GarageGabs

 

In the 4th quarter of a closeout game you’ve really gotta put a body on playoff veterans.  The Utah Jazz have only one truly tested playoff vet in Derek Fisher.  Golden State never really guarded him.  Fisher dropped in 20 points, including 4-5 from deep, and hit some huge baskets down the stretch as the Warriors let another winnable game get away from them.

Let’s be honest about this series though.  Golden State never really had a chance did they?  They were out-rebounded all series, and again last night (59-35), out assisted, played with little to no poise, hoisted up 3 after 3, out-coached, missed free throws, and were just flat out not as good as Utah.  Why did Don Nelson just SIT on the bench with his head in his hands as Steven Jackson imploded last night?  Everyone in the nation could see it coming…..you’re gonna tell me his coach didn’t see it coming?  I’d have had his ass on the sidelines and been in his ear; instead, Nelson left the policing to the other players on the court (Mostly Monta Ellis).  I know they were playing zone to neutralize the inside presence of Utah, but really; how many big shots did Fisher need to hit before the Warriors realized not to double off him?

Heck of a run by the Warriors, but it just so happened they matched up PERFECTLY with the Dallas Mavericks.  Dallas, with no interior offensive punch, and a 7 foot offensive go to guy that wants to roam the perimeter.    It was the perfect recipe for an upset.  Now, the honeymoon is over.  Golden State will be back next year, sure.  If they are healthy, they’ll win 45 or so games, and sneak into the playoffs as a 6-8 seed.  Maybe they’ll get Dallas again in the 1st round and advance again?  Otherwise, with this nucleus, they’ll be one and done.  Utah awaits the winner of Stu Antonio vs. Phoenix.