Game 2: Warriors 108 Raptors 112 (OT)

These games are perhaps the most difficult to blog about. There were several inspiring performances tonight, but none matter because at the end of the day it really comes down to wins and losses. Thus far, the Warriors have played two really close games, both of which they led in the final minutes, and yet lost both. 0-2 in the tough western conference. Luckily our next two games are against somewhat weaker opponents, and there's still plenty of time to recoup, but you just can't help but think, "What If?"

I think the biggest positive tonight was the defense. Aside from the occasional lapse in position or assignment, our man to man ball defense was pretty good. It was good in Game 1 as well, however I became very annoyed of the countless switches. Today still had its fair share of switching on defense but it didn't hurt us like it did in Game 1. I hope this defense continues because down the road teams will look at us and have to game plan around our solid D, particularly in the paint where it seems Turiaf makes it a dead end for the opposition game in and game out.

There were two major weaknesses tonight that really worry me for future games.

1. We obviously have a major issue with our PG situation, and it's really taking a toll on how we run our offense. First of all 18 turnovers is just too much for such a close game. It's inexplicable. More importantly, we lacked a capable floor general down the stretch when we really needed some ball movement and penetration. The last 7 or 8 possessions all had the same basic flaw: no movement at all, and everyone standing around watching one man ISO againt the Raptors. Our success earlier in the game was a result of ball movement and cross-court swinging that got us open shots. This one-on-one basketball, particularly at the end of games where refs like to keep their whistles to themselves, in not smart basketball.

2. Depth- Again, it's one of our supposedly biggest strengths and again Nelson has been reluctant to play anyone other than our main 6 guys consistently. Maggette, Biedrins, Jackson, and Harrington all logged 43+ minutes with a game tommorrow night. That's unacceptable. I understood the first game was opening night and Nelson was trying to steal a game from a great team, but I don't think that excuse really holds up tonight. I'm looking forward to Belinelli and Wright getting 10+ minutes each against New Jersey tomorrow night.

Final Comment: I'd hate to say it but I think we aren't being coached properly. Nelson held an excellent training camp and clearly instilled some defensive identity within these Warriors, but the offense has seriously lacked any potency at all. I don't know how we can actually scare teams, the way we play without a PG the majority of the game, and how we play Iso-basketball every other possession. Down the stretch I think Nelson needs to call some more plays rather than just let Jackson and Maggette take whatever shot they want.

Top Performances
1. Al Harrington- I'm not giving this to him as much for his 26 points as I am for his 11 rebounds. Any time he grabs 8 or more boards I'm excited. And it helped too as we actually out-rebounded the Raptors and their twin towers.

2.Kelenna Azubuike- I didn't mention him last time, but off the bench he and Turiaf have been ridiculously consistent and helpful. I love this guy's game because he boards, takes it to the rack, and can finish. When our offense starts to cool down it's a real boost to the team to have him make one of his plays.

3. Andris Biedrins- This guy has been so consistent the past year or so, his only problem has been staying on the court. I think our offense is much more efficient when we actually use him as opposed to late game situations when he's invisible (there's reasoning of course because he can't hit a free throw but why not use him to at least give someone else a pick).