Tag: NBA

Warriors take a commanding series lead 3-0; Golden State defeats Dallas 109-100

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) is fouled by Dallas Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber, rear, during game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Finals at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Sun May 22, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Take A Commanding Series Lead 3-0

By Barbara Mason

The Golden State Warriors (3-0) traveled to Dallas to take on the Mavericks (0-3) in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals on Sunday. The Warriors came out of it with a 109-100 win in Dallas to move up in the series 3-0 and are on the brink of sweeping the series.

The Warriors came out in the first quarter with great energy jumping to a 14-7 lead early. They went on a 10-0 run in the first quarter before Dallas really got going.

Luka Doncic would finish the quarter with a 32-foot three pointer. After the first 12 minutes the Warriors held a slim 25-22 lead. The Mavericks had really heated up as the clock ran out on the first quarter.

The Maverick’s took a lead early in the second quarter. Both teams were struggling from downtown shooting at 22%. Dallas would jump to a nine point lead in the second but Golden State would fight back to take a 48-47 lead into the locker room.

The Warriors would lose Otto Porter Jr. in the quarter who went to the locker room for x-rays on his left foot. This was a significant loss for the Warriors. Porter has been an essential part of Golden State’s success in the past two games offensively and defensively. He was unable to return to the game.

The Warriors began to have turnover issues and coupled with struggles shooting in the second quarter they could not get away with poor ball control going forward.

The Warriors extended their lead in the third quarter leading after three 78-68. Golden State had outscored Dallas 30-21 in the quarter. It would all come down to the fourth quarter for the Warriors. Ball control and execution would decide this game.

The Warriors took a 14 point lead in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks continued to fight trimming the lead to eight but Golden State relentlessly pushed back. Jordan Poole made two crucial long shots to ice this game.

Dallas had trouble shooting the ball in the final quarter and desperately needed stops which just didn’t happen. Golden State had taken a commanding 3-0 lead in the series winning.

Stephen Curry finished with 31 points. Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson rounded out the top numbers, Wiggins with 27 and Thompson with 19.

The two long balls in the final minutes from Poole made all the difference. This was an amazing team effort. Offensive rebounding was just one more plus for Golden State. Kevon Looney finished with 12 rebounds and Wiggins with 11.

The Warriors will play game four on Tuesday night looking to finish off Dallas in game four.. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.

Warriors Take A 2-0 Series Lead In A Thriller 126-117

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The Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (11) takes a shot against the Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) in the first half of action at the Chase Center in San Francisco in game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Finals on Fri May 20, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Take A 2-0 Series Lead In A Thriller 126-117

By Barbara Mason

Going into Game Two of the Western Conference Finals the Golden State Warriors fully expected to see a different Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic but they did not expect to see a right shoulder injury coupled with battling a terrible 24 hour flu that kept him up all Wednesday night. This guy is a fighter and he started in Friday night’s game although not at 100%. Doncic’s issues helped Golden State win their second straight against the Mavericks in game 2 at Chase Center 126-117.

Game 2 recap: Two minutes into the first quarter Warrior Head Coach Steve Kerr called a timeout not liking what he was seeing defensively. They gave up three open shots to the Mavericks resulting in the early Dallas lead. The Mavericks led 8-2 and Dallas was already shooting better to start the game then in game one.

Four minutes into the game turnovers were already hurting the Warriors. Doncic gave the Warriors the answer early as to his physical condition. He was two off four from downtown and six of nine on two-point shots. When Luca has 18 points in the first quarter that spells big trouble. Dallas led after one 32-25.

The second quarter was a medley of terrible calls. The Warriors were concentrating on these lousy calls rather than being wrapped up in the game. Turnovers were numerous and the Mavericks capitalized on just about all to them.

The Mavericks led at the half 72-58. Luca finished the first half with 24 points and Jalen Brunson had a great start with 20 points. Doncic already had more points then he had in the entirety of game one.

The Warriors trailed by as much as 19 points in the first half and had cut into that deficit a bit by half time. Stephen Curry really heated up in the later minutes finishing with 20 points. Golden State would need a lot more in the second half from Klay Thompson who only had 6 points and Jordan Poole with seven points.

Golden State really cut into the Maverick’s lead in the third quarter trailing by five points with 2:12 left in the quarter 81-76. After three quarters the Mavericks saw their lead cut to two points 85-83.

The Warrior had held Brunson to three points and Doncic to four. It all hinged on the fourth quarter. Golden State had outscored Dallas in the third quarter 25-13.

In the fourth quarter the Warriors took their first lead in the game 86-85. With 2:25 Draymond Green fouled out of the game. Golden State led with 2:07 left in the game 119-112.

The Mavericks just could not get any stops in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Golden State had taken a 2-0 lead in the series.

