Rose's Late Basket Lifts Bulls to Rare Win vs Golden State

Derrick Rose had quite a night. He made the game-winning shot with 7 seconds left to defeat Golden State, in OT, 113-111. He scored 30 points and oh, the by way, had a career high of 11 turnovers.  He was very good, and not so good. And, the very good Rose came through at the right time.  His step back jumper on tired legs swished through the net to give the Bulls a 113 - 111 lead in OT.

Golden State had the last shot but they missed and the Bulls walked away winners of a big game.  This win stopped the Warriors 19 home game winning streak. Golden State has only lost (21-2) two games at the their home court this season.  The Warriors are now 14-1 versus Eastern Conference teams, the Bulls being the only team to win in Oakland.

"Anybody can get momentum or anybody can get the feeling you can beat anybody when beat a team like them," said Rose.

He had a 13-30 shooting night, but hung in there and scored key baskets all night. Plus he did a great defensive job on ace Stephen Curry, one of the premiere point guards in the NBA.

Curry had 21 points but shot only 9-23, and 4-10 from three-point land. Klay Thompson had 30 points for Golden State. The Warriors missed all 13 of their 3 point shots in the 2nd half and OT, and this helped the Bulls win.

Chicago missed Jimmy Butler, out with an illness. Golden State did not have starter Andrew Bogut. Pau Gasol scored 18 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, one of the double-double leaders in the NBA.  Joakim Noah had a strong game, coming back from an ankle injury with 18 ponts and 15 boards. The bench also played well with Niko Mirotic scoring 12 points, Taj Gibson playing his usual strong game with 10 points, and 9 boards and Aaron Brooks adding 10 points. 

The Bulls avenged an earlier loss on their home court when Golden State, sporting the best record in the league at the time, beat the Bulls.  The Warriors are 36-7, one of the top teams in the league right now.

This win helps Chicago get ready to play the Lakers in Los Angeles later in the week.

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Forecast Calls For More Thunder!

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 104 - 92 win over the Sacramento Kings Tuesday night marks the team’s 7th straight win in a row, raising the Thunder's record to a respectable (12-13) after an abysmal starting record of (3-12). The returning presence of guard Russell Westbrook and forward Kevin Durant has catapulted the Thunder back into not only the NBA spotlight, but into the Western Conference playoff race. The Thunder has risen to win nine out of their last ten games, and currently sit half a game behind the New Orleans Pelicans for the 8th and final playoff slot in the Western Conference. While the early season headline was that Oklahoma City would have a tough uphill battle if they still wanted to reach the playoffs this year; the return of the Thunder’s dynamic duo has given the doubters little ammunition for their argument. 

Kevin Durant seems level headed so far after his first few games back, “Yes. We’re, what, 21 games in, 24 games in? We’re not even close to the halfway point of the season yet. It’s too early to think about that. We just want to build our habits and continue to play good basketball.” 

Heading towards Christmas, where most people say is when the NBA season really starts, the Thunder seem to have good momentum and are looking to get back to their usual winning ways. Russell Westbrook looks to already have found his groove, with Kevin Durant following closely behind. Look for both Westbrook and the reigning placeholder Durant to jump into the MVP discussion, along with the likes of Stephen Curry, James Harden, Anthony Davis, and last but not least LeBron James. 

The Thunder have a huge match up tonight as the NBA's hottest team comes into town. They will face the team with the NBA’s best record, the Golden State Warriors (21-3). Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, with the direction of their new coach Steve Kerr, had recently led the Warriors to a 16-game win streak until they lost in Memphis Tuesday night to the Grizzlies. The Thunder hope to extend their own win streak to eight straight.

A point of emphasis will be to see if Steph Curry can get his red-hot shot off under the constant duress and pressure of Westbrook’s defense. Westbrook has been on a tear against the other team’s point guards; constantly a defensive predator while remaining almost un-guardable when attacking the rim. It seemed like Russell made it a point in last weeks match-up with the Cleveland Cavaliers to make his dominance over Kyrie Irving known. Westbrook is averaging 26.4 PPG, 6.8 APG, 5.8 RPG, 1.9 SPG while shooting 49.5% from the floor this season. The Thunder hope his upcoming performance versus Steph Curry tonight follows suit. 

