(PHOTO CREDIT: Christian Petersen/Getty Images.)
10/30/2016
THE GAMES
UTA 75 (1-2) @ LAC 88 (2-0)
GS 106 (2-1) @ PHX 100 (0-3)
SA 106 (4-0) @ MIA 99 (1-2)
MIL 83 (1-2) @ DET 98 (2-1)
LAL 96 (1-2) @ OKC 113 (3-0)
WAS 103 (0-2) @ MEM 112 (2-1) [OT]
DAL 92 (0-3) @ HOU 93 (2-1)
THE WARRIORS WILL BE OKAY
The Golden State Warriors struggled to put away the Phoenix Suns on Sunday but, all things considered, the Dubs are 2-1. They’re fine. Their only loss was when they got jumped by the formidable San Antonio Spurs at their home opener. That happens.
The Dubs have four all-stars. The Four Horsemen of the Oracle, if you will. And their brand of basketball is a lot of ball movement and finding the best shot possible. It’s not like these are the 2013 Lakers where one guy refused to yield leadership and wanted to shove the pecking order down the supposed successor. Draymond Green knows he’s never going to be the #1 guy. Klay Thompson knows he’ll get his shots but also acknowledges that his Splash Brother is the man. Stephen Curry IS the two-time MVP and while he does get his shot anytime he wants, he knows he needs the help of all the other guys on the team. And Kevin Durant, while he acknowledged that he wants to be one of the greatest, is eager to fit in the Warriors’ scheme. They’re gonna be fine.
Sometimes, chemistry takes time. Durant is encouraged to move around while he doesn’t have the ball; he didn’t do a lot of that in Oklahoma City. It’s going to take time for him to get acclimated; he’ll pass up on shots that he normally took with the Thunder because he’s trying to fit in. Of course, his teammates will pass up on shots to give Durant some shots to help him get comfortable. And Green will have to get used to be a FOURTH option now that Durant is there.
It’s also an adjustment for the coaching staff. They’ve got an embarrassment of riches with the Dubs. Steve Kerr is going to learn to stagger his four horsemen throughout the games. Having four top guys also means his depth isn’t as great as it used to be. Plus he’ll have to assuage all these egos. It’s not going to be easy but Kerr is no dummy. After all, he’s watched Gregg Popovich and Phil Jackson do the same thing in the past.
The 2011 Heat (that consisted of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh) had these problems early as well. They started off 9-8 but finished the season 58-24. They fell to the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals but they recovered to win the championship the next two seasons. And this Warriors squad won a title without Durant two springs ago.
The Golden State Warriors are going to be okay, guys. Check back during the All-Star break. Or even by Christmas.
THE REST OF THE LEAGUE
The Russell Westbrook Destruction Tour is just beginning. He finished with another triple-double as the Thunder polished off the Lakers. OKC is 3-0. And they have a date with the Dubs on Thursday!
I just realized how much Mike Conley is getting paid. But Memphis running a bit more and using the three more as a weapon? Also weird. Marc Gasol made four three-pointers against the Wizards, including one that sent the game to overtime.
The San Antonio Spurs are 4-0. Gregg Popovich continues to rest his marquee players on back-to-backs. They rested LaMarcus Aldridge this time against the Heat. No problem, though. They have Kawhi Leonard, who went for an emotionless 27 points. They lose Tim Duncan and it’s like nothing’s changed for the Spurs.
So far, the Clippers are under the radar. I’ll put them ON the radar should they win against the Suns on Monday night.
Speaking of the Suns, whoever stitches up their unis was either NOT having a great day or just a bad speller.
First the clocks, now this? @Suns pic.twitter.com/bqFI9TxkMb
— Jordan Ramirez (@JRAM_91) October 30, 2016
Someone’s going to beeld to death later.
LINE CROSSER
(PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman.)
Yeah, Andre Drummond had a 20-20 (20 points and 23 boards, to be exact). Hassan Whiteside went for 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Kevin Durant scored 37 points for the Dubs.
But it was all about Durant’s ex-teammate after the smoke cleared. Russell Westbrook had yet another triple-double. 33 points, 12 rebounds, 16 assists. Scrumptious.
WATCH THIS PLAY
(VIDEO CREDIT: ALL NBA.)
Kevin Durant runs down the court like a gazelle and throws down a ferocious slam that made Arizona shake.
Follow Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass for all tweets about the NBA and terrible pop music. Also, check out his podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental.
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