Category: Golden State Warriors

Former S.F. Mayor calls Warriors arena project a boondoggle

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by Ken Gimblin

SAN FRANCISCO–Former San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos makes no bones about it that the motivation behind the Golden State Warriors move to piers 30-32 in the City is all about a real estate grab along the Embarcadero. Agnos said this is not about the Warriors or a sports arena but land development meant to be real estate profit.

Agnos who this month campaigned against the 8 Washington a waterfront condo project that would have been set for development near piers 30-32 and what would have led to the arena development. Agnos said that the city voters saw right through the project idea as a real estate grab and environmental groups were on board with Agnos in the defeat of city propositions B and C.

Former San Francisco supervisor Aaron Peskin stated that with the measures going to defeat any future proposal to build at the waterfront for condos or the new arena for that matter would be a uphill battle. City government played a big role behind the propositions on the ballot possible but Peskin said this last election will slow down the Warriors move to the piers quite considerably, “this is not the end and it feels like a movement” said Peskin.

Agnos pointed out that the propositions lost by wide margins for prop B it lost by 25 points and for prop C it lost by 33 points. Former San Francisco City Attorney Louise Renne said the project was irresponsible and Renne spoke to the no on B and C supporters on election night telling them the fight is not over as the Warriors and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee’s office is gearing up to get the Warriors new arena on the San Francisco ballot calling the San Francisco planning commission who was behind props B and C, “utterly disgraceful” and “get your rest more to come San Francisco, San Francisco this is a victory for you, and to all those developers out there do not mess with our waterfront were not going to stand for it” said Renne.

Warriors Spokeman Nathan Ballard said the height of the new arena was addressed and the arena size adjustments should bring closure to questions with environmentalists and opponents being concerned about any views being blocked, “we’ve slimmed down the arena to make room for enough public open space to fit three Union Squares”. Design 0.3 as the Warriors have named the latest design has slimmed off the sides and the height of the arena.

Critics say despite the third design adjustment by the Warriors the neighborhood and voters won’t support development at the waterfront. Agnos says it’s just a gesture that really has no one fooled and that it still is a real estate grab and that the waterfront and Embarcadero neighborhoods stands together that no one will build and take away the view of the bridge and the bay from the neighborhood, “it sounds like window dressing, the bottom line is this is a mega real estate project.”

Adding to the arena project there is a $1 billion 105 room two hotel building project on the drawing board, a 175 foot condominium tower, 120,000 feet of retail to be built with the new arena at piers 30-32. The site is owned by the city and there is no changes in development other than some trimming of the Warriors new arena in height and circumference. The parking lot is called the Seawall Lot 330 at piers 30-32 nearby Red’s Java House Restaurant.

Ken Gimblin is covering the NBA for Sportstalk Radio

Warriors make easy work of Pistons, win 113-95

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By Gabe Schapiro

Tuesday night at Oracle Arena the Golden State Warriors (5-3) looked like they were playing a junior varsity squad in the Detroit Pistons (2-5), in a thorough dismantling that mercifully ended at a final score of 113-95. In what was a true team effort from the start, seven Warriors finished with eight or more points. With the win Golden State has now won five straight matchups against Detroit.

The Warriors domination started from the tip-off. In the first quarter six players scored four or more points, and they moved the ball around brilliantly. They dished out 13 assists, two off of the club record for a single frame. David Lee led the way with eight early points to go along with four rebounds. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson contributed seven points and three assists apiece. For the quarter they shot 60.9% from the field, and led 35-16.

The second quarter was more of the same. Lee’s hot start continued, adding nine more points to his total. Jermaine O’Neal had a quick seven points off the bench. Andre Drummond was doing his best to keep the Pistons within striking distance, scoring 10 points and grabbing seven boards, but he wasn’t getting much help. Golden State extended their lead out to 21 points, leading 62-41 heading into the locker room.

Coming out of half time any hopes the Pistons had at making this one interesting were quickly squashed. The Warriors hot hands didn’t skip a beat. The third turned into the Curry show, adding 12 points and dishing out a couple of beautiful passes. Heading into the final quarter Golden State had once again extended their lead to 94-71.