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Bulls Host Red-Hot Golden State Warriors Sat. Night in Chicago

Don't look now but the red-hot Golden State Warriors are coming to the United Center to challenge the Chicago Bulls.  Chicago is just 2-4 at home and 10-3 on the road.  Call them road warriors too.

Steve Kerr's decision to coach Golden State seems a good one.  He turned down the head coaching job in New York, offered by Knicks' honcho Phil Jackson.  The Warriors have won 11 games in a row, and carry a league best 16-2 record into the game.

The Warriors have the pure shooter Stephan Curry, who can light it up from anywhere.  TNT analyst Reggie Miller marveled at Curry's touch recently.  It takes a great shooter to know one. Klay Thompson, the small forward is the second half of the dangerous duo. The Warriors lead the NBA in shooting percentage, assists, point differential (10.9) and blocked shots. Kerr has them playing great.

Chicago may get Taj Gibson back from his latest setback with a sprained ankle.  The same one he injured earlier in the season.  Gibson can do the little things great and his rebounding has been missed.  Pau Gasol continues to get double-doubles almost every game. He has taken some of the defensive pressure off of Joakim Noah, who has his share of body hurts.

Derrick Rose has somewhat altered his style of play, taking a long two or trey instead of barreling into the low post.  He hasn't scored big numbers, but he doesn't have to. However, with Rose in the lineup the Bulls are a much better team.

This is going to be a test for Chicago.

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It's Not Easy Being Derrick Rose

Team USA is moving along nicely, after defeating Mexico by 23 points in the first game of the elimination round in the FIBA World Cup of Basketball.  Team USA is now 6-0 and has won with a combination of power and speed.

Derrick Rose, who is rehabbing his injured knees in this select competition, has moved well with the ball, and has made some nice assists.  He can't find his shot, not scoring vs. Mexico, and only netting single digit points in recent games.  Meanwhile Stephen Curry, the leading scorer vs. Mexico, showed how good he really is.  Kenneth Faried has brought intensity and physicality down low and has made a strong impression.It's been heard that Rose is feeling impatient to being able to do the things he did before he got hurt, which seems a long time ago.

Derrick, don't worry.  Let the game come to you.  That may be easier said than done, but that is what he may need to do.  He is playing on a team where he is not needed to be the "man."  So  just be Derrick.  Work on the skills that come easier to you, like passing.  Regain your basketball vision.  He is slowly doing this and his game will come back in a matter of time.  His shot was falling before.  It can fall again.  The level of play is about to get more challenging. That's when Rose has stepped up in the past.  Let's see what transpires in the week to come.

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5 Players With Most to Prove: Western Conference

The NBA Playoffs are finally upon us, and there are some teams and players with something to prove. Younger players making their much anticipated first appearances in the postseason and even some veterans that still have something to prove in their stored careers. There are plenty of viable picks that could be made, but here are my top five players and teams that have something to prove in the postseason in the Western Conference.

Stephen Curry, Point Guard, Golden State Warriors: Curry has quickly become one of the top point guards in the NBA, combining a lethal jump shot with high basketball IQ to turn him into a trusted floor leader. With this come heightened expectations.

Jeff Chiu/AP Photo

Curry is the leader of one of the more up-and-down teams this season in the Warriors. Injuries plagued them throughout the year, as starting big men David Lee and Andrew Bogut both missed time throughout the season. That complicated things for the Warriors, who are thin up front when Lee and Bogut are healthy. Lee is going to be available for the playoffs, but Bogut will already miss some time with an injured rib.

The onus will then fall upon Curry to carry this team in the postseason. Being the face of the franchise, the loss will be placed on his shoulders more than any other player. A loss in the first round could also equal the end of Mark Jackson’s tenure as head coach of the team.

It will take a strong effort from Curry to keep that from happening. He will have to bring his A game against a Los Angeles Clippers team that has plenty to prove themselves.

Dirk Nowitzki, Power Forward, Dallas Mavericks: How could a player who already has an NBA championship and MVP trophy be under pressure to perform in the postseason you ask?

Jonathan Bachman/AP Photo 

Nowitzki, along with the Mavericks, had been written off by plenty of people. After blowing up their championship team and hoping to build through free agency by adding Deron Williams and Dwight Howard, they came up with nothing in the first year and missed the playoffs in 2013. This season they were able to spend a little of that money, and out of it came quite possibly the most dangerous eight seed in NBA history.

