I, for one, have barely been able to think about anything but the game tonight from the moment I learned that Phoenix had lost last night whilst I was sitting in 108 at the coliseum, drinking in the glory of the Warriors running up and down on the Mavericks' practice squad. Finished the game thinking about it. Left the game thinking about it. Inadvertently wandered out into a crosswalk in the parking lot, cutting off Stephen Jackson driving a downright beautiful luxury sedan thinking about it (and by the way, based on the look he had on his face, I think his mind was on it, as well). Everything that I've experienced as a Warriors fan suggests to me that tonight is the night, the catatrophic, inconceivable punchline to this shaggy dog story we've been told the last month of the season. It's been the Warriors' calling card since I started watching them five, six years ago (granted, yeah, I haven't been on this ride as long as most). Big win, shameful loss. Topple a giant, lose to a scrub. It's a completely irrational assumption based on what I've witnessed to this point. I've never seen a professional sports team play with such a sense of entitlement- and not the bad kind, but rather, knowing that they've earned this thing, and that they're going to prove it to everyone before it's all said and done. It always seemed in the past like they played to their competition, and would get knocked off by the scrappy, hustling teams of young unproved players, much like what they may see in Portland tonight. But now, with Baron Davis guiding the offense, Don Nelson at the helm, and the entire team so clearly caring about making their fans happy more than any group of athletes I've seen, it has to be different, and I hold faith that it will be Al Harrington was interviewed postgame last night, and he was asked if it was disappointing that the Suns lost, and they couldn't close it out in front of their home fans. He replied: "It isn't disappointing, cause we're gonna be back here playing Dallas next week!" That's a courage and a confidence no player on this team has had for a while. I'm looking forward to a show in Portland tonight, gonna try to make it to the arena to watch it with the crowd. C'mon Warriors, let's get this thing done.
You can't really compare what the Warriors are now to what they were a few months ago (most of the season). For example, they were an absolutely atrocious road team for most of the year, I think worst in the NBA until recently. But haven't they won something like 5 of their last 9 road games? Different team and it's impossible for them to overlook the significance of tonight's game. I'm not worried about it. One thing is clear to me: if they do lose this game to Raef LaFraentz and Jarett Jack, then they won't deserve to go to the playoffs anyway.
Well, anything is possible, look at the Kings/Clippers game earlier this week. The last game the Warriors' lost it was the second game of a back-to-back and on the road, much like this game. I hope the team's mind-set is to crush the Blazers like they have against recent opponents like the TimberWolves, Kings, Mavericks(bench), and pretty much everyone else they've played in April besides that Spurs' game (which was the second game of a back-to-back on the road). Fortunately now, the Warriors have a group of five players who can all lead the team offensively, where if one is slightly off, the others can pick it up. The bench can be good and needs to be tonight, like they were last night. It's all about defense and rebounds this game for the Warriors. If they control that area of the game, then they should be good. Just don't allow anyone to go Mike Miller or Jason Kapono on the team. Fortunately Zach Randolph and other big players are out for the game.
I'm scared as hell too. It's just like the Warriors to lose a big ass game like this. I hope they prove me wrong.
I have faith in them but i ammore scared of anybody getting hurt specially Baron or J-rich. It is finally here so let's enjoy it.
I'm feeling the same nervousness as everyone else is. This is the Warriors we're talking about! We could shoot a rifle bullet in any direction and it'd find some way to ricochet and nail us between the eyes. Anyone watching would be like "Lawlz!" or "OMG ROFL!" or "you suck n00b!" Sorry, been playing too many video games.
