The Warriors won't win any playoff spots or All-Star invitations this early in the season, but they're already winning something they haven't had in recent years.
Respect.
"I thought the Warriors were great," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said after his team was dispatched 111-102 on Monday night. "Coach Don Nelson has them believing in what they are doing, believing in the system, sharing the basketball. They are having fun, and that is what is important."
The Warriors are indeed a jolly bunch after sweeping their games against the top two teams in the NBA. And surprisingly enough, it's been their defense that has made the difference.
Two nights after their 1-2-2 zone befuddled the Utah Jazz, the Warriors switched back to their traditional man-to-man set and held the Spurs to just 41 percent shooting.
Most impressive was their 13-0 run in the fourth quarter that broke open a close game. Andris Biedrins blocked All-Star Tim Duncan on back-to-back attempts, the latter of which led to a Jason Richardson fastbreak dunk.
On the very next trip, Matt Barnes rejected All-Star Tony Parker, and Monta Ellis stole the ensuing inbounds pass before speeding downcourt for another breakaway jam. One stop later, Mike Dunleavy drilled an open three-pointer for a 92-82 lead and was rewarded with a standing ovation from the crowd.
"I think we got a lot of heart on this team," Biedrins said. "Everybody's playing really, really great."
Everybody was also really, really all over the court. Biedrins landed in the front row while chasing a loose ball. Barnes sprawled across the floor hustling after another.
By the time Ellis hit two free throws to cap the Warriors' run at 94-82 with about six minutes to go, Golden State had all the cushion it needed to hold off a late Spurs rally.
"We knew the only way we were going to win this game was to get a couple of stops," said Ellis, who overcame a horrendous start to score 14 of his 19 points in the final period. "We got out and we ran the ball and it felt good."
Richardson led the Warriors with 26 points on a 11-of-20 shooting, while Biedrins had his customary 18 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks. Dunleavy added 20 points and five rebounds off the bench.
Both teams were missing key players with the Warriors down Baron Davis and Mickael Pietrus, and the Spurs without Manu Ginobili. Golden State has been zoning teams in the absence of their guards, but Nelson stuck to an old-fashioned man-to-man-defense with some double-teaming against the Spurs.
Duncan still finished with 22 points and 16 rebounds, and Parker had 28 points and seven assists, but the Warriors essentially prevented the Spurs' supporting cast from having any breakout performances.
Golden State beat San Antonio for the first time since Mar. 15, 2004 and has now followed its three-game losing streak by topping the two teams with the best records in the NBA.
Nelson says he won't allow himself to get too high after Monday's win, but with his team gaining respect from opposing coaches after every win, players believe they are putting real distance between this year's strong start and last year's mirage of opening.
"Put it like this: We're 9 and 6, and we've had every single guy out at one time or another," Dunleavy said.
"(The Spurs) are the second best team in the league," Ellis added. "And we beat the first one the other night."
Janny Hu, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
