some semblance of size in the lineup.
While GSW has played some putrid basketball this season, they have been hot recently, winners in 3 of their past 5 games. The rotations, trimmed out of necessity, may have something to do with the uptick in play.
Even with their horrible record, GSW is not a team the Sixers can afford to take lightly. Their guard duo of Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry are nothing short of explosive. Curry is making a strong push in the ROY race. Ellis is using up almost 30% of his team's possessions, and kind of killing them with his 28 shots for 32 points performances.
If you take a look at the Warriors' starting lineup, you'll see some immediate areas of concern for the Sixers. Ellis is a premiere penetrator, Curry and Morrow are deadly from distance and Andris Biedrins is an excellent offensive rebounder. I'm assuming we'll see Jrue on Ellis to start the game, with Iguodala taking a turn as well. I really don't want to see Lou or Willie attempting to guard him, but I'm sure we will.
Ellis is kind of in love with his shot, and if you deny him penetration he will absolutely take the long two. He's averaging 7.2 shots/game from 16-23 feet, and converting at only 38%. Priority number one on the defensive end is staying in front of Ellis and keeping him out of the lane.
Priority number two is staying at home on both Curry and Morrow. Curry is a much more completely player, I believe, so you're going to want your second-best defender on him. Given the choice, I'd probably play Iguodala on Monta, Jrue on Curry and Green/Lou on Morrow, who probably won't hurt you too much on anything other than threes.
Priority number three on defense is securing the defensive glass. Get a body on Biedrins, watch out for Curry sneaking in for an offensive rebound as well. They're small, which means they're going to be quick. GSW plays at an insanely high pace, you have to limit them to one attempt per possession whenever possible, and hope their mediocre offensive execution coupled with their disdain for defense of any kind will do them in.
There is a key to beating a team who plays like Golden State, you can't fall into the trap of their extreme pace. By that I mean GSW doesn't value the quality of possessions, only the quantity. They look for quick shots, not good shots. They'd rather not have to defend late in the shot clock. in fact, they want you to get caught up in the flow of the game and shoot as early as possible. They win when teams attempt to match them shot for shot at an increased pace instead of running their offense and taking the extra 5 or 10 seconds to find what will undoubtedly be a better shot.
Early in the game tonight, don't pay attention to the score, pay attention to what shots the Sixers are taking and when they're taking them in the half court. If we see a lot of 20-foot jumpers with 17 or more seconds left on the shot clock, we could be in trouble.
Key to The Game: Contesting Curry, Morrow and CJ Watson at the three-point line.
If _____________ the Sixers will win: Let's go with more rebounds for Dalembert than Biedrins.
This is your game thread, the game will tip off at 10:30 and I'll be right here throughout. If you've got coffee, I suggest you drink it. It's going to be a late night.
Go warriors
Go Pistons
Come on Knicks - pull that upset
and start a 6'8" power forward from Creighton to give him some semblance of size in the lineup.
Doesn't that make nelson as happy as a pig in poo?
The funny thing is they list him as a center.
Todays philosophical game time question/debate.
Who would you rather coach the sixers Don Nelson or our current coach
love the fact that this game starts at 10:30 tonight. i just remember that lakers game last year with iguodala's buzzer beater started at 10:30 and that was the best moment of the regular season last year. i won't be sad at all if we lose tonight, but i'm rooting for a win.
Any chance with AI3 out we go big?
Jrue
AI9
Thad
Brand
Sammy
Our best 2 defenders on their two best offensive players, Ellis and Curry.
Possible??
In a world where Tony Kornheiser gets suspended for 2 weeks for commenting that hannah storm is dressed horrendously (while not even WORKING for espn at that time) - I suppose it's possible.
Seriously - Hannah Storm DOES dress horrendously
So your an expert on woman's clothing as well? Tony Kornheiser is terrible at everything he does, he is the definition of a sports clown along with Chris Russo.
If you can be an expert at facial expressions, I suppose I can be an expert at woman's clothing.
It's an opinion, he's paid to have an opinion....would they have suspended him if he mocked craig sager for dressing like he's the belle of the ball? Or any number of bad hair pieces worn by marv albert?
Not to get into behind-the-scenes gossip, but apparently the real reason Kornheiser got suspended was his comments about Chris Berman's weight. Being obviously well connected at ESPN, Berman pushed for the suspension, using the Hannah Storm comments as a convenience.
Is Chris Berman unaware that he's fat?
