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NBA Loud - by Travis

Golden State Warriors - NBA Loud

The 2008 NBA Draft

July 1st 2008 03:49
I’d like to post about the previously finished NBA Draft. A lot of trades were completed/proposed making this years draft exciting and noteworthy. In this first post I will be going through the top five picks and thereafter with updates and all you need to know up to the minute stats and transactions.

Let’s get this post draft analysis going with the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls DERRICK ROSE. Rose out of Memphis has a solid NBA body and can take the punishment as a player in the paint. He will mold himself into whatever type of player his team needs him to be as evident by the video below. He is one of the most ready-type players to enter the league. A truly solid addition to any team, kind of makes me think of the miss of Jay Williams. In which whom the Bulls took as the savior type PG years ago before he had his motorcycle accident stifling his promising career. With this pick Chicago puts themselves back into contention for a playoff spot in the East.


Derrick Rose #1 NBA Pick 2008
This video shows how Rose can affect the game as he will become a solid NBA-PG.




# 2
Michael Beasley #2 NBA Pick 2008
Undoubtedly the Miami Heat selected MICHAEL BEASLEY out of Kansas State. This PF needs no introduction to basketball fans as his huge wingspan makes up for any negativity about his height at the four spot. One of the perfect teams for Beasley to go to, I think his character issues would only become apparent if he were to have to battle with a solid proven veteran for his starting spot. He will be going in battling Udonis Haslem who has seen his stock drop as he needs to create more of his own offence. The heat I am sure are not finished in tweaking their team for the 08/09 season. Marion though will alleviate any concerns of the rookie being overmatched down-low as he is almost like an extra PF out there sometimes with his rebounding efforts and hustle in trying to make the right plays.





# 3
OJ Mayo #3 NBA Pick 2008
Minnesota at the third spot went with OJ MAYO, who I have seen and been hearing about for a good number of years. Mayo will be a solid two as at 6’4” 200lbs he is limited in selected positions, but this guy is just a born scorer and if he ends up in Grizz-town, look for him to team up with Rudy Gay as Mike Miller was moved with Memphis making the choice to let him go after he admittedly carried the Grizzlies last season at times. In return Minnesota looks to get #5 Kevin Love. I am in love with this deal as the T-Wolves send Antoine Walker also to MEM. Minnesota gets the scoring they desperately need and character guys, to build around. I know what fans may be thinking and no this isn’t the second coming of Wally World, Mike Miller is a gamer playing all three spots from 1-3 for the Grizz and did whatever was asked, as he became a versatile and proven scorer, unlike streaky Szczerbiak.





# 4
Russell Westbrook #4 NBA Pick 2008
Russell Westbrook a surprise at number four as the top three had virtually been decided weeks beforehand. Westbrook though an unexpected pick is an explosive guard that will do well in this league especially when Seattle gets all the parts and can continuously run up and down with Durant and Green. The Sonics clearly want a guard that can break down the D and get up and down the court at breakneck speeds. They have found that guy with Westbrook. People want to compare him to NBA champion Rajon Rondo and maybe Monta Ellis, he is long and skinny and extremely athletic, time will tell if he can make the right passes for a long career with Durant by his side.




# 5
Kevin Love #5 NBA Pick 2008
Care of NBADraft.net
Memphis picks Kevin Love at the number five spot and in turn will be sending him to Minnesota in the deal outlined in the third pick paragraph. Love is solid, not an athlete like the Grizz love at the four spot, but the T-Wolves just need ballers in which Kevin is for sure. Down-low he will be helped by Al Jefferson for sure on defense. Also he will have a great passer in Mike Miller to get the ball to him in good spots. I like Kevin Love on a solid team a rebuilding team he may flourish or sink as he’ll need to create his own offence and may struggle with the speed of the NBA at first.
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The Year of the Head Coach

May 3rd 2008 20:01
This season/postseason has seen some of the most prominent head coaching drama I have ever witnessed during my years as a basketball fan. We may have more head coaches changing teams than players this offseason. Regardless, it should turn out to be an interesting flow of events.

Isiah Thomas
A few weeks back, Isiah Thomas was booted as the Knicks' head coach, and rather violently too if you ask me. It was expected, but the drama surrounding it wasn't. He was kept in the organization as a personal adviser (with no authority) and is banned from having ANY contact with the Knicks' players. Couldn't really get anymore embarrassing, could it? We've been hearing whispers about Marc Jackson taking over the vacant coaching job, but there hasn't been much to report on that front.


