Nellie keeps his word on this one: Andris Biedrins has a bigger role

November 1, 7:54 PMGolden State Warriors ExaminerMatt Steinmetz

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Andris Biedrins: Most consistent Warrior through 3 games 

First win is always nice: 105-97 at New Jersey.

Here we go: Well, Nellie hasn’t proven to be completely truthful when it comes to playing the young guys. Brandan Wright, Marco Belinelli and Anthony Randolph have seen hardly any playing time.

But since it’s win No. 1, we’ll forget about that and give him credit for following through on giving center Andris Biedrins more offensive responsibility.

Biedrins’ efficiency has remained high even as his touches have increased. That’s a good sign.

He also put to rest any worry about a free-throw shooting relapse by going 7-for-8 from the line.

Let me reiterate, this kid is a breath of fresh air.

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I realize C.J. Watson played 28 minutes, but he still should be playing like he’s only going to get six minutes a half.

He’s the one player the Warriors have right now who can create tempo almost entirely by himself. He’s got to go in and try to wreak havoc, not get in the flow, take a jumper or two and then see if you can get some people involved.

He doesn't have that much time.

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Say what you want, the Warriors won a game on the road when they shot 42 percent from the field and only 65 percent from the line.

Give the Warriors credit, however, for getting to the line 52 times. That’s right, 52.

No one can accuse them of taking the easy way out with 3-pointers in this one.

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Mike Fratello, whose opinion I respect (Bob Sura called him the best coach he ever played for), was asked by Marv Albert on the YES telecast if the Warriors were as good as their 48-win team from a year ago.

“Are they as good? Fratello repeated. “If Monta Ellis comes back, I don’t know how to answer that right now.”

That must have been music to Warriors fans’ ears.

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The Warriors still struggle to convert consistently on the fastbreak when they have numbers.

Truth be told, it wasn’t one of their strengths with Baron Davis, either, and I’m talking about the simple 2-on-1 and 3-on-2.

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Last time I’m going to mention Marcus Williams without a reason. It’s obvious Nellie isn’t going to use him no how, no way _ not right now anyway.

If Nelson hasn’t found use for Williams in the first three games _ when each of them has been calling out for some semblance of stability _ it’s really, really not looking good for him.