Wow I don't know who sucks more Tony K or Bermen?
Sixers are 1 point underdogs tonight.
We didn't go after this guy in the offseason as I hoped, so why didn't Ed sign Von Wafer to a 10 day contract if he is available, rather than trading a pick for Jodie Meeks?
I mean, Wafer was kind of established by having played in the league already. Anyone have a non-comical explanation for this? Or should I just go with my feelings on him as this just being typical Ed?
Cause why the hell would Von Wafer want to sign with the sixers when better teams with better options are available.
It's not like Meeks is burning up the minutes.
Or that they're the same player.
I'd go with - WTF cares?
Yeah, I forgot you would know all about them, considering you hadn't even heard of Meeks just last week at this time. So, sure they're the same player.
Wafer has plenty of incentive to sign with us when taking into account he couldn't get a likeable deal and had to go overseas.
And I care, because I want us to get some badly needed shooters and his 40% from three pt land last year with the Rockets sure would be welcome here.
And if you ask WTF cares, I guess you do since you responded.
Is that true, did he really not know who Meeks was?
Wafer played really well for the Rockets last year and would have been a really good addition to our bench.
Yeah I didn't know who meeks was - nor did I care that much - I don't know every player on every roster
For a guy that didn't know who he was your sure as shit had a strong opinion on him.
Nellie vs. Jordan? A grumpy, curmudgeon burnout who couldn't be a worse fit for largely a younger team against a 'offensive coach' whose team is offensively and defensively challenged.
I don't expect to see much defense in this one and it will be interesting to see how many points the Sixers can put on the board tonight. I am saying 106.
Alright, looks like I'm getting the GSW broadcast in HD, so good for me.
Jordan says he's going w/ Lou and Jrue in the back court to start. Lou should be on Morrow, IMO.
I don't understand, I have the league pass and I'm not getting it in HD tonight. I'm from North Jersey, you can't be located that far from me.
Brooklyn. I have Time Warner.
Ok that makes sence, I have direct tv
Wow, just read the beginning of this thread. Lot of love around here today. Let's try to keep it civil.
Alright, we're off.
Son of a bitch. Lou on Monta, Jrue on Curry.
Nice look AI9 to Jrue cutting down the lane. Fouled on the play.
Iguodala's on Monta now, I guess they just switched off the ball on that one possession. This is good, Lou just can't lose track of Morrow like he did on that last play.
GS announcers salivating over Jrue's defense.
Nice finish by Jrue.
3 minutes in, Brand hasn't touched the ball yet and he has Tolliver on him.
Great steal by Ellis on Iggy, also that Jrue fkiater was sweet!
Wow, Brand running the break, give-and-go with Iguodala for the +1. That was a sick feed by Iguodala.
2 fouls on Biedrins.
HA!!!!
May want to stop the ball on the break. What a fucking slam by Jrue.
Holy shittttt, I am about to rewind that about 5 times now.
Fastbreak... Brand to Iggy back to Brand, that was awesome
Jrue is a little bit on fire, huh?
The time has come to add him to my fantasy team.
That throw down slam by Jrue was with his left hand, most impressive!
He prefers his left hand on drives.
I saw this on realgm
Sixers trade: Iguodala
Warriors trade: Ellis
Memphis trades: Mayo and Thabeet
Sixers recieve:Mayo and Thabeet
Warriors recieve; Iguodala
Memphis receives: Ellis
I would 100% do that trade.
I don't mean to pull a Magee and piss on your parade, but with the trade deadline having passed any trade talk until the end of the season is just a waste of time. I do love Mayo though.
A. that trade sucks cause thabeet is stiffer than a 2 x 4 or a frat boy on Viagra
B. Mayo and Thabeet make that much money combined on rookie deals? That's just nuts
At least this time you spelled my name right you half literate
Magoo, have you seen these guys play or are you pulling a meeks on us again?
I'm assuming you haven't seen Thabeet play - or you'd know he sucks and is a stiff.
Watched him many times in college, he is as raw as you could get but he does have the potential to be a great rebounder and defender in a couple of seasons.
thabeet is a freaking stiff.
First of all, everyone cool it w/ the insults.
Second, Thabeet and Mayo will make a combined $9.2M on their rookie contracts, so this doesn't really save you any money. If you make the deal, you're essentially saying you think you're better off w/ Mayo and a backup center than you are with Iguodala. This doesn't free up cap space.
