PreSeason’s Greetings: (New Look) Golden State Warriors almost “Air Mail” 20-point lead to Denver, beat the Nuggets by a couple
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT PhilBoxing.com Mon, 14 Dec 2020
San Leandro, California
December 12, 2020 (Saturday)
The canned crowd noise that enveloped the empty, unlit stands at the Chase Center was a surreal backdrop to a fun game between the Golden State Warriors and last year’s play-off contender Denver Nuggets.
Last night’s telecast is an omen for the entire league as far as watching live games.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed barred crowds and public gatherings of more than a thousand people as COVID-19 (SAR-CoV-2) continues to affect U.S. cities and sporting events worldwide.
“We know that this Order is disruptive, but is an important step to support public health,” Mayor Breed said in a statement dating as far back as March 11, 2020 during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic and emphasized, “We’re following the recommendations of public health officials to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
The Warriors’ preseason win (sparring in boxing parlance) is a sight for sore eyes and music to the ears for Dubs fans as the Warriors try to shed last year’s cellar-dwelling performance.
The return of a healthy Stephen Curry (PG), Draymond Green (PF), Eric Pashcall (PF), Damion Lee (G), Kevon Looney (PF) and Andrew Wiggins (PF) should have a much-needed boost from the bench.
This year’s acquisitions are meant to plug a gaping hole left by Klay Thompson who is recovering from (right) Achilles tendon surgery---his second season-ending injury in the last two years. He missed all of last season due to a torn right ACL.
On tap are #2 overall draft James Wiseman (C), Kelly Oubre, Jr. from the Washington Wizards, (PF), sophomores Alen Smailagic (PF), Damion Lee (SG) and Jordan Poole (SG).
The Chase Center Arena, San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday, December 12, 2020. Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The SF Chronicle
Based on his latest piece, Mr. Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle had fun watching the game.
(L-R) Mr. Scott Ostler and this aspiring writer (February 23, 2020).
“Hey, it’s preseason for us watchers, too. I will have to re-learn how to watch a game. What did we learn about the Warriors’ offense? It will be kind of quick, and everyone jacks the 3-ball. Curry literally shoots from the balcony. Actually, his pregame “tunnel” shot is from the arena level 8 feet above the floor. Good! It’s the shots from the hardwood where he struggled.”
Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors, Chase Center, San Francisco, California (Courtesy of Golden State Warriors)
GAME VIDEO:
Game Summary Courtesy of the National Basketball Association
PhilBoxing.com’s NBA beat writer Tom Macasaet (TMAC for short), said this after the game, ”The new Warriors gave a “Golden” performance in their first match-up against the same team that made it all the way to last season’s Western Conference Finals.”
FUN GOLDEN FACTS
• Warriors last played 277 days ago
• Golden State Warriors played their first game in 277 days
• Warriors launched 40 attempts beyond the 3-point arc but converted only 26%.
• As a team, they shot 11 for 40.
• Once again a Warrior, Kent Bazemore scored a team-high 13 points, 5 rebounds
• Jordan Poole showed poise pouring in 10 points (4-4 from field)
• Damion Lee, more mature shot 5-6 from the distance for 10 points
• Back-up point guard Brad Wanamaker contributed 8 points, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in 16 minutes
• Kevon Looney (18 minutes), limited to 20 games last season, showed his potential holding off Nikola Jokic while totaling 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.
• Rookie and #2 overall draft James Wiseman unlikely to play in preseason to allow Kevon Looney to fill the role at center
• Eric Paschall (23 minutes) started at power forward for Draymond Green and played a productive offense but mediocre on defense scoring 8 points, a team-high 7 rebounds and added 3 assists. He looked poised to run the offense in support of Draymond Green.
• Stephen Curry played 21 minutes, went 3-10 overall (2 for 7 on 3-pointers), 3 assists and 3 turnovers. Not Curry-like and probably attributed to rust.
• Mychal Mulder made 2 free throws with 9.4 seconds left after being fouled during a layup try which gave the Warriors a 2-point lead. He got the game-ending rebound and finished with 10 points (3 for 4 from field).