The additions of Monta Ellis and Jose Calderon have helped jump start the team, but everything with the Mavericks starts and ends with Nowitzki. They will go as far as he will take them.

Chris Paul, Point Guard, Los Angeles Clippers: Paul is regarded by almost everyone as a top tier point guard and superstar in this league. But if you say the same thing about Carmelo Anthony, you are met with scrutiny. In all reality, the two aren’t very different. The biggest knock against Anthony is his playoff success, or lack thereof. Paul, for whatever reason, has been able to hide his lack of playoff success, but it is about time he puts it together.

Clippers.com

Paul will be making his sixth appearance in the playoffs, and has only previously advanced the first round twice, losing both times in the second round. Anthony has made it past the first time just as many times, and has a Western Conference finals appearance under his belt, so why Paul isn’t subject to the same criticism raises some questions.

Paul has a chance to quell all of those problems this season. The Clippers are set up well in the Western Conference, getting quite possibly the easiest first round match up against of anyone against a depleted Warriors team. It also helps that this is quite possibly the best team Paul has been with, from a teammates and coaching staff stand point.

If he is going to make it happen, this is the season as Blake Griffin is blossoming and Doc Rivers has gotten the most out of DeAndre Jordan in the process.

Dwight Howard, Center, Houston Rockets: Howard has caused quite a stir the past two offseasons, first forcing his way out of Orlando to the Los Angeles Lakers and then leaving the Lakers this past offseason to join the Rockets. He has gotten everything he has wanted, so it is time for him to show up.

www.sportsinsights.com

Howard is arguably the best center in the NBA, but it is mostly by default. There just isn’t much center talent in par with Howard right now, but his reign could soon be coming to an end. There are some younger big men, such as DeMarcus Cousins and Andre Drummond that will soon be knocking on Howard’s door as the top big men in the NBA. But unlike those two, Howard has a chance to showcase his talent and cement himself as the top center in the NBA.

He handpicked where he wanted to play once again so it is time for him to reciprocate and show up. Howard was dealing with an ankle injury heading into the playoffs, but if he was as good as some people hype him up to be he will show up when it counts the most. Howard will be under the microscope, as the Rockets didn’t miss much of a beat when he was dealing with his ankle injury, as James Harden more easily roams free when there isn’t a center clogging the middle.

If the Howard from 2008-2009 NBA Playoffs shows up, the Rockets will be as difficult as any team to eliminate from the playoffs.

Kevin Durant, Small Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder: When Russell Westbrook went down with injury this season, Durant stepped his game up to unheard of levels. He scored without abandon, ripping off 12 straight games of 30+ scoring and 25+ points in 42 straight.

Sue Ogrocki/AP Photo

His scoring was through the roof, but he also became a good facilitator, averaging 5.5 assists per game. With stats like that, it is very likely that Durant will be the MVP this season. In potentially being named MVP, Durant has added a ton of expectations upon himself. For example, leading his team past the second round no matter who is around him. This season he proved that he could lead a team without his sidekick in Westbrook, so with him in the lineup the Thunder should be unstoppable.

The path to a title is brutal for the Thunder though, as the Memphis Grizzlies are made for the post season with their grind it out, beat’em up style of play. It would not get much easier, as the Western Conference is loaded from top to bottom.

Durant now is on another level of stardom, as he is argued by many as being a better player than LeBron James right now, who he will theoretically taking the MVP trophy away from. The expectations were high for Durant already, but would be sky high with an MVP award. Anything short of an NBA Final appearance will be considered a failure by many.

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Knicks Pull Off Big Upset In Golden State Over Warriors

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Sunday, March 30^th, 2014

New York Knicks vs. Golden State Warriors

Post Game Recap

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks were able to grind out a tough, hard earned victory Sunday night against the Golden State Warriors. The Knicks finally looked like a team fighting for their playoff lives as they put the effort and energy in to beat a superior team. The Knicks were able to take control of the game in the second quarter, and would not relinquish it throughout the second half. They bended but did not break as the Knicks were able to pull out the victory. With the win, the Knicks are now one game behind the Atlanta Hawks for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks will look to finish the road trip 3-2 Monday night against the Utah Jazz before heading back home.

