<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">OAKLAND - A $44 million contract brings with it a lot more than financial security. It brings expectations -- big ones -- and Mike Dunleavy hardly lived up to them through the early stages of the season. Each jumper that clanked off the rim seemed to raise questions about whether the Warriors had erred in signing the small forward to a lucrative, long-term deal. But the shots are starting to drop with more regularity, and Dunleavy's season has taken a turn for the better as the Warriors go for their fifth straight victory tonight against the Charlotte Bobcats at the Arena. "At the start of the season, I wasn't that much involved shooting, and my shots weren't going down," Dunleavy said after Thursday's practice. "I was really ineffective. But now I'm finding ways to have the ball in my hands a little more, and make plays and do what I do." The overall numbers? Still a far cry from what the Warriors should expect after signing Dunleavy to a five-year deal two days before the season opener. He's shooting just 37.6 percent from the floor through 17 games (a paltry 22 percent from beyond the arc) and averaging 9.2 points. But he's scored in double figures the past four contests, all Warriors victories, and has hit on 56.8 percent of his shots (21-for-37) over that span. "It means a lot to the team," power forward Troy Murphy said. "He has been playing well lately, and we hope it continues." It appeared obvious that Dunleavy was pressing after signing the contract. Warriors coach Mike Montgomery acknowledged Dunleavy was "struggling mentally" after a four-point outing Nov. 11 against the New York Knicks. Dunleavy says now that his contract wasn't weighing on his mind. "What happened earlier in the season is a result of me just not being in a really good rhythm," he said. "(The key is) knowing what I'm supposed to be doing out there. Now I'm getting a better idea of that, a better grasp of it and things are going a lot better." Montgomery said confidence has been the key for Dunleavy in recent games, and that it's important to put him in a position where he can best use his skills. "If he gets the ball where he's comfortable, he's a good player," Montgomery said. "He's not a guy that can stand around. He needs to have the ball in his hands. When our assists are up, like they have been the last couple of games, generally it means we're making shots. That means the ball is moving."</div> Source
He's hit some big shots recently, none more important than the 3 against the Kings. Hope he keeps it up and that his teammates have more confidence in him. Dunleavy needs to be more aggressive and draw fouls and avoid getting his shot blocked. His jumper is fine, just needs to hit it. Technique is beautiful.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting philsmith75:</div><div class="quote_post">He's hit some big shots recently, none more important than the 3 against the Kings. Hope he keeps it up and that his teammates have more confidence in him. Dunleavy needs to be more aggressive and draw fouls and avoid getting his shot blocked. His jumper is fine, just needs to hit it. Technique is beautiful.</div> He had a nice layup today against the Bobcats and almost perfect shooting (1 of 2). Woohoo.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting custodianrules2:</div><div class="quote_post">He had a nice layup today against the Bobcats and almost perfect shooting (1 of 2). Woohoo.</div> He had three nice assists in the 1st quarter but then got into foul trouble...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kensaku:</div><div class="quote_post"> He had three nice assists in the 1st quarter but then got into foul trouble...</div> Seems he's learning how to foul from Biedrins
It's better to give a foul than give a layup. When he gets a charge well that is just unfortunate he can't beat anybody to a spot.