Jrue is picking this defense apart w/ his passing.
Really good start for Lou too. 8 pts, 3 dimes, 3 boards.
Was that two on Jrue?
Yes it was
Too bad the camera was focused on Ronny Turiaf running down the court instead of showing that awesome halfcourt ally hoop from Jrue to Iggy.
He went big w/ Iguodala at the two and Thad at the three for the first sub of the game. I'm assuming we'll see some of Carney tonight, we have to right?
Meeks could see some action too with Green and Iverson unavailable.
Kobe Bryant
He's good
Anyone notice that defensive board Lou just got? Speights and Thad standing right there, neither one of them feels like leaving his feet to go after the ball, luckily it just lands in Lou's hands.
damn golden states's d is worse than ours.
state's***
And that is just amazing isn't it
Eddie Jordan must love playing the Warriors. 37 points in the first quarter. Could he ask for anything more?
Very good first quarter on both ends (except that last blow-by Lou allowed). Sixers up 37-26 heading into the second.
this is about how many points we had in the 3rd quarter of that heat game not too long ago
Jrue picks up right where he left off.
..and then he turns it over.
Holiday back in with two fouls
Eie don't like Jodie?
They're making me play one rookie, no fucking way I'm playing two.
Jrue plays defense
Meeks knows how to score
Thad with the drive to his right and the dish for the dunk. Awesome.
Put sam back in please
Thad's right hand is much improved over where it was a year ago.
what a lineup eddie
speight at the 5
thad at the 4
damn Speights is playing defense. Speights IS PLAYING DEFENSE. WTF. he's hustling for loose balls too, blocking shots. where was this guy? keep him hungry.
God, this is just too easy on offense. Just run some kind of play, any kind of play and you're going to get a wide-open look.
3 players with 2 fouls and Smith/Meeks still can't get in the game...coach shortening his 'rotation' to try and keep his job?
Smith is hurt, unavailable. The bench is really thin tonight. Too bad they traded Primoz :)
Elton Brand 2 fouls
SPeights 2 fouls
Sam 1
Joran knows he's allowed to play him in the second quarter right?
tolliver hitting a deep 3. LOL
Jordan's completely jealous right now, he sees GSW playing the way he wishes he could get his roster full of losers to play.
Carney is getting hot, he better watch out because playing like this will get his ass glued to the bench in the 2nd half.
take carney out please
Sammy's been out for about 10 minutes now, and they've gone super small with AI9 at the four instead of bringing him back in.
He did play the entire first court and picked up a foul can't allow him to get two
Nice pick by Brand on Jrue. Curry heating up a little.
jrue has steph in check huh?
4 pts on 2/6 shooting.
Steph scored 6 quick ones, and it was kind of weird.
First hoop, Jrue blocked his shot, it bounced back to SC, he hit an 18-footer.
Second play, Brand picked off Jrue, no idea how or why, SC hit a layup.
Third play, SC cycled through the lane at the foul line, Carney picked him up for a second, then just left him. He hit a shot from the elbow.
Don't want to let him get in a groove.
Nothing but jumpers.
i am excited for the "who can put out a crazier lineup" contest that jordan and nelson will have. i bet we see some jodie meeks at center tonight.
Haha so true.
Iguodala heating up.
Monta has 4 fouls in the first half.
Iggy is dealing right now
who fucked with thad's shot? it never used to be this bad was it ayers?
Yeah, according to Thad it was. It wasn't enough for Ayers to fuck up the defense, he had to fuck up Thad's jumper as well.
Yes sir it was
Lou with a pretty find of Thad under the hoop.
I hate Mark McGwire, but i hate ESPN knobbing him even more
Wait, you hate someone?
Sorry couldn't help it.
lol, what espn should be taling about is teh Kei Igawa bullpen era has begun. JK, what a waste of money.
OK, up by 18 at the half against a clearly inferior team. If you think this one's over, the Sixers have blown leads like this several times this season, once against an even worse Timberwolves team.
Anyway, strong first half, so let's try to focus on that.
History indicates the sixers can't maintain a 54% FG% and that they'll fall in love with the 3 in after a 'strong' first half from the 3 (6-9) and think they can actually shoot them consistently.
The sixers were still pretty weak on the defensive glass, if GSW can figure out how to find the basket this game could get close...
tell you what; wanna feel good about yourself, just play the Warriors!
pathetic.
at least i got to see Speights in his best blue collar imitation.