The Warriors had 38 points in the paint in a brilliant second half. Kevon Looney had a career high with 21 points and 12 rebounds. “In the third quarter I was able to hold my own. Getting those stops is always a boost,” said Looney after the game.

When you win a game with Doncic scoring 42 points you know that you played with offensive and defensive excellence.

Curry had the team high with 32 points and off the bench it was a “Poole Party” with Jordan dropping in 23 points.

Despite the continued chants from the fans “refs you suck” the sucky refs were not able to deny the Warriors this win. It was horrible officiating in the game.

Golden State will now travel to Dallas to get a taste of the fans at American Airlines Center. They will be gunning for a 3-0 series lead. Tipoff is schedule for 6:00 PM.

Warriors take game one against Dallas 112-87; Curry scores 21 pts grabs 12 boards in game 1 victory

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Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, left, is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (right) in first half action in game 1 of the Western Conference Finals at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed May 18, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Take Game One Against Dallas 112-87

By Barbara Mason

Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors took on the Dallas Mavericks in Game One of the Western Conference Finals and came away with a 112-87 win to open the series at Chase Center in San Francisco.

After beating the Memphis Grizzlies in the semifinals there was concern with the play of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole in the last four games. While they have had their moments consistency has been missing. The Warriors Kevon Looney contended with Luca Doncic which was a very tough assignment.

Game 1 recap: The first quarter was close for a minutes but by the finish of the first 12 minutes the Warriors led 28-18. The Mavs did outscore Golden State in the second quarter by a single point 27-26. At the half the Warriors led 54-45 shooting at 56% to the Mavericks 32%.

There was better ball protection in the first half with six turnovers. The one glaring stat was the fact that Thompson was scoreless in the first two quarters and Curry was also struggling. Andrew Wiggins had an excellent first half keeping the team afloat.

The Warriors extended their lead after three quarters leading 90-69. “We are defending really well, as well as moving the ball,” said Warrior head coach Steve Kerr after the third quarter. It was quite a relief for Golden State to have Kerr back on the sidelines after a bout with Covid.

Jordan Poole, Curry and Thompson got going in the second half. In the early minutes of the fourth quarter the Warriors had a 98-69 lead prompting a Dallas timeout. When you can hold Luka Doncic to 20 points through three plus quarters you’ve really put the stops on the Mavericks.

With four minutes left in the game the Warriors led by 30 points 106-76. The Warriors bench would close out this game. Damian Lee, Nemanja Bjelica, Moses Moody, Juan Toscano – Anderson and Jonathan Kuminga brought this one home. The final was in favor of the Warriors in this first game of these Western Conference Finals.

The Mavericks had a tough start to the series. They were 11 of 48 from downtown and you could see frustration clearly etched on the face of Luka Doncic.

It was a great finish for Golden State. The entire starting roster shot in double digits. Curry had the high with 21 points closely followed by Andrew Wiggins and Poole who had 19 points apiece. Everything was working for the Warriors in the second half to secure the first win of this series. Golden State would need more of the same in Game Two.

The second game of this series at Chase will tipoff Friday at 6:00 PM.

NBA Conference Finals podcast with David Zizmor: Can Celtics take out Heat like they took out the Suns? How much will the Mavericks rely on Doncic against Warriors?

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The Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka (left) talks strategy with guard Marcus Smart (right) during game 7 at TD Garden in Boston on Sun May 17, 2022. The Celtics and Miami Heat open up the Eastern Conference Finals today in Miami Wed May 17, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the NBA Conference Finals podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 Dave, it didn’t seem like the Boston Celtics had a chance to catch up once their lead dropped off and the Miami Heat were able to hold onto their lead with a 118-107 win on Tuesday night.

#2 Dave how much of advantage was it for the Heat in this first game to win at home have another game on Thursday night and get 41 points out of Jimmy Butler.

#3 The Celtics are missing a couple of key players center Al Holford due to health and safety protocols and guard Marcus Smart due to a foot sprain. The Heat’s Kyle Lowry was out for game 1 due to a hamstring pull. Dave talk about these injuries and how they impacted the Celtics and Heat in game 1.

#4 Dave, talk about the impact that the Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic had against the Phoenix Suns a series the Mavericks won in game 7.

#5 The Mavericks out scored the Suns by ten or more points in some of their wins during the second round. In the Western Conference Finals do you see them being able to do the same thing against the Golden State Warriors which starts in game 1 tonight at Chase Center?

Dave Zizmor does the NBA Conference Finals podcasts Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Tony Renteria: Will US exchange Griner for Russia’s Merchant of Death? Plus NBA Conference Final predictions

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WNBA and Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner is led away in handcuffs by Russian authorities as seen here Fri May 13th is up for prisoner exchange for The Merchant of Death Viktor Bout. The deal is up for consideration between the Russian and US governments. (photo from the Toronto Globe and Mail)

On Headline Sports podcast with Tony R:

#1 Tony, could you talk about the chances that you see in a prisoner swap Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner for Russia’s The Merchant of Death Viktor Bout?