We've also got Don Nelson, who's taking his sweet time deciding whether or not he wants to remain as Golden State's head coach. This really shouldn't be a story... a coach should take a few days to decide this stuff, but Nelson wants a month or two to decide. Golden State doesn't want to lose him, so for now, they are abiding by Nellie's "rules". Dallas is also going after Nellie, but I guess he wants them to wait on him as well, which they probably won't do. Did I mention that Nellie's son is the GM and President of the Mavs? Small world, isn't it?

Avery Johnson
Why is Dallas interested in Don Nelson? Because they fired former Coach of the Year, Avery Johnson. He got them to the Finals a few years ago and that didn't go too well. He got them 67 regular season wins the next season and was dropped in the first round by Nellie's Warriors. This past season, they got the seventh seed in the playoffs and got handled by the Hornets. I agreed with this firing. I don't know how good Avery is as a coach because he's been blessed with a solid team his entire career. He may be a good coach, maybe even great, but one thing I do know is that he is being out coached in the playoffs. They shouldn't have lost to GS last season and they should have put up more of a fight this season. Maybe he can go to Chi-town or the Knicks... I hear they're hiring.

Former Indiana coach Rick Carlisle seems to be the top candidate for the Dallas job. He's already completed one interview and word on the street is that he's going in for a second. I guess we'll see if he can do something with this Dallas squad. Maybe they just need a change of scenery and someone new to call the shots. He has a decent resume, so I think he'll excel if given a solid roster to work with.

Cuban is also interested in Phoenix head coach Mike D'antoni. D'antoni is expected to be relieved of his duty as Phoenix's bench boss, but we've heard nothing confirming this. Phoenix has been a top team in the West for the past four seasons but have failed to make anything happen during that time. Management probably isn't too happy because their Hall of Fame PG and big man are getting old, which will leave Amare all alone in the upcoming years.

In addition to the major things, a few other teams have made coaching changes/decisions. Pat Riley of the Miami Heat resigned as head coach and gave the job to former assistant coach Erik Spoelstra. Chicago got rid of Scott Skiles and then he went running to the Bucks organization and is now their new head coach. Larry Brown took over the head job in Charlotte, which is a decision I did not agree with. Its been a big postseason thus far for many reasons; can't wait to see how the rest of the year unfolds.
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Baron Davis Snubbed from the All-Star Game!

February 1st 2008 11:22
Let’s begin with a mourning period to the end of a stellar run of All-Star Game appearances for Shaquille O’Neal. A minutes silence please.

Done.

After 14 straight All-Star selections for the Daddy, the most entertaining personality in the
Baron Davis.
B. Dizzle is feeling the pain of being left out of the All-Star Game. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA will only be in New Orleans as a peripheral piece, rather than a central player. Make no mistake, the term “peripheral” is relative when we’re talking about a man with such immense size and personality – he’ll just be missed in the actual, factual game.

There is a case to be made that Shaq should have been voted in today as a reserve by the coaches due to the sheer body of work of the man. Alas, the coaches and fans have moved on, leaving an aging warrior behind.

So, no more crazy 3-point attempts or dancing with Dwight Howard. Shaq Fu will just probably play host to one of the hottest All-Star Weekend parties instead.

As the old makes way for the new, there are many exciting young talents participating in their first All-Star Game with Chris Paul and his teammate, David West, leading the way with a pair of hometown choices for the fans to cheer on. Joining the pair of young Hornets on the Western Conference bench is fellow first time participant, Brandon Roy.

The Phoenix Suns also have a duo of bench players in the game: Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire – come on down! Nash’s best mate, Dirk Nowitzki will also be involved in the fun and games. Last but not least, Carlos Boozer from the Utah Jazz rounds off a stellar cast from the Westside.

Moving to the eastern side of the American seaboard, we see two of Boston’s ‘Big 3’ in New Orleans, with Ray Allen the only Celtic star missing. Sticking with the theme that a duo from the same squad are rocking it out for the east are teammates, Rip Hamilton and Chauncey Billups from the Pistons, along with Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison from the Wizards who’ll be the representatives from their squads.

