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Warriors to go big against Lakers
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The Warriors return to the court Tuesday night against the Lakers -- and there's more to this game than the obvious Stephen Jackson-Kobe Bryant rematch.
But let's start there anyway.
First, a quick recap in case you've been in a coma or a cave (the only place without wi-fi these days).
Jackson came to camp and immediately reminded everyone he didn't want to be here. Then came the game against the Lakers, where he got five fouls and a technical in nine minutes while tangling with Bryant. Jackson and coach Don Nelson then got into it, Jackson didn't play again and the next day was suspended two games. When he returned to the team, Jackson said his relationship with Nelson was tarnished and he stepped down as team captain. The next day, Jackson said he was upset his teammates and coaches didn't back him up while he was being "mistreated" by Kobe and the refs. Nelson then told a radio audience that he still has feelings for Jack and still wants to coach him. Two days later, Jackson said he needs to stop talking and just play. And play he did -- all 48 minutes against the Kings. And here we are, with another game against the Lakers (7 p.m. in Ontario).
Jackson is expected to see extended minutes again as the regular season is now just more than a week away. And, thanks to a bigger lineup the Warriors will be experimenting with to start Tuesday's game, there's no way to avoid another Jackson-Bryant matchup. The Warriors plan to play Anthony Randolph at small forward with Ronny Turiaf at power forward alongside center Andris Biedrins.
Jackson handled the refs and his emotions against the Kings, saying "hopefully I won't go back to my old Jack ways" when asked about some overly aggressive play from Sacramento defenders. But Kobe is in his head, apparently disrespecting the nine-year veteran by calling him a "young fella," among other things. It won't take much to set off Jackson; it will take a lot on his part to keep his cool. It's just a preseason game and the Lakers don't have to worry about the Warriors dethroning them, so let's see how far Kobe pushes it. There's no logical reason for him to incite Jackson -- other than doing it just because he can.
If something does happen, no further damage can be done to the Jackson-Nelson relationship because Nelson won't be there. He's out of town dealing with a family issue. For all those people who are eager for Keith Smart to replace Nelson, who is 24 wins away from becoming the all-time leader in coaching victories, here's a little appetizer.
Turiaf, a former Laker, is making his preseason debut after rehabbing a knee injury so his minutes may be limited. The Warriors want to see what this big frontcourt can do against the Lakers, who have dominated the paint in the first two meetings. Ron Artest is known as a defender, but he could have his hands full with the 6-11 Randolph, who appears to be a star in the making.
Corey Maggette and Kelenna Azubuike are not expected to play -- more as precautions than real injuries. Look for Acie Law, a dynamic point guard in college at Texas A&M, to see time at small forward. Will he be able to handle Artest or Lamar Odom?
Look for Monta Ellis to join Jackson, Randolph, Turiaf and Biedrins in the starting lineup.
Steph Curry, shooting just 32.3 percent from floor in the preseason, still needs a breakout game.
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