In a game that was essentially already locked up the fourth quarter consisted largely of garbage time, which allowed the final score to look closer than the game ever was. Golden State’s reserves got a lot of play as they coasted their way to the victory.

Curry led all scorers with 25 points. He also chipped in eight assists. Iguodala filled up the stat sheet, finishing with eight points, 11 assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Lee finished just shy of his customary double-double, posting 17 and nine.

Hurdle and Francona named top skippers of the year

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That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary

Clint Hurdle the Pittsburgh Pirates manager was named National League manager of the year and Cleveland’s Terry Francona was named American League manager of the year on Tuesday. The vote to elect the two managers was taken by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Hurdle won 25 of the 30 first place votes beating out the Dodgers manager Don Mattingly and Fredi Gonzalez of the Atlanta Braves.

Francona edged the Red Sox John Farrell by 16 points, Francona had 16 first place votes and ten second place votes. Francona who led Cleveland to their first post season since 2007 gets much of the credit for turning around a Cleveland franchise that was trying to find their way and playing in front of some small crowds at Jacobs Field prior to Francona’s arrival.  Farell piloted the Sox to a World Series Championship this season.

If the S.F. waterfront fails the Warriors can move next to AT&T Park: I can only go by the history of San Francisco and the city is a very tough town to build anything. The best example and were talking sports here to ask the San Francisco Giants how long it took the Giants to get an approved stadium to build a park in the City it took over a decade and three elections.

The Warriors are going to realize this is not Orange County or Santa Clara County, this is not an area where you can build a new stadium just about everywhere you wish if you have the money. San Francisco is a very environmentally minded city, the Environmental Protection Agency is going to come out with some studies about those piers there.

There might be some fish there that might be on the endangered species list whose been around for thousands of years. The people of the Bay Area belong to some very special cities and with all respect to the Warriors with the new ownership and the new management I don’t think they realize that. Warrior owners Joe Lacob is from the east coast and Peter Gruber is from Hollywood and is a big movie mogul.

The Angels were thinking of building a park in downtown L.A. and you know what that’s legal they can do it the Dodgers don’t have territorial rights in Los Angeles that’s why the Angels are called the Los Angeles Angels, the Dodgers wouldn’t fight that. The Southland is different and the Golden State Warriors are up for a rude awaking here.

The Warriors are really going to have to tweak this plan in many phases before the voters, EPA and other environmental groups before the voters of the city say “okay build your arena.” You can still have it but it’s not as easy as they thought it was going to be.

With ex San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos leading the charge against a water front arena it could be a big battle and look I’ll give you a comparison I just came back from a week in Hawaii, it’s a beautiful place, the water is clean, it’s just great the Islands are beautiful. San Francisco’s number one industry is not the Giants, it’s tourism.

If you build a big monstrosity on piers 30-32 where it would be an eye sore for the people who come to the city that is no good if I’m the San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee I would seriously have to think this one over, but I knew former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein years ago and I talked to her and I gave her an award for doing the Juan Marichal day and I’m sure if Feinstein were still mayor she would say, “San Francisco is a special city and you can’t appeal something just because you have $144 million.”

Let’s set the record straight right here, it’s not going to happen and let’s go back to the city any big structure could be an eyesore to the shoreline to the bay and the Warriors are thinking very hard about this and they better have some good attorneys ready because this could be a real long fight.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the former Spanish radio and TV voice for Warriors and Clippers basketball and does News and Commentary each week for Sportstalk Radio

Warriors new arena in S.F. has good chance to get voted down

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by Ken Gimblin

SAN FRANCISCO–After the defeat of San Francisco propositions B and C it was a clear sign to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee that voters do not want to change to look of the waterfront at the Embarcadero at piers 30-32. Former San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos was an advocate of keeping the waterfront just the way it is with no changes.