Joe Johnson from the Hawks, and Chris Bosh of the Raptors are the ones without fellow teammates to lean on.

Now, let’s get to the juiciest part of this post: All-Star snubs!

The player that should have the biggest beef about being left out is Baron Davis. Yes, he is the most favourite player in the NBA for this writer, but his exclusion from the mid-season classic is inexcusable. Even an objective observer will come to the same conclusion.

B. Dizzle is 13th in scoring, seventh in assists and second in steals, whilst leading a top contender. He is arguably the best point guard on earth when he is on, but he won’t be there in New Orleans. And there is the crux of the situation. The game is in the Big Easy.

Davis’ participation in the All-Star Game this year was always going to be slim with the Nawlins locale because of his shady history with the franchise there. The Baron left the franchise in less than a graceful manner, and he is paying for it this season. Karma is a bitch.

Baron is just one of many players that are worthy, but won’t be showing. Players such as Marcus Camby, Josh Howard, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Chris Kaman and Shawn Marion are just a few of the players that should be hurt by being slighted.

Still, it is the Baron who has the biggest beef.

Today’s video is a refresher of why B. Diddy should be in New Orleans.


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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Golden State Warriors
   


When B. Dizzle Met The Logo.

January 19th 2008 09:39
Baron Davis dropped it like it’s hot today against the Chicago Bulls. Golden States’ floor general matched his career high of 40 points at the United Center, on the same court where a certain Michael Jordan used to go on scoring binges.

It was a content B. Dizzle out there on court today with G-State. However, the Baron almost wasn’t going to wear a smile this season, but rather a scowl. Allow this writer to explain.

Before the season began, B. Diddy was rehabbing a shoulder injury. One could say Davis
Baron Davis.
Baron Davis does his imitation of the NBA logo. (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
had a metaphoric chip as well, rather than a literal one. Davis was taking care of his shoulder in Los Angeles when he spotted former Laker legend, and the NBA logo himself, Jerry West. Now, the two had never met before but Davis knew who the Logo was and he was star struck.

"I was nervous," Davis said. "I was real nervous. There he is, here's an opportunity to finally have a conversation with the man." (Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 2008)

B. Dizzle introduced himself and laid on the normal platitudes. Davis was familiar with the career of ‘Mr. Clutch’ and all his amazing accomplishments. They conversed for awhile and became extremely close in the upcoming weeks during their mutual rehabilitation workouts.

Discussions centred on life and, naturally, basketball, with Davis seeking West’s counsel, and the Laker legend obliging. Baron wanted a contract extension and was going to demand the team acquiesce to his demands, or he’d be an unhappy camper, and then walk away from Golden State after he fulfilled his obligations. Potentially killing a talented, yet fragile squad.

The Warriors superstar expected a sympathetic ear from the icon because he too, went through contractual squabbles as a player. However, the reputation of Jerry West as a mythical figure in the league didn’t come about because he was a softie. The Logo informed Davis that he thought his approach would be a bad idea, giving the youngster a lesson in basketball politics.

West told Davis he was in the perfect situation in every conceivable way, and that voicing his dissent would alienate the organisation, and soil his reputation as well.

Professional athletes are usually surrounded by ‘yes’ men and leaches, so Davis was naturally taken aback by the Logo’s advice.

"He never told me what I wanted to hear," Davis said. "He always told me what was right. It was a satisfying feeling to not hear somebody sugarcoat something. ... Sometimes when you're (famous), or you're the star player on a team, a lot of people don't want to put a dent in your ego. ... Constructive criticism for me is a must and a need. That's why I think I have been able to play so well under coach Nellie, because he's like that.

"Mr. West in the summer, it was just incredible, because not only did he tell me what was right, he gave me pointers on how to be a better leader, how to be a better player, everything from making moves to just talking about the game." (Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 2008)

What has become of B. Diddy and the Warriors since last summer? The team is playing cohesive and jaw dropping basketball, while Davis should be the first All-Star for the franchise in 11 years.

Today’s video is of B. Dizzle. Aight!


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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Golden State Warriors
   


New Years Eve NBA Games Sets Off Some Fireworks.