#2 Griner no doubt is the face of basketball was stopped at the Moscow Airport for alleged drug possession of vape cartridges that contained hashish oil. Griner has been detained in Russia since February. Talk a little about her mental state and how she’s holding up through this process?

#3 Tony NBA playoffs Western Conference Finals are about to tip off starting on Wednesday night at Golden State with the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors. All the talk has been about the Mavericks Luka Doncic. Will he be and the Mavericks be enough to get by Golden State in this third round?

#4 The Mavericks had a rather close series against the Phoenix Suns who had the best record in the NBA regular season and overcame adversity with a 4-3 series win. How much of a force would you say Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Jalen Brunson have been for the Dallas offense?

#5 Turning to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals the Boston Celtics are coming off a best of seven series win over the Milwaukee Bucks and tip off against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in game 1 tonight in Miami.

Join Tony for Headline Sports each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors feel prepared for third round of playoffs will open at Chase Center for games 1 and 2

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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr after missing games 5 and 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies will return for game 1 of the third round on Wed May 18, 2022 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

  1. It was a critical game for Golden State Friday night even though they led the series 3-2.

2 . Kevin Looney had a banner night -Warrior defense came up big.

  1. Slow start for both teams- it was a second half game 7.

4 Klay Thompson kept the team afloat in game 7 finishing with 30 points.

  1. It was a late game rally by Stephen Curry late in the game that secured the win.

Join Barbara for the Golden State Warriors podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Come Alive In Fourth Quarter Advance To Conference Finals 110-96

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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams during the first half of Game 6 at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Fri May 13, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Come Alive In Fourth Quarter Advance To Conference Finals 110-96

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Golden State Warriors took on the Memphis Grizzlies looking to finish off this semifinal series against Memphis. The Warriors in game 6 did just that and pulled it off with a 110-96 win in a 4-2 series win.

The good news for the Warriors is that they played Game six at Chase Center. There was a lot of good news for the Grizzlies as well. They were playing at an incredible level in game 5 on Wednesday and their confident level was off the charts.

The Warriors on the other hand were playing very poorly before Friday night’s game after getting stomped on in Memphis in game 5. They played at an all-time low on Wednesday trailing at one point in the game by 55 points.

The final was 134-95 in favor of Memphis. There was no energy, no focus, no discipline and horrible ball protection by the Warriors in that game and that was cleaned up on Friday night advancing to the next round of the playoffs. Golden State did not want to take this series back to Memphis.

Game 6 recap: Golden State came out with better focus and energy to start the game. They led after the first quarter 30-26 in a highly competitive game. At the half the Warriors led 53-51 in a real dog fight. Protecting the ball continued to be a problem for the Warriors with 12 turnovers in the first half.

Steven Adams left the game late in the second quarter with a possible right leg issue but was able to play the second half which was great news for the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies outscored the Warriors in the third quarter by a single point but the Warriors clung onto a 78-77 lead heading into the fourth quarter

What the Warriors have waited to see for a few games now was unleashed in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. A furious rally from Golden State finished off the Grizzlies. Golden State is headed to the third round of the Western Conference Finals.

The slow start in this game finished in a blaze of glory. The defense was amazing with Kevon Looney finishing with what has to be his all time high 22 rebounds. Draymond Green had 15 rebounds and 14 points.

Andrew Wiggins had 11 rebounds and 18 points. It was a brilliant defensive effort in the fourth quarter. The Splash Brothers came to play although it was Stephen Curry who really came to life to close out this game. Klay Thompson finished with 30 points and Curry with 29.

After all that he has been through the past two plus years it was a very happy Thompson after the game. “I tried to focus on the present . Another closeout game at Chase gave me butterflies,” he said. “I’m gonna kick my feet up and watch the Suns,” Thompson said.

They will now await the results of the Suns vs Mavericks in a game seven semifinal. ‘I am going in hungry when that time comes. You can’t take anything for granted,” said Thompson as they look ahead to the Western Conference finals. He had nothing but great things to say about the amazing game from Looney. “Kevon was big time. He is great at the rim, he is a Warrior for life.”

The team will now await their opponent in the Western Conference Finals having a few days to rest and digest this amazing win.

Warriors Suffer an Ugly Beat Down in Memphis 134-95

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The Memphis Grizzlies Jaren Jackson Jr (13) and the Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry (30) take a spill in their battle for the basketball in first half action at the FedEx Forum in Memphis in game 5 on Wed May 11, 2022 (AP News photo)

Warriors Suffer An Ugly Beat Down In Memphis 134-95

By Barbara Mason

After the horrendous game that Golden State played on Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies every expectation was that they would come out ready to put this series to bed.