Props B and C would open the changes for development building new condos and later a proposition at piers 30-32 and the Embarcadero waterfront that would have lead to a new Warriors arena. Voters on Tuesday resoundingly voted no on the props voting down prop B by 62 percent and voting down prop C by 66.5 percent. It was reported that the defeat of the condos called 8 Washington condos was not necessarily bad news for Lee but it could translate how unpopular the Mayor’s idea for development for the waterfront is.

Agnos had allied groups opposing the measure by the San Francisco Sierra Club, San Francisco Tomorrow and members of San Francisco Waterfront Alliance, they were on hand at the No on Props B and C campaign headquarters saying they were in it to win it opposing the condo development, “voters sent the overwhelming message that they don’t want to destroy 50 years of work on the waterfront, under no circumstances will we accept an arena on the bay” said Agnos.

The Warriors intend to develop for a new proposed arena at the cost of $170 million, the sell was that the condos were going to help for affordable housing with construction costs at the tune of $11 million but the point of voters was either mistrust of the Mayor’s proposals or as Agnos said voters want to keep the waterfront looking just the way it is.

Agnos suggested that development for a new arena may work near Candlestick Point or near the San Francisco Cal Train station at Fourth and Townsend Streets. Neither location would appeal to the Warriors who are dead set on building at piers 30-32, “Art Agnos just won a game of ping pong and now he thinks he’s a Wimbledon champion” said Warriors spokesman Nathan Ballard for the Warriors S.F. arena project in commenting on props B and C going down to defeat.

Lee who attended the San Francisco Bulls home opener at the Cow Palace on Friday night did not comment on the loss of the propositions but it was learned through sources at the Bulls that Lee wants Bulls team president and co-owner Pat Curcio to work with him in campaigning together with the Warriors in the construction of a new arena with the Warriors. If all goes to plan it would give the waterfront arena an NHL or minor league regulation size ice rink and a new basketball arena.

Ken Gimblin covers the NBA for Sportstalk Radio

The Splash Brothers drown Kings, Warriors win 98-87

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By Gabe Schapiro

On Saturday night the Golden State Warriors (2-1) made easy work of their intrastate rivals, the Sacramento Kings (1-2), winning 98-87 at Oracle Arena. Klay Thompson led the way with a game-high 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-8 beyond the arc.

The Warriors jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. A little over a minute into the second quarter a layup from the Kings Jason Thompson brought them within nine points, but that would be the last time Golden State’s lead wasn’t in the double digits.

To open the second half Sacramento made a strong push, going on an 8-0 run, but their momentum was squashed just as quickly as it started, when the Warriors found their shot again and responded with a 15-0 run of their own.

Heading into the fourth quarter Golden State had built a 20-point lead. From there they eased off the gas pedal and gave the end of their bench some playing time. As a result the Kings had their best quarter, but it was far too little too late, as the Warriors coasted to the victory in a game that was more lopsided then the final score would indicate.

The other half of the ‘Splash Brothers,’ Stephen Curry, had another strong game, finishing with a double-double. He scored 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, five-of-eight from long distance, and dished out 12 assists.

David Lee, last year’s league leader in double-doubles, did it again for the 295th time of his career, contributing 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Andrew Bogut had a relatively quiet night on the stat sheet with six points and six rebounds, but on the defensive end he held DeMarcus Cousins at bay, and also chipped in four blocks.

For Sacramento it was their bench who did the most damage, with four of them finishing with double-digit points, led by rookie Ben McLemore, who scored a team-high 19.

Kings fall hard at Golden State

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By Charlie O. Mallonee

Every NBA fan knows that there is nothing harder for a team to do than win game two of a back-to-back schedule. The Kings traveled to Golden State and proved how hard it can be as they lost to the Warriors 98-87 after losing to the Clippers on Friday night. Do not let that score fool you. The game was much uglier than the final score would suggest.

In his post-game comments, Kings Head Coach Michael Malone summed up the game by saying his team did not shoot well and they did not defend well. He went on to say that his team’s effort was less than acceptable.

The game was essentially over after the first half. The Kings shot just 31.7% (13-41) from the field and were outscored by 10-points in the first and second quarters. The Warrior shot 53.7% (22-41) from the field and 46.7% (7/15) from behind the 3-point line. At half-time, the Warriors led the Kings 56-36.