January 1st 2008 12:04
Hedo Turkoglu game winning shot against the Chicago Bulls.
Hedo Turkoglu...shoots...he scores! Game over! (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)


We here at NBALOUD wish all of our wonderful readers a Happy New Year and hope that with a fresh 365 days upon us that it’ll be prosperous and righteous. Although, it’s the eve of a fresh year, doesn’t mean that pro-hoopsters get a night off. Well, they do, but a lot of players still have to put on their safety hats and get to work during the afternoon. Afterwards it’ll be Cristal and groupies.

Let’s begin with MVP candidate, Dwight Howard whose Orlando Magic played an exciting game against the Chicago Bulls. Although, Howard might be getting all the MVP love, Hedo Turkoglu his teammate is also quietly putting together an all-star calibre season.

Hedo actually had a game that was marred by turnovers and poor decision making, but he came good when the Magic needed him the most – crunch time. With 0.7 seconds left in the overtime period, Turkoglu hit a fadeaway jump shot over defensive beast, Ben Wallace to seal the game for Orlando. Well, done big fella. We can bet he’ll have a rocking new year.

Speaking of Ben Wallace, his old team the Detroit Pistons battled the Milwaukee Bucks and slaughtered them 114-69. This was massacre of epic proportions. Kind of like the Brazilian national football team playing against the Solomon Islands.

It was Detroit’s biggest victory win since 2003 when they crunched the pre-Garnett Celtics by 52 points. The ‘D’ is looking threatening for the Eastern Conference title.

Performance of the Day.

Have you our wise and wonderful readers seen the Golden State Warriors play yet? Well, if you haven’t do it now! Do it, because it’ll enliven your lives. Seriously, this writer was once blind, but now can see due to watching the Warriors play. Oops, the scam is up, but the team from G-State are gold.

The Warriors, who aren’t from Coney Island, took out Houston, 112-95. What was most impressive about this victory was Warriors coach, Don Nelson actually got tossed out of the game in the second quarter for arguing against the refs.

Luckily, for G-State, Baron Davis took control of the game scoring 23 points and dishing off seven dimes. It was a masterful display of dominant basketball.

Today’s video is of the top 10 dunks for 2007! Some righteous jams here.


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B-Dizzle, Sizzles for G-State!

December 15th 2007 09:14
Boston is once again an intimidating place for opposing teams to visit, as the Celtics remain unbeaten at home. The latest victims of a Beantown beatdown were the Milwaukee Bucks who lost to the Celts, 104-82.

Paul Pierce scored a season high 32 points, with Kevin Garnett adding a lazy 15 points, whilst grabbing seven rebounds. Boston’s star trio was missing Ray Allen with an ankle injury, but it
Kevin Durant dunk.
Sorry, Chris Wilcox, your performance was grand, but Kevin Durant photos brings in the hits. (Photo by Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE via Getty Images)
didn’t matter, the Celtics still rule their roost.

The 12-0 unbeaten stretch matches the team’s second best start to the season at home, and who is going to bet against them on continuing this streak?

Ah, it looks like the young Seattle Supersonics is getting their act together with another win. This time it was the hapless Minnesota Timberwolves who fell on the Sonics sword, 99-88.

Seattle got a balanced effort from a number of their players with Chris Wilcox leading the pack scoring 19 points and snatching 11 rebounds. Veteran Sonics player, Kurt Thomas used all his experience adding a further 18. Kevin Durant, Luke Ridnour and Damien Wilkins all hit double digits also. Well, done guys.

Oh, guess what? The Sonics have a little winning streak on the road going on with their second win in a row.

LeBron James and Kevin Garnett may be leading the MVP talk, but don’t count out Orlando’s, Dwight Howard, whose Magic team took out the Charlotte Bobcats, 103-87.

Dwight Howard had another mammoth game with 33 points and 18 boards, while sending a shiver down the collective spines of his Charlotte opponents. Howard was so nasty that he made Darth Vader look like Ned Flanders. True, all the Bobcat players started adding ‘diddly’ to everything they said because of Howard.

Adding more flavour to the Howard ice-cream, the big man for Orlando recorded his 20th double-double, leading the league in this statistic. Want more numbers associated with Dwight? You should include four blocks as well for the night.

Performance of the Day.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the best arena to watch basketball in the NBA is in Oakland. Not only is O-Town an awesome basketball city, but the Golden State Warriors play the most exciting style of ball in the league, and their fans are loud as a Motorhead concert. The way the Warriors ball, makes the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain look organised!