They did just the opposite with 14 turnovers in the first half. They were traveling, throwing the ball out of bounds, stepping out of bounds and missing open shots.

Whatever they could do wrong, they did it. Memphis had 13 offensive rebounds in the first half and they were outplaying the Warriors in an obvious must win game for them.

Memphis won the first quarter 38-28 and then went on a crazy run winning the second quarter 39-22. The Grizzlies led by the score of 77-50 at halftime. Memphis dominated in every statistical category in this game.

The Warriors would have 22 turnovers when all was said and done. The Grizzlies would dominate the boards thought this entire game. Golden State had no rhythm, no focus, no energy; they didn’t have much of anything tonight.

Every single Warrior sitting on the sidelines at the end of the game were hanging their heads in shame. This was a very disappointing and embarrassing loss for the team. Thompson had 19 points for the high score followed by Kuminga with 17 points.

The Grizzlies had seven players in double digits. Jaren Jackson Jr., Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane each contributed 21 points in this game.

Friday night the Warriors will have to turn things around because they absolutely do not want to play a game seven in Memphis. Losing is not an option, this is a must win for Golden State. Tipoff is 7:00 PM PDT at the Chase Center in San Francisco for game 6.

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: Kerr continues to quarantine, Brown will coach game 5; Morant out tonight

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Golden State Warrior head coach Steve Kerr walks off the floor heading for a press conference in preparation of game 2 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis against the Memphis Grizzlies on Mon May 2, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with David:

#1 The Golden State Warriors who take a 3-1 series lead into Memphis can sew it up tonight at FedEx Forum. The Warriors the last time they were in Memphis barely won game 1, 117-116 and lost game 2 106-101 do you see them struggling in Memphis or after watching them at Chase Center for games 3 and 4 they’ve got this?

#2 The Warriors behind for much of Monday night’s game 4 in San Francisco but in the final minute Stephen Curry was fouled twice and connected for two free throws each time and the Warriors got daylight and put away the game by four points.

#3 Warrior head coach Steve Kerr continues to quarantine after going into Covid 19 protocols on Monday and did not make the trip to Memphis as assistant coach Mike Brown will be at the helm for game 5 tonight. From Kerr’s point of view it’s got to be driving him up the wall having to sit out a first round game 5.

Join David Zizmor for the Warrior podcasts each Wednesday during the NBA Post season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors Take Game Four 101-98 for 3-1 series lead; Game 5 goes back to Memphis Wednesday night

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The Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones (21) tries to get a finger roll going against the Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defending in game four at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Mon May 9, 2022 (AP news photo)

Warriors Take Game Four To Lead Series 3-1

By Barbara Mason

After a wild and crazy Game Three the Golden State Warriors took on the Memphis Grizzlies in Game Four at Chase Center. In another crazy turn Head Coach Steve Kerr was not on the sidelines testing positive for Covid. A more than competent Mike Brown took over at the helm in this game.

After suffering a knee sprain in Game Three Ja Morant was not in the lineup for this game. Memphis has the weapons to be a threat despite Morant’s absence.

The Warriors who trailed most of the game got the lead for keeps thanks to Stephen Curry’s free throws under the last minute of the game for a 101-98 game four win to take a 3-1 series lead back to Memphis on Wednesday night.

The Warriors had a horrible start. They would finish the first half 2 of 20 from beyond the arc. At the half the Warriors trailed by the score of 41-38. Considering the way they were playing they were extremely lucky to only be trailing by three. Missed open shots, far too many fouls, and shooting at 34% will not win very many ball games.

The Warriors had a third quarter that was no different from the first and second quarters. The final two minutes of the quarter saw a bit of a spark from Golden State. Curry hit a shot from downtown which reignited the crowd. The Grizzlies were hanging onto a slim lead 62-60 with two minutes left in the quarter. Desmond Bane would hit a 32-foot buzzer beater giving the Grizzlies a 69-62 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Golden State would have a single quarter to turn this game around. Every time the Warriors got close the Grizzlies would answer. With four minutes left in the contest Golden State was running out of time. The Warriors went on a 10-2 run to win this game for the four point win. This was a game that the Warriors could not afford to lose and when push came to shove they weathered the storm in Warrior fashion.

Curry finished the game with a high score of 32 points. The Warriors did have a nice defensive game. Draymond Green had 11 rebounds and Andrew Wiggins had 10.

Game Five will be back in Memphis at the FedEx Forum and all signs point toward the return of Ja Morant. The Warriors have to turn this offense around and put a lid on these turnovers. Leading the series 3-1 the Warriors have everything to play for. Game five will be on Wednesday with tipoff scheduled for 6:30 PM PDT.