Player of the Game: The Bench

The bench has been much maligned for the Knicks recently, but tonight they were the catalysts to get the lead in the second quarter. Pablo Prigioni was inserted into the game and brought a different mentality to the team on both ends of the court. He was extremely aggressive and showed leadership by getting into his teammates when they were not in the correct positions. Prigioni wasn’t alone, as Tim Hardaway Jr. delivered a much needed scoring punch off the bench with 15 points. Iman Shumpert may not have shot the ball well, but he was able to stymie the Warriors explosive backcourt when he was in the game. Shannon Brown even gave the Knicks something without playing much in the game, getting the game sealing steal and knocking down two free throws after a clear path foul was called.

-Positives

EPA/John G. Mabanglo Corbis Out

Amar’e Stoudemire has remained positive no matter how bleak the situation, and tonight he backed up his talk. Stoudemire was a monster on the boards tonight, grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds, six of which were offensive. Stoudemire also delivered some timely baskets, scoring 15 points and knocking down two clutch free throws to give the Knicks a two point lead late in the fourth quarter.

With Carmelo Anthony in foul trouble throughout the first half, the Knicks needed someone to step up and that person was J.R. Smith. Smith poured in 19 points in the first half, carrying the Knicks with Anthony on the sidelines. Smith and Hardaway Jr. combined to score the last 15 points of the first half for the Knicks as they got in transition for easy baskets and knocked down perimeter jump shots.

Raymond Felton is picked apart nightly because of how poor his defense is, but credit needs to be given to him for forcing a turnover on the last possession of the game. Felton forced Stephen Curry to make a tough pass, which was stolen by Brown. Felton denied Curry the ball extremely well the final couple of possessions, and should be lauded for the defensive effort he put in tonight to seal the victory.

The Knicks struggles defensively have been well known, and where they struggle most nights is defending the perimeter. Teams have torched the Knicks from the three-point line, but tonight they defended it rather well. They lost Curry a couple of times, as he went 6-12 from deep but the rest of the Warriors combined for only 4-19. One player the Knicks held in check well was the other Splash Brother, Klay Thompson. Thompson struggled with his shot all night, making 3-11 from beyond the arc and 6-18 overall.

EPA/John G. Mabanglo Corbis Out

After allowing 32 points in the first quarter and looking to be well on their way to another blowout loss, the Knicks defense really stepped up. The remaining three quarters the Warriors scored only 52 points. This is a team that averages 103.4 points per game on the season, being held to what they normally would score in a half, the final three quarters of the game tonight.

-Negative

It was announced after the game that Anthony had x-rays on his left hand. There is no particular time announced of when he got hurt, but it something the Knicks cannot afford at this point in the season. The x-rays came back negative, but it is something to definitely keep an eye on for tomorrow as the Knicks will get right back at it against the Jazz.

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Knicks Blown Out For Second Consecutive Night

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Friday, February 28, 2014

Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks

Post Game Recap

It was another embarrassing loss for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden tonight as the Warriors came in and blew them out by a score of 126-103. The Knicks were out of it virtually from the start, trailing by double-digits from the midway point of the second quarter on and never really getting much closer. They fell behind by as many as 27 points and didn’t get closer than 16 in the second half. It was another uninspired effort for the Knicks who lacked the effort and urgency of a team on the outside looking in of the playoff race. The loss tonight runs the Knicks losing streak to five games and with a 2-11 record to finish February. The Knicks will be back at it again Sunday afternoon in a nationally televised game against the Chicago Bulls at 1 PM ET.

Player of the Game: Tim Hardaway Jr.

After having quite possibly his worst NBA game to date in his return home last night, Hardaway Jr. had a nice bounce back game tonight. He scored 22 points on 6-11 from the field and connected on 4-7 from deep, improving immensely upon his 2-15 and 0-8 from deep last night. It was nice to see Hardaway Jr. still trying out there tonight in a game that was seemingly over before he even stepped on the court. He showed resiliency and supreme confidence by coming out tonight with the same energy and emotion that he has brought in every game this season. His defense may need work but he is a guy the Knicks need to keep around as his offensive game has loads of potential to make him a starter in this league for many years to come.

Match up Of the Game Recap

Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images

The Knicks never really stood a chance in this match up of Stephen Curry against their backcourt. Curry, who had a season low five points Wednesday against the Bulls, came out and destroyed the Knicks tonight. Without Iman Shumpert starting Curry was able to get going from the start and lit the Knicks up throughout the night. He finished with a triple-double tonight after scoring career high 54-points in his visit last season. This one is much sweeter for Curry and the Warriors though as they left Madison Square Garden with the win in addition to Curry’s stellar night. On the contrary, Raymond Felton and Pablo Prigioni didn’t have much of an impact on the game. In 32 combined minutes the Knicks starting backcourt barely managed to provide stats you would expect from a reserve.