The Kings came out hot in the third quarter by going on an opening 8-0 run to start the period. As the Kings attempted to fight their way back into the game, Golden State kept finding ways to score and keep the Kings at bay. At the 2:28 mark, Klay Thompson hit a 3-pointer followed by a Kings turnover that set up another Thompson 3-pointer. Sacramento never recovered from that sequence.

In the final quarter, both coaches went deep into their rotations to finish up the game. For the Kings, there was the first Jimmer Fredette sighting of the season. The Kings closed up the score but still lost 98-87

The Kings finished the game with a 34.5% (30-87) field goal shooting percentage. No matter what else you do, a team cannot win shooting 34.5%.

On defense, the Kings allowed the Warriors to shoot 51.3% (39-76). Sacramento allowed the Clippers to shoot 50% from the field on Friday night. The Kings cannot allow opponents to shoot that well and expected to win.

The one highlight of the game for the Kings was the play of rookie Ben McLemore. McLemore scored 19-points in 30 minutes of playing time. He also pulled down four rebounds, blocked two shots and added one assist. McLemore may have earned more playing time for himself with his performance against the Warriors.

The Kings will take Sunday off and return to practice on Monday. Their next game will on Tuesday when they host the “new look” Atlanta Hawks at Sleep Train Arena.

A Flawless Win in Season Opener for Dubs

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OAKLAND, Calif. – For the first time in years, the Golden State Warriors enters the 2013-2014 season with high expectations as one of the elite contenders in the Western Conference. Tonight, the Dubs proved that with a statement as they dominated the Los Angeles Lakers to a 125-to-94 blowout win at the Oracle Arena.

Klay Thompson scores a career-high with 38 points (15-19 FGS) and 5-7 from beyond the arch. From the opening quarter, he did not shy away from shooting the ball scoring 18 points.

David Lee, as well had a great evening coming back from hip surgery during the off-season scoring 24 points with eight rebounds.

Andre Iguodala also made his home debut scoring 7 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Curry contributed with 10 points and 6 dimes.

Despite the high scoring, the Warriors’ defense should be awarded. Their play on the defensive end was very impressive forcing 16 turnovers with 8 steals and keeping the paint dry with a game high of 9 blocks.

Head Coach Mark Jackson utilized the entire squad by giving every player on the active roster playing time. Tonight’s game was definitely a team game tallying up 34 total team assists.

Pau Gasol and Jodie Meeks of the Lakers led the team with 12 points and 7 rebounds and 14 points, respectively.

David Lee and the Warriors gearing up for tonight’s opener

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By Gabe Schapiro

For the Golden State Warriors the lengthy preseason, which included a trip to China, is finally over. Tonight the regular season begins, and a visibly thinner and more in-shape David Lee is ready and rearing to go.

Lee, who was the lone Warrior All-Star last season, is known for his prowess on the offensive end of the floor. Beyond just getting in better shape, Lee has spent much of the offseason focusing on improving his defensive game. For Lee, the two goals are one in the same. “Not being in as good of shape last year, looking back on the film, sometimes I would take possessions off. With the amount of work they had me doing on offense, it might have been on the defensive end a little.”

Over the course of seven preseason game, Lee has already seen that work and focus starting to pay off. “My pick-and-roll defense has been much better and my help defense has been much better…The big thing for me is making extra-effort plays.” Giving a nod to fellow big-man and defensive force down-low, he added, “I’m not claiming to be Andrew Bogut, but defensively on the post I’ve been doing a lot better competing.”

With an eye towards being “one of the best power forwards in the league,” Lee went on that “if you’re looking at making improvements and making that next step…for me it’s got to start on that defensive end.”

Focusing in on tonight’s contest against the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State is taking on a team they have seen a lot of recently. They played them three times during the preseason, and were taking notes during the Lakers victory over the Los Angeles Clippers last night in their own regular season opener.

The Lakers surprised many, and overcame not having Kobe Bryant in the lineup thanks to an incredible 76 points from their bench and a strong shooting night from beyond the arc.

