Once the Warriors got tired, it seemed like there were Spurs everywhere.
The Warriors, or what's left of them, understandably and almost predictably hit the wall Wednesday. The amazing thing is that they've been running full speed head-first toward the wall for more than a week and had somehow managed to avoid the inevitable collision.
And then they went to San Antonio, where the wall is apparently bigger, stronger and more agile than in other cities around the NBA.
With about four minutes left in the third quarter Wednesday, Monta Ellis and the resilient Warriors were actually leading the Spurs in their quest for a third straight win. And then, perhaps a little too fatigued to react to what was approaching, they crashed. The Spurs went on a 22-3 run to take control and fought off the Warriors' comeback efforts down the stretch for a 118-104 win, their 23rd straight over the Warriors in San Antonio.
"It all caught up with us," fill-in coach Keith Smart said in his post-game conference. "They did what they could, but we didn't have enough left in the tank."
Even Ellis, who tied a career high with 42 points after playing every minute of the last two games, finally ran out of steam. Ellis, who is averaging 30.8 points per game in the five games since the Stephen Jackson trade last Monday, scored 28 points on 12-of-15 shooting while playing all 24 minutes in the first half Wednesday. In the second half, he was 4-of-10 for 14 points -- he even came out of the game in the fourth quarter and finished playing 44 minutes.
Vladimir Radmanovic and Anthony Morrow, both of whom also played all 48 minutes and combined for 41 points on 15-of-30 shooting in Tuesday's win over the Mavericks, totaled 12 points on 5-of-15 shooting in 62 minutes.
And Stephen Curry, proving again that the jump shot is one of the first things to go when you're tired, was 5-of-16 in 34 minutes and scored just 11 points.
Three of the Warriors who have been pivotal during their stretch of improved and inspired play just didn't have it Wednesday against the deeper, more rested Spurs. While the Warriors played the night before with only six players getting on the court, the Spurs were off after a 14-point win on Monday in which all 12 players saw action and non played more than 32 minutes.
Although they lost to fall to 5-9, the Warriors take a much-earned Thanksgiving break knowing they've been in every game of a brutal five-game stretch that coincided with the Jackson trade and a rash of injuries. And they go into the break knowing they have plenty to be thankful for:
-- That they still have Ellis and whatever brewing rift there was earlier in the season has simmered down to the point you don't hear about it anymore. If Ellis were mad or unhappy, I doubt he would be playing this hard, this much and this well (again, use Jackson's play as an example of a discontent player). Ellis has emerged as an unstoppable force with explosive quickness that allows him to get past anyone trying to defend him.
-- That they have proved that even with as few as six players, they can play with anybody in the league. Short-handed, they more than held their own against Cleveland, Boston, Portland, Dallas and San Antonio. Considering a few of the lame efforts they gave early in the season, there could have been a few 40-point losses in this stretch.
-- That instead of throwing up their hands and quitting when they got down to six healthy players and no real centers, they found a way to unite and battle and compete and even win a few games. This little head-on battle with adversity could prove huge later in the season -- if they ever get a full team again.
-- That C.J. Watson played Wednesday. Not just because he gave them nine players who actually got in the game, but because anytime someone gets sick with the swine flu, it's a scary thing. (By the way, get well soon, coach Nelson).
-- That they were able to trade Jackson to the Bobcats, ridding themselves of a malcontent teammate and a suffocating negativity. It's been a lot more fun -- and productive -- the past five games.
-- And a special thank you to old friend Rod Higgins, the Bobcats' GM who helped make the trade possible.
-- And also a thank you to Jackson, who helped rejuvenate a dying franchise with two good years before leaving on a sour note. No one could ever question his desire or toughness, just his tactics. The good Jackson, the one prior to the start of this year, will be missed.
-- That they now have two days off to rest up for the Lakers on Saturday.
-- That the toughest portion of the most challenging string of games they'll play all season is now behind them.
-- That they only go to San Antonio one more time this year and it will be the first game of a road trip following a day off in mid-March.
-- That there's been no choice but to play youngsters Curry and Randolph. The only way they will become NBA ready is to play in the NBA.
-- That they picked up Radmanovic in that trade. First, he fits the Warriors' system. Second, he's shown unique versatility on both ends of the floor. Third, anytime he's on the court, it's a reminder that Jackson has moved on to a happier place.
-- That Raja Bell, the other player in that trade, asked to play against the Celtics despite having an injured wrist that will require surgery to repair. Not sure if he'll ever play another game for the Warriors, but he provided an inspirational jolt that I think the team is still feeding off of.
-- That they still have plenty of time this season to figure out how to keep Morrow involved in the game plan and not let him drift away for long stretches without getting a shot.
-- That they're quick, which produces steals, which produce easy baskets.
-- That Curry has shown a willingness since Jackson's departure to look for his shot despite his shooting struggles. Once he gets lined up, and he will, he could be a special player. If he could just eliminate those two or three bad mistakes each game.
-- That they still have fans who turn out in full force to support them.
-- That the rest of the West, behind the Lakers, Suns and Nuggets, is down from past years and any team that gets hot -- even the Warriors at 5-9 to open the season -- can move into playoff contention.
-- That they're not the Nets, who fell to 0-15 on Wednesday.
Happy Thanksgiving.
ALSO: How the West would look with no big men
Comments
Great post, Mike. I especially liked the Jackson tribute. I thought I was the only one left in the Bay Area who still admired "his desire and toughness, if not his tactics."
It's starting to get fun! Agreed.. Great post. Love the Dubs.
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