-Positives

Toure’ Murry was given a chance tonight with Mike Woodson deciding to sit Felton and Prigioni for long stretches and it paid off. Murry is in a tough position not receiving constant minutes but tonight he made the most of what was given to him. He provided a spark offensively, scoring eight points and added two rebounds and two assists. He also provided some defense for the Knicks at the point of attack, something Felton and Prigioni didn’t provide. Murry has shown in his limited minutes he should be a part of the rotation because he brings things to the game that Felton and Prigioni do not provide.

The three point shooting for the Knicks tonight was about the only thing that resembled an NBA offense tonight. They were able to take advantage of a Warriors team that was going through the motions at time because of the score, knocking down 10-25 attempts for 40 percent. It was not enough though to keep up with the high scoring Warriors offense.

-Negatives

Frank Franklin II

Outside of the three point shooting the Knicks offense was stuck in neutral all night. With Carmelo Anthony having a lackluster game, shooting 7-26, the Knicks did not have enough firepower to stay with the Warriors. The Knicks shot an unsightly 36-95 (37.9 percent) from the field overall. The Warriors were able to keep Anthony and the Knicks offense off-balance with different looks they gave him throughout the night.

The Knicks once again let their offensive struggles carry over to the defensive end. The Warriors lit the Knicks up throughout the night, especially Curry and his backcourt running mate Klay Thompson. The two combined to shoot 18-36 from the field and 10-21 from the three point line for 52 points. The Knicks also watched Jermaine O’Neal turn the clock back as he terrorized the Knicks in the paint, scoring 15 points with six rebounds and a block in 20 minutes. On the night the Warriors shot 47.8 percent from the field and 40 percent from the three point line.

Right from the start the Knicks looked disinterested in the game and once they got down they didn’t show any fight to get back into it. The Warriors dominated every facet of the game, outscoring the Knicks in transition, in the paint, at the three point line and from the free throw line. It was a disheartening performance for a team that is on the outside looking in of the playoff picture.

The emotion and struggles are starting to boil over as well it seems as Tyson Chandler was ejected from the game tonight after getting into it with Warriors reserve big man Marreese Speights. Chandler and Speights received double-technicals about halfway through the fourth quarter and Speights responded with multiple scores on Chandler. Chandler then laid an ill-advised foul on Speights and was ejected, embarrassing himself and his team in the process.

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W2W4: Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks; February 28th, 2014

By Kenneth Teape (@teapester725)

Friday, February 28^th, 2014

Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks

ESPN.go.Com

Pre-Game News and Notes

The Knicks will look to bounce back from an ugly performance against the two-time defending champion Miami Heat Friday night against the Warriors at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are free-falling in the standings and cannot afford any lackluster performances like they have been putting forth recently. Things will not get any easier for the Knicks tonight as the Warriors are looking to avenge some poor play of their own, getting blown out by the Chicago Bulls Wednesday 103-83. Here are some things to look for in the game tonight.

-Player News and Notes

Raymond Felton is expected to take the court once again even after his arrest earlier in the week. Felton did not use the distraction as an excuse for his poor play Thursday night against the Heat but it is hard to blame him if that is on his mind. Shannon Brown and Earl Clark both played last night, with Brown getting into the game early and looking like he will be part of the Knicks rotation going forward. Mike Woodson called Clark a defensive-minded player when he was signed but he did not see the court until garbage time.

For the Warriors, David Lee will be taking the court against his former team. Lee had missed games because of illness recently, but was able to take the court Wednesday against the Bulls and should be good to go tonight against the Knicks.

-Matchup of the Game: Stephen Curry vs. Knicks Backcourt

Curry went off the last time he visited Madison Square Garden, scoring his career high almost a year ago to the day. The Knicks will be hard pressed to slow down Curry on a regular night with how poor their defense has been throughout the season, especially against opposing guards. Tonight Curry will have extra incentive to play well after having his worst game of the season Wednesday. The Knicks are catching Curry at the worst time; they aren’t playing well and he is looking to get back on track. Raymond Felton will probably start the game against Curry, but it would be smart for Woodson to go to the Toure’ Murry, the superior defender or even a longer player such as Shannon Brown if it starts getting too ugly too early.