Lee and the Warriors aren’t taking LA lightly, with or without Bryant. “Anybody out there if you don’t give them their proper due they can hurt you…you gotta be ready no matter who they have on the floor.”

When asked what the keys to winning tonight’s contest were, Lee kept it simple. “We have to share the ball offensively…defensively we have to defend that three-point line, that’s an equalizer.”

Most of all, it has to be a team effort. “We have to come ready to play. Not just one-through-five but one-through-ten or however many of our guys get into the game.”

Dismal second half drowns Warriors, lose 90-74 to the Trail Blazers

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By Gabe Schapiro

In their final preseason tune-up, in what wasn’t a particularly well-played game for either side, the Golden State Warriors were defeated by the Portland Trail Blazers, 90-74. The Warriors had a solid first half, but the wheels fell off from there, doing more damage then they could overcome. Golden State finishes the preseason with a 3-4 record.

Coming out of the gate it was the Warriors who looked more crisp and ready to play. Portland was extremely sloppy, thanks in part to strong defensive play from Golden State, turning the ball over seven times and shooting just 33% from the field in the first quarter. The Warriors, on the other hand, turned the ball over just once. They made a few mistakes but as a whole played well. Klay Thompson led the way with eight points. Andre Iguodala chipped in another five. Damian Lillard was the only thing keeping the Trail Blazers in the game with seven points. At the end of one the Warriors had a 23-16 lead.

The second quarter saw both benches get extended play. The Trail Blazers started finding their shot and chipped away at the lead, but never managed to overtake it. Golden State’s starters returned and grabbed a hold of the momentum again. Curry caught fire, scoring eight points in the quarter including a big three-pointer in the waning seconds that lifted the fans to their feet. For Portland it was Mo Williams’ turn to keep them in the game, coming off the bench to the tune of 11 points in the quarter. It wasn’t enough, however, and through 24 minutes of play, the Warriors maintained their seven-point lead, 48-41.

Coming out of the locker room Golden State scored a quick three points to give them their biggest lead of the game at 11. From there, however, they completely lost their shot and things got ugly. Portland went on a 22-0 run, fueled in large part by Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge, before the Warriors finally found the bottom of the net again with a little over two minutes to play in the quarter. After out-scoring Golden State 25-9 in the third, the Trail Blazers had grabbed a 66-57 lead.

The Warriors made a small push in the fourth quarter, at one point going on a 7-0 run, but they would never seriously threat re-taking the lead. Fans started heading for the exits in packs with several minutes remaining, as the Trail Blazers eased their way to victory.

Lillard had a game-high 21 points. Aldridge (16 points, 12 rebounds) and Nicolas Batum (10 points, 15 rebounds) both finished with double-doubles.

For Golden State Curry led the scoring with 17 points and a game-high six assists. Thompson finished with 16 points and five rebounds.

For the Warriors the regular season begins next Wednesday, October 30 when they will be taking on the LA Lakers at Oracle Arena.

Warriors lose at the end, 91-90

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By George Devine, Sr.

The Warriors showed great promise at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, including a 12-2 run in the second period, only to lose to the Kings at the end, 91-90.

At one point Golden State led by 17, and even had a 14-point advantage in the last period, but scored only 9 in that last quarter and came up a point short. The final frame was crucial, as the W’s made only 3 of 19 shots and were outgunned 21-9. David Lee was fouled with 1.2 seconds left and the Warriors were behind, 91-89. His two free throws could have put the game into overtime, but he missed the second.

Breaking down the game by quarters: at the end of the first, Golden State trailed 23-20 but at the half led 51-48. At the end of the third the Warriors’ lead was 81-70 but it was a game of endurance and Sacramento squeaked by.

Isaiah Thomas came off the bench to tally 21 points — the high for Sacramento — and excited the hometown crowd, still giddy over the retention of the Kings’ franchise. Darrell Cousins had 9. For the Warriors, Curry led the scoring with 24, Klay Thompson had 18, and Andrew Bogut had 12 in addition to 7 rebounds. Lee had 11 points. Andre Iguodala had 8 points, 6 assists, 4 boards and 3 steals.