Today the Los Angeles Lakers rolled into town with a swagger because they have pwned the Warriors of late. However, things were about to change today with G-State pipping the Lake Show, 108-106.

Los Angeles dominated the first half of the game, but the home team came roaring back with a vengeance in the third on the backs of Al Harrington and Monta Ellis. G-State’s star, Baron Davis was a non-factor in the third because he had five fouls, so he had to sit out till crunch time.

However, when the fourth quarter rolled around, the Baron came to life hitting the decisive 3-point basket with 16 seconds to play in the game. It was an exciting and breathtaking performance from B-Dizzle. Take a bow, champ!

Today’s video displays Baron to full effect. Word!
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Golden State are so Hot, they Make the Scoreboard Catch Fire.

December 3rd 2007 11:42
Seattle scoreboard on fire.
The G-State Warriors light up the scoreboard, literally. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)


The marquee match-up between the two leading lights of the Eastern Conference didn’t turn out the way many would expect for such a big game. Firstly, LeBron James was still missing through injury. Also, a mid-afternoon start saw both a listless Boston crowd and Celtics performance combine for one unappealing package. In an uninspired game the Celts beat the Cavs, 80-70.

Ray Allen paced Boston with 20 points, but Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce each scored under 10 points! It must be stated that it is a very impressive effort that the Celtics still won with two of the big three firing blanks. On the flipside, this also illustrates how desperately the Cavs need King James in uniform as well.

Boston remains undefeated at home this season, thus far, and has notched up their 14th win as well. Why would this seemingly benign stat be of any importance? Well, it took their 56th game last season to win their 14th game. What also must be remembered is that there are 82 games in an NBA season. So it took over half of the basketball year to reach the milestone they have notched up so quickly this time around.

Last year’s team would also have been blown away by a LeBron-less Cavs. How times have changed.

Backcourt running mates, Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups both blew up for the Detroit Pistons, scoring a combined 37 points on 12-of-19 shooting. When the two Piston all-stars are playing such good ball, they don’t usually lose, and today was no exception as they crushed the New Jersey Nets, 118-95.

Both Hamilton and Billups have been hampered by injuries in the first month of this season and it has been a rare sight for the two guards of the ‘D’ to play such beautiful basketball. Unfortunately, for the Nets they combined wonderfully today.

"It's fun to play like this," said Billups. "We're moving the ball well, and that's the key for us."
Dr. Claw
Like, Dr. Claw in relation to Inspector Gadget, the Nets will be seeking revenge on the 'D' next time they meet. (Image from wikipedia)
(AP, 2007)

New Jersey’s triple-threat also played inspired basketball, but the Pistons proved to be far too kick ass on this occasion. In the words of Dr. Claw: “We’ll get you next time, Detroit. Next time!”

Speaking of teams that got their behinds handed to them on a platter, the struggling Miami Heat was annihilated by the Denver Nuggets, 115-89.

Any semblance of a contest was thrown out the window when Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin and Allen Iverson did whatever they pleased to the Heat. To make matters worse for Miami, Shaquille O’Neal had a season-low six points.

Shaq scoring six points was once unimaginable. Now, the nastiest baller on the planet isn’t as frightening as he once was.

Performance of the Day.

In a rarity for the prestigious NBALOUD performer of the day, we’re handing out this plaudit to the whole Golden State Warrior team! Not only did they utterly humiliate the Seattle Supersonics 109-96 in their home. G-State was so hot, that they literally made the scoreboard catch on fire!

How many teams can boast that? Well, the Warriors probably can’t be held accountable for a spotlight on the main scoreboard lighting up, but their hot performance may as well contributed to the maiming of the scoreboard.

Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington led the way for the Warriors with 20 points apiece. Whilst, Baron Davis chipped in with a solid 14 point, eight rebound and nine assist performance.

Carmelo Anthony would probably have gotten the performance of the day nod if the Seattle scoreboard didn’t light up like a firecracker during Chinese New Year. However, to make amends to ‘Melo, today’s video is of his ad for the Air Jordan kicks he rocks.


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B-Dizzle is the Shizzle and Starbury is Less Shizzle than Usual!