-Defend the Perimeter

In addition to Curry the Warriors future another outstanding perimeter player in Klay Thompson. The tandem makes up the best shooting backcourt currently in the NBA and is in the argument for best of all-time according to some people. Without Iman Shumpert the Knicks are sorely lacking perimeter defenders capable of slowing down the explosive twosome; it will take a concerted team effort to slow them down tonight. In addition to Felton and Pablo Prigioni, J.R. Smith and Tim Hardaway Jr. will have their chances to slow them down. No matter how undeserving of the opportunity those players are they will have to do it as Woodson does not have many other options to turn to.

-Will Melo Get Some Help?

Carmelo Anthony has been on a scoring tear for the Knicks recently and they are still losing games. Against the lower tier teams big scoring nights from Anthony could propel the Knicks to victory but not against tougher competition. In his last five games Anthony is averaging 38.8 points per game on 53.4 percent shooting from the field. He has also averaged 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and 0.8 steals per game over the same span, doing everything he can to get the Knicks a victory.

For the Knicks to pull the upset tonight at MSG they will need someone to step up next to Anthony. Last night it was Tyson Chandler, but the rest of the team played so poorly offensively that it didn’t matter in the end. Having Smith or Hardaway Jr. knock down some perimeter shots tonight would go a long way in what has the makings to be a track meet. Any positives players like Brown, Clark or Jeremy Tyler, who was surprisingly taken out of the rotation against the Heat, can deliver tonight would help a lot as the Knicks just need something positive to build off of.

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Nets Lose Hard Fought Game Against Warriors

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

February 22nd, 2014

Brooklyn Nets vs. Golden State Warriors Post Game Recap

Final Score: Nets 86 Warriors 93

The Brooklyn Nets hung tough in Golden State against the Warriors, but couldn’t pull off the road upset against one of the better teams in the Western Conference. The loss moves the Nets to (25-28) on the season, and are now four games behind the Toronto Raptors in the Atlantic Division

Player of the Game: Deron Williams

Offensive production was hard to come by for the Nets against the Warriors, but Deron Williams did look healthy, and played a good game for Brooklyn. Williams scored a team-high 20 points on eight for 16 shooting, while dishing out six assists. Williams was able to outscore Warriors Point Guard Stephen Curry by three points, as Williams did his part to win the match-up, but he didn’t get much help from his fellow teammates in the starting lineup.

Positives:

Brooklyn’s bench was pretty solid once again, but they didn’t get to have newly acquired Marcus Thornton in Saturday’s game, as he was out with food poisoning. Andray Blatche played well once again, as he led the Nets bench with 14 points on six for nine shooting, with eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Andrei Kirilenko also played well in 32 minutes of game time, which is a lot more than usual. When Kirilenko is on the floor, the Nets are clearly better on the defensive end of the floor, as he is a versatile defender. He finished with six points on two for five shooting, with nine rebounds, three assists, and one block.

Negatives:

Without their normal starting Center Andrew Bogut, the Warriors started Jermaine O’Neal, who threw back the clock for a great game. O’Neal led all scorers with 23 points on a great 10 for 13 performance from the field. O’Neal was also the main reason the Nets were badly out-rebounded, as he had game-high 13. The frontline for the Warriors without David Lee dominated the glass, as O’Neal, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala all had double-digit rebounds leading to the 50 rebound day for Golden State.

espn.go.com

There was a lack of scoring support for Williams in the starting lineup, as Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce both struggled in the game. Johnson scored 15 points in the game, but shot the ball poorly going five of 16 from the field, and with the game close at the end had two costly turnovers. Pierce has been battling turf toe, which maybe affected him in Saturday’s game. He shot just three of 11 from field, ending up with just 11 points in 34 minutes.

A big blow for the Nets happened in the second quarter, as Guard Shaun Livingston went down hard and bruised his tailbone forcing him from the game. His status for their game on Sunday against the Lakers is unsure, which is a bad thing for the Nets, as Livingston has been playing very well of late for Brooklyn.

Next up for the Nets will be a the second half of their back to back against the Lakers, which is a situation that the Nets have struggled in this season.

