Watching the Warriors defensively dismantle the Sacramento Kings last night with the smallest lineup that I can remember was impressive. Later, Coach Kerr stated that he believes this is going to be the Warriors' starting lineup of the future. This has caused a flurry of media and fan responses about Small Ball efficacy in a league that has been trending to Big Ball lately. How will the Warriors fare against teams with tall, long wings and huge 7 ft centers, like Jokic. Well, they did quite well against a team with 6'11" Domatas Sabonas and back up 7' Jonas Valanciunas. There will be Adebayo, Towns, Antetocoupo to think about, but if last night's game is a predicter, then I'm not too worried. And, remember, Mr. Looney is ready at all times to provide some muscle if needed and Trace Davis and the suprisingly up and coming 7' Quinten Post. The key in my mind is consistent Defenseive aggressiveness. It's not enough to simply keep your man in front of you, it means making your opponent worried abd nervous, forcing him out of his comfort zones, which is what the Warriors did to the Kings last night. It is my belief that if the Warriors can keep this kind of defense going the rest of the way, no team will be happy to have to play the Dubs in a seven game series. Remember, also, that Jonathan Kuminga will be back soon. If truly healthy, coming off he bench, he will provide lots of athleticism on both ends of the court. It's important to remember that Kuminga is a very in-your-face defender. And, finally, let's be clear, the Warriors' transformation has come about with the addition of Jimmy Butler. Butler truly knows how to play basketball at both ends of the court. One could compare him to Draymond Green with a shooting touch. He balances both mind and instinct. And he does a lot of the little things that add up to wins, intercepting a pass at a crucial time, snagging an offensive rebound, shutting down a hot shooter, boxing off, etc, etc. I was very concerned about this trade, No longer. Butler is a baller, pure and simple. He has never forgotten what he learned on the playground, you don't get to stay on the court unless you win.
My wife an I are looking forward to joining other retired Wariors' numbers on Sunday afternoon to be part of the cereemony to retire the number of Andre Iguodala, Wilt, Thurmond, and Atlles have passed but Rick Barry and I from the Sixties generation of Warriors are still standing. Chris Mullins will represent the Dream Team generation. Iguodala will be the first Dub to rise into the rafters. He will soon be followed by Curry, Thompson, Green, and KD.
Wilt Chamberlain's anniversary of his 100 point game is approaching, I'll be posting Wilt poems unti then.
LOOKING UP AT WILT
From ageless redwoods to light houses,
to tall tales of Biblical Goliaths
to the giant lumberjack, Paul Bunyon
to the tallest at the Court of Basketball,
the Lord Chamberlain of Height, Sir Wilt.
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