November 27th 2007 09:14
News Flash: Stephon Marbury is actually playing great basketball!
Stephon Marbury layup.
Deron Williams looks as shocked as the rest of us that Stephon Marbury played well today. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Whoa, has this world gone topsy-turvy? Should we expect the President of the United States to sign the Kyoto Protocol now and embrace same sex marriage? Anything can happen now that Starbury is actually once again a semi-decent basketball player.

The New York Knicks and the Utah Jazz faced off against each other and the team from Gotham sent shockwaves throughout the league by beating off the squad from Salt Lake, 113-109. Who would have thought a franchise that is the epitome of dysfunction, overcome a solid Jazz team? And, Marbury led the way too with 28 points and six assists.

However, it wasn’t all Starbury, with fellow Knick, Zach Randolph also kicking ass with 25 points and 14 assists. If things continue along in this manner the Knicks are in danger of becoming mediocre!

In another shock result, the Washington Wizards, sans, Gilbert Arenas, actually beat the Dallas Mavericks! Holy, cardiac arrest, Batman! What on earth is with these supposedly inferior teams beating their more storied rivals?

Washington’s other two all-stars, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler filled the void left by the missing Gilbert Arenas, scoring 27 and 35 points respectively. Butler was on fire to such an extent that he made all of his 3-point attempts.

Dallas also suffered their first home loss to at the hands of Washington. Respect.

Keeping up with the upset theme, the Sacramento Kings smacked the San Antonio Spurs, 112-99.

Baron Davis makes an assist.
Le Baron shoots down the Suns. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
It was former Spur, Beno Udrih who stole the show pwning his former teammates with a superb 27 point performance, whilst locking down, Tony Parker to boot.

Ron Artest also continued with his good play of late scoring 20, with Brad Miller adding a further 17 points, 10 boards and seven dimes.

But it was all about, Beno.

Performance of the Day.

Ah, we’ve now left the best upset to last – Golden State beating Phoenix, 129-114. This was a great game! High scoring and high octane.

Monta Ellis for the Warriors was on fire in the fourth when he scored 15 consecutive points, with Stephen ‘Action’ Jackson joining in the festivities scoring a season high 32.

However, it was Baron Davis who was the performer of the day with 28 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Better yet, he had to face-off against Steve Nash and although the plucky Canadian got his, B-Dizzle was the shizzle.

Today’s clip is a highlight reel from all of the aforementioned upsets. The best part of this video is that it is hot off the presses!
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Baron Davis vs Deron Williams

May 8th 2007 23:22
After the incredible upset of the Dallas Mavericks every basketball fan has wondered, what's next for the Warriors and Baron Davis? Can Baron Davis lead his Warriors to yet another upset and take down the bigger, stronger Utah Jazz?

Game one, the stage is set for another historic run by the Golden State Warriors, but there are two Jazz players that are thinking otherwise, rebounding monster Carlos Boozer and point guard phenom Deron Williams. Who ever wins the point guard battle will take the series in this matchup, not to say Boozer can't pick up the slack, but I believe if they stop Williams, they stop the Jazz. Williams gave the Warriors and Baron Davis a run for their money scoring a game high 31 points and 8 assists, Baron Davis has his work cut out for him this time, Davis had a team high 24 points and 7 assists, which is a pretty close in comparision stats wise between these two points guards, but the final score says it all, Utah Jazz took game one 116-112. Utah sealed the deal with put back score from the leading rebounder of the night Carlos Boozer, he finished with 17 points and 20 rebounds, 10 offensive boards I might add.

This will definetly be a competitive series, maybe not as exciting as the Dallas Mavericks series, but definetly the most compelling of all the matchups, not to mention the best one on one matchup with Williams and Davis. Deron Williams has virtually come out of nowhere this year, averaging 9.3 assists(just above Jason Kidd at 9.2) and 16 points per game during the regular season, devastating defenses with scoring and passing ability, taking us back to the days of John Stockton and Karl Malone with his forward/center in Carlos Boozer. Williams has proved that he is part the NBA's elite at the point guard position with only Steve Nash having more assists a game with 11.6. Baron Davis on the other hand is not far off Williams' season averages with 8.1 assists per game and 20.1 points a game. Davis is on a mission with something to prove and he is ready to showcase his skills as he did against the Dallas Mavericks, so I wouldn't be surprised to see this series go to 7 games and another playoff series classic to remember. In fact I'm counting on it.