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W2W4: Brooklyn Nets vs Golden State Warriors, February 22nd, 2014

By Nick Ziegler (@Ziggy26x)

February 22^th, 2014

W2W4: Brooklyn Nets vs Golden State Warriors

The Brooklyn Nets will be facing quite possibly their toughest game of the circus road-trip on Saturday in Golden State against the Warriors. Brooklyn is currently 3.5 games behind the Toronto Raptors for the Atlantic Division, and would love to be able to get a big win on Saturday.

barclayscenter.com

- Awaiting a Debut

Only one move was made before Thursdays Trade Deadline for the Nets, as they agreed to trade Reggie Evans and Jason Terry to Sacramento for Marcus Thornton. The trade wasn’t made official until Saturday afternoon, as Terry getting a physical was holding it up. Terry will however not be joining the Kings, as he will be out for the remainder of the regular season with a knee injury, but this will allow Evans and Thornton to both be eligible to play on Saturday. Thornton however is battling a stomach bug so he is listed as a game-time decision for the match-up against the Warriors. Thornton has had a disappointing last two seasons, but has scored over 18 points per game twice in his career, as Brooklyn will hope that he can thrive off their bench.

- Tough Test

Saturday will be no easy task for the Nets, as even though they have defeated the Warriors once, that was the last game of a long road trip for the Warriors. Golden State is currently (33-22), which has them at 7^th in the extremely tough Western Conference. Golden State may have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA led by Stephen Curry, who is leading the team in PPG with 24.4, and APG at 8.9. curry also lit up the Nets in their first meeting this season, as he scored a game-high 34 points. The Nets will be catching a little break, as Center Andrew Bogut is listed as doubtful to play with a shoulder injury that has kept him out of the last six games.

- Healthy Williams?

Going against one of the best and youngest back courts in the league in Curry and Klay Thompson, Brooklyn will need a good game from Deron Williams, who didn’t play in the first meeting. In the victory in Utah, Williams got banged up a bit taking hits to both his head and groin, but going against a quick guard like Curry it will be big test to see just how much the All-Star break helped the ankles of Williams. Against the Jazz Williams scored 19 points, but didn’t shoot particularly well, and for the Nets to get a upset road win, they will need an excellent performance from Williams.

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Stephen Curry: The Evolution Of An NBA All-Star

Written By Clevis Murray

Being labeled as an NBA "All-Star Game Snub" isn't an attractive way to be described and thus that label was applied to rising star Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Last NBA season, Curry's Warriors teammate David Lee was named and All-Star while Curry was left off of the team which drew the ire of most NBA fans. It was difficult being vying for an All-Star berth while being a point guard in the NBA's Western Conference last season with the likes of Chris Paul, Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook all playing terrific and being established stars but Curry was determined to break through the glass ceiling.  Sadly the NBA All-Star teams can only have 12 players compared to the other major sports leagues as in the MLB, NFL & NHL who have multiple spots for the players that deserve the honor and distinction of being named an All-Star.  Curry had a tremendous regular season and most noticeably scored 54 points at Madison Square Garden and eclipsed Ray Allen's single season 3-point record by making 272 but "Steph" wasn't done.  With work still left to be done, Curry's stellar play helped the Warriors clinch their first playoff berth since 2007.

Despite not being named to the actual All-Star game last season, Curry did make an appearance during past All-Star Weekends as he was invited to play in the Rookie-Sophomore game during the 2010 All-Star weekend, he ended the game with 14 points. The young guard was also a participant in the 3-point contest and made it all the way to the finals but lost to Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce. Curry made another appearance during All-Star weekend in 2011 for the Rookie-Sophomore game in which he ended with 13 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds and also competed in the Taco Bell skills challenge in which he beat Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook with a time of 28.2 seconds in the Finals.

Birthright 

Stephen Curry experienced the NBA lifestyle periodically while growing up by way of his father Dell Curry who played 16 seasons in the league.  Despite playing with five different teams the elder Curry was most noticeably known for his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets and won a Sixth Man of the Year award there. During his 10 seasons in Charlotte scored 9,839 which still stands as record for most point scored in the franchise despite that franchises history being that of the New Orleans Pelicans at this point time.  Despite his accomplishments, there's still a couple of things that were missing from his admirable NBA career.....an NBA All-Star selection and an NBA Championship. 