Speights cracks me up. 7 minutes, 6 shots. He did grab 5 boards, though.
Brian what do we do with this guy? Can we ever count on him to be a starter down the road? I say trade him for either a SG or Sammy's replacement at center.
I'd be fine with trading him, I just wish he wasn't being exposed this season and he could make to the offseason with value around the league.
Can't count on anyone who doesn't commit to getting better, be it Speights, Sam or Thaddeus Young.
It's a roster full of mediocre at best - thank god Stefanski did nothing to even try to make long term improvements
Is it sad that I have more faith in our 6'3" pg to box our turiaf that two guys our coach regularly plays at PF (Young and Speights)?
Heck, I probably have more faith in Holiday boxing out Turiaf than Dalembert, although Dalembert may overcome that and still get the rebound.
Ah, Sammy's hands :)
That trip down the court was an adventure.
I'm kind of shocked this lead is still at 20, terrible hoops being played.
Jrue's defense is disgusting. And I mean that in a good way.
Every time Jrue makes a defensive play Eddie takes him out.
How else are you going to teach him that defense doesn't matter?
Pretty baseline drive by Jrue.
And another one!
Iguodala's having problems keeping Monta out of the lane.
Ellis just picked up his fifth foul.
jrue is killing it on d...good time to bench him
Anyone have a guess as to why Jrue got pulled there?
Letting Ellis play with 17 minutes left and 5 fouls?
Intentionally tanking?
Maybe. I wish he'd take him out, those shoes are distracting.
Lou has a legit shot at a triple double. 15, 7 and 7.
I don't know how Warriors fans (are there any left?) put up with Nellie.
Settling for jumpers here. Shouldn't happen against GS.
You know what, I like these Golden State announcers.
That was a miserable quarter for the Sixers, only lost 2 points off the lead, though.
90-73 heading into the fourth.
Lou should be back in the game for Carney at this point. Can't believe I just said that, but it's the truth.
i hope golden state comes back, i just want an exciting finish
I believe it's coming.
1/10 from the floor so far in the fourth. Now might be a good time to go to EB in the post.
Or just have Carney jack up another three.
Jrue is yelling at Lou that he doesn't need help with Curry. Lou left Morrow in the corner for a wide-open three.
Is that a guess or can you read his lips?
Can't read lips but it seemed pretty clear to me.
10 points.
Not sure what brace face is smiling about.
7.
Someone please stick with Morrow. If Lou can't do it, switch the matchup.
yeeeaaahhhhh golden state!!!!
4.
Big hoop from Iguodala there.
4 point game.
I'm honestly ecstatic.
Jrue had a hand right in Curry's face. Sometimes shot's actually do just go in (although not as often as EJ says). 3 point game.
3.
Jrue was in Curry's jock when he hit that three.
Big drive by Lou. Back to 5.
call a fucking time out dumbshit wtf is wrong with jordan
3. Thad wound up on Curry there.
Big three by Lou.
Back to 6.
damn dude steph curry is a monster when he's on
He's a stud.
Wow, huge +1 for Lou.
Brand has missed every shot this quarter.
How did Jrue grade as an athlete in the predraft workouts? I thought he was supposed to be average, but he looks like a lot more than that on the floor. He skied for that board, just wish he grabbed it.
I thought he was going to hammer it for a second.
Mediocre leaping, great agility, great length.
Keep in mind he has to jump significantly less than a guy like Louis Williams to get the same height.
http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/?page=&year=2009&sort2=DESC&draft=0&pos=0&sort=
Big jumper by Mr. Unclutch.
Lou has had a great Offensive game but he is almost blowing this game on defense.
even if we end up winning which is what it looks like is gonna happen, it's still absolutely pathetic we let this awful team come back within like 4 minutes. surprisingly this isn't even close to the first time i've said that before though
Thad at the five for defense.
3-point game.
haha maybe i spoke too soon these fuckers don't stop taking 3's
Morrow can fucking shoot.
Wow. What a fucking dagger by Lou.
Up six with 14.5 left.
damn lou has been good tonight
110-102 is your final. No question about player of the game tonight.
congrats guys you were up by 24 and had to outplay one of the worst teams in the league in the final minutes..you should all really be proud of yourselves. this was actually a fun game to watch though
Largely no defense but still a pretty entertaining game. Wish we had seen this Holiday/Williams back court from the get go. Iverson just was a distraction this season and took minutes from them and didn't have much of an impact on the court.