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We Believe in the Golden State Warriors!

May 4th 2007 12:31
Baron Davis and Ron Artest.
Er, Baron, you shouldn't be letting Ron Artest anywhere near your locker just in case he kills your karma. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)


Shocking. That’s all that can be said after the Golden State Warriors saw off the number one seed Dallas Mavericks, 111-86. Goodbye Texas tea, hello yellow brick road!

It was only a year ago that Dirk Nowitzki and his Mavs reached the NBA Finals and were two games short from winning a thirst quenching title. A championship seems as remote as ever now with the evidence on display from this humiliating first round performance.

This was an upset of not only historical proportions, it was also a stark contrast of two teams and players. We saw a run-and-gun athletic machine beat a defensive, regular season juggernaut. This first round match-up also witnessed a meltdown of epic proportions from a MVP candidate in Dirk Nowitzki, while the Warriors’ Baron Davis reaffirmed his status as the gun point man in the world. Yes, you read correctly B. Diddy is the shit!

The loneliest guy in Texas tonight would have to be the Big Sauerkraut who had a meek performance when it should have been his time to take the game by the scruff off the neck and carry his team on his Germanic shoulders. Instead what we got was an eight point performance on 2-for-13 shooting. Questions were asked before about the mental and intestinal fortitude of Dirk Diggler and you can certainly bet that he is going to be taking a mammoth hiding from the press until he wins a championship.

How did it go pear shaped for a team that had a historical regular season run? Dallas had won a league leading best 67 wins and was expected to challenge for the title. They looked good and hungry for the championship that they believed was rightfully theirs.

Step up Baron Davis and the no fear Golden State Warriors who ran them off the court.

Want some perspective on how big of an upset this was? Dallas became only the 12th team in NBA history to win at least 65 games with 10 of the other 11 winning NBA titles. Number
Snoop Dogg watching Golden State.
Even Snoop believes. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
eight seeds aren’t meant to beat number one seeds in a seven game series – than again 67 win teams shouldn’t lose to a squad that only got to the playoffs on the very last day of the season.

So, far we’ve discussed what went wrong for the Mavs, but really, we should be analysing what went right with the Warriors! It begins with Baron Davis who had a heroic series playing some of the most mind blowing basketball one could ever witness.

People forgot that B. Dizzle when healthy and fit is a point guard extraordinaire – he’s strong, skilful, fast and soulful. It’s just people erased all of the good things that Davis can do on the basketball court due to his chequered history. During his tenure with the Hornets he was a poisonous presence that ran the franchise to the ground, while his body began to fail him.

Shipped off to Golden State he was met with more frustration until coach Don Nelson came in and urged B. Diddy to be a leader, whilst running a system that would utilise his immense gifts. We’ve seen the results today.

This leads us to Don Nelson who must be savouring this victory more than anyone else in the Golden State squad. It could not have been scripted better for the coaching guru – scoring a shock win against his old squad, outfoxing his protégé, while getting some sweet revenge
Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk proving that the number one is indeed the loneliest number. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
against Mavs owner Mark Cuban who he has a strained relationship with to put it mildly.

Nellie must be loving it! However, he would be stung a little in that his former superstar player who he has a close relationship with suffered a mental disintegration that was witness by the world. That may have sucked a little.

Another G. State player that revived his fortunes was the volatile Stephen “so much action” Jackson who played some blistering basketball including a perfect 7-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc in today’s game. He stepped it up when le Baron was hobbled by a hamstring injury. Still, Davis’ one legged performance was better than Dirk’s atrocious outing today. However, we digress, Stephen Jackson was a gun and in the good way.

Finally, the fans in Oakland who were sublime in their support for their team which helped their team walk all over Dallas. After so many years of frustration the Warriors nation let out a primal scream that reverberated around the globe. The G. State public are without a shadow of the doubt the best fans to ever support a team during the playoffs. Don’t believe me? Try watching a Warriors game and you’ll see for yourself what it feels like to have 20, 000 people stand, yell, cheer and holler for a full 48 minutes and beyond.

NBALOUD now believes in the Warriors too!

Today’ clip is of course of the aforementioned game. Watch it and observe some goose bump inducing basketball scenes.


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