Stephen Curry was a High School basketball player but didn't receive a scholarship from a big name basketball school.  Originally Dell Curry wanted Steph to attend his alma-matter Virginia Tech and is in their Hall of Fame but the Hoskies didn't offer him a scholarship and only a spot on the roster as a walk-on player.  Curry attended Davidson College, a school that hasn't won a NCAA Tournament game since 1969. Curry led Davidson to their first first tournament win on March 21, 2008 with a 82-76 win over Gonzaga with a 40-point effort. Their next opponent was 2nd seed Georgetown and surprisingly enough Curry with 25 points led Davidson to a 74-70 shocker over the favorite Georgetown. Fast forward and Steph had a great college career which lasted three seasons averaging 25.3 points and setting numerous records.

On April 23, 2009 another Curry was heading to the NBA as Stephen Curry declared he was going pro and forgoing his senior season at Davidson College. Curry was being compared to Mike Bibby, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf and a Point Guard version of Ray Allen. Curry was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with their 7th pick in the 2009 Draft. Steph had a very good rookie year finishing second in rookie of the year voting behind Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans.

Steph's sophomore season was good but he finally faced adversity in his third season in the lockout shortened season and became plagued with ankle injuries which made him play in 26 of the 66 games that season. During that season many believed the ankle injuries were going to affect Curry for his entire career because his ankle was being injured too often during the season, he had season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle in April of 2012. His injury plagued season ended with season averages of 14.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.5 steals and shot 45.5% from 3 point range. Golden State would end the season with a 23-43 record and miss the playoffs.

A Father's Son 

The 2012-2013 was the season of Curry and the Warriors as their season was tremendous and the evolution of Klay Thompson was known. The duo combined for 483 3-pointers which is the most by two players in NBA history. He led the team to the playoffs but would eventually lose to the eventual Western Conference champions in the San Antonio Spurs.

This season the popularity of Stephen Curry had risen to the point where he led all guards in All-Star votes and was finally named a starter for the mid-season classic with season averages of 23.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 9.2 assists, 1.9 steals, 44% FG and 39% from the 3-point line.  The fans have given Curry the respect he deserves as a player because he is putting up great stats and winning at the same time and like Paul George he is becoming one of the most marketable young players in the NBA.  Ironically, Curry and George were named as captains of the Western & Eastern Conference teams that will compete in the various skills competitions (Skills Challenge, Shooting Stars Competition, 3 Point Shootout, Slam Dunk Contest) during the NBA's All-Star Saturday Night.  Despite being the first Warriors player to start the All-Star game since Latrell Sprewell in 1995, Curry will also enjoy another high during the All-Star Weekend.....participating in the Shooting Stars Competition with his father Dell.

He is now also one of the league leaders in jersey sales.  Fans love Curry for his 3-point shooting, the shots he takes and makes and his great ball-handling skills. Curry making the 3-point shot beautiful. But he has evolved into a more all-around player according to David Lee stating

"A lot of people last year said, ‘Oh, he’s a guy who just shoots threes and has made a ton of threes.’ But he’s a guy, who has gotten so much better at finishing in the paint; his assist numbers have gone way up; defensively, he’s stepped up his game; and he’s been a great leader for us. To me, a bigger part that’s not even talked about is how good of a teammate and person he is. I’m not naming any names, but I wish all of the superstars in the league were as good of guys as Steph. I think he represents our game the proper way and does things the right way." 

Curry spent his first two summers by rehabbing his right ankle and finally had a summer to improve his game and it is on full display.

In a league which was once dominated by bigs, Curry is now one of the leaders in the golden age of Point Guards with his 6'3" 185-pound frame. Curry may look like a baby face but his skills make him a bad bad man and 4x league MVP LeBron James has noticed the young guard calling him

"One of the best shooters this NBA will see" and saying "If you can find a better shooter than him right now, especially with the way he handles the ball and the light that he has, it's more than green, it's fluorescent you just hope that he misses."

Steph has changed the culture in Golden State with consistent winning and most recently led the team on a 10-game winning streak which was the longest streak for the franchise in over three decades.  Curry is even talking like an All-Star crediting the fans & team

"It's definitely a blessing to have fans and people that notice what we're trying to do here at the Warriors organization, changing the culture and winning consistently and being in that conversation where you have guys that can get that kind of attention."

February 16th of 2014 will mark the beginning of the validity of being an NBA All-Star starter for Stephen Curry, a role that he was born for, one that he was destined to embrace, simply put the fans of the NBA said a collective yes. 

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