Tag: Golden State Warriors

Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala support 49ers at NFC Championship

Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala were in the building with friends and family when the 49ers punched their ticket to the Super Bowl after a dominant victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Over the last five years, the Golden State Warriors have been one of the hottest tickets in the Bay Area. The stars have shown up across the entertainment and sports landscape to get a chance to watch Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green.

However, with the Warriors struggling, the new spot to find star power in the Bay Area has moved from Oracle Arena in Oakland, to Silicon Valley’s Levi’s Stadium.

The San Francisco 49ers punched their ticket to Super Bowl 54 in dominant fashion against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

Behind a tenacious rushing attack drawn up by head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers rolled through Green Bay with ease, 37-20.

With a game like the NFC Championship taking place in the Bay Area, a pair of former Golden State champions showed up for the occasion.

Klay Thompson, alongside his girlfriend Laura Harrier, were both on the field before the game started, with the injured “Splash Brother” wearing a 49ers hat.

It was a busy weekend for Thompson, as he had his college No. 1 jersey retired at Washington State one day before the NFC Championship kicked off.

Along with Thompson, the former sixth-man during the Warriors championship run, Andre Iguodala was in the crowd at Levi’s Stadium with his son, geared up in custom 49ers’ jerseys.

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Going to the ship!!

A post shared by Andre Iguodala (@andre) on

Iguodala, currently a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, wasn’t in the building just to catch a football game — the Illinois native has been a loyal fan of the 49ers prior to joining Golden State in 2013.

With the 2019-20 edition of Golden State sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference, the 49ers have taken the Bay Area’s championship baton as they stand one game away from bringing back a Lombardi Trophy to San Francisco.

Draymond Green claps back at Charles Barkley after ‘triple-single’ comment

The feud is back on.

The Draymond Green feud with Charles Barkley is back on!

The Hall of Famer took a shot at the Golden State Warriors forward who’s banged up and struggling this year, saying that “Draymond don’t talk as much since he averaging that triple-single.”

It’s hardly the first time Barkley has used that line about a player and far from the first time he and Green haven’t seen eye to eye.

It turns out Green responded four days ago, and he did so on an NBA on ESPN Instagram post about Barkley’s quote.

“You make everything sound like a Wendy’s sandwich,” Green wrote in a comment, “or maybe he was speaking in terms of my rings.”

Here’s the post:

And the response:

It doesn’t seem like most people found this one all that great in terms of clapbacks:

[jwplayer uQxzB32J-q2aasYxh]

Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Utah Jazz at Golden State Warriors sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Utah Jazz (30-13) and Golden State Warriors (10-35) will do battle at the Chase Center in San Francisco at 10 p.m. ET. We analyze the Jazz-Warriors odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Jazz at Warriors: Key injuries

Warriors

  • PG Stephen Curry (hand) out
  • SG Jacob Evans (concussion) questionable
  • PF Kevon Looney (abdominal) out
  • SF Glenn Robinson III (ankle) probable
  • SG Klay Thompson (knee) out

Jazz at Warriors: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Jazz 117, Warriors 102

Moneyline (ML)

The Jazz (-455) are just too expensive, as there is no way to justify risking more than four and a half times your potential investment. AVOID. There just isn’t enough value in backing Utah with a $10 bet returning a profit of only $2.20 with an outright victory. The Warriors are +340.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The JAZZ (-9.5, -106) have gotten PG Mike Conley Jr. back from injury, and he has been folded into the offense nicely. They’re second in the Northwest Division and they’re running like a finely tuned machine. The Warriors (+9.5, -115) … not so much. They’re banged up, and not playing well. It’s a far cry from the better part of the last decade where they have been championship caliber.

Utah is 5-1 ATS in the past seven as a favorite, and 7-2 ATS in the past nine on the road while cashing in 16 of the past 21 overall. Golden State has been better against the number lately, but is 2-7 ATS in the past nine meetings with Utah and 1-6 ATS in the past seven in the Bay Area against the Jazz.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER 216.5 (-110) is the lean, although the trends are all over the board. I expect the Jazz to win this one rather handily, although it might not be until the final minute before this one inches across the line. I wouldn’t get too carried away betting the total in this one.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Denver has the best home-court advantage in the NBA; Brooklyn the worst

Any competitive advantage in an NBA season is important whether it is home cooking or the comfort and familiarity of your own locker room.

Any competitive advantage in an NBA season is important whether it is home cooking or the comfort and familiarity of your own locker room.

For this study, we subtracted the difference from the team winning percentage on the road from their winning percentage at home. This illustrates, in part, the impact of playing in their own city has had on franchises around the league. We looked at all games played since the Basketball Association of America merged with the NBA in 1946-47.

Note that all numbers included below for teams are based on their records when playing in their current cities. That means that Golden State Warriors accounts for San Francisco both now and in the 1960s (not Oakland) while the Nets are in Brooklyn (not New Jersey), the Grizzlies are in Memphis (not Vancouver), the Jazz are in Salt Lake City (not New Orleans), etc.

Overall, this research helps show how much better a team has historically played depending on the location of the game.

Perhaps the most obvious takeaway is that the two NBA cities with the highest elevations (Denver and Utah) both rank in the Top 3. In fact, the Nuggets have won nearly twice as many games when they have played at home compared to their road appearances.

Back in 2013, Neil Payne contextualized the geographical advantages for these games (via ESPN):

“One explanation for this phenomenon is that Denver and Salt Lake City are, at 5,883 feet and 4,227 feet, respectively, the two highest-altitude cities in the entire NBA by far. (Ranking third in elevation is Phoenix at a paltry 1,132 feet.) Certainly, this is a major factor – the relatively thin air at such high elevations causes the players’ bodies to have less oxygen available for circulation to their muscles, resulting in quicker fatigue. Denver and Utah players seem to acclimate to this, offering them a presumed advantage.”

The aforementioned advantage is so distinct that in 2015, the league made an effort to schedule the Nuggets as the first stop on a trip from the east or put a day of rest in between games for teams coming from the west.

Another interesting takeaway is that cities that are known for a more vibrant nightlife (Miami, Los Angeles and New York) all fall fairly low on this list. It is common to hear “Los Angeles nightlife is undefeated” or the “South Beach Flu” after the Heat or the Lakers win a game at home. But the win-loss totals indicate that visiting teams may not be as impacted as many thought.

For further proof, Sports Insights NBA expert Carl Sack told The Action Network’s Matt Moore in 2018 that his data also indicated a regression to the mean rather than anything particularly noteworthy about party cities.

One final note is that the teams that have played the fewest total games at home (Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors) fared the worst for these rankings.

These three teams rank in the Bottom 4 for home games based on sheer volume and newness in their home arenas. Whether it’s based on earning loyalty from the fans or something deeper, it was particularly interesting to see some kind of correlation even if there is no causation.

HoopsHype’s Alberto de Roa contributed research to this report

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Damian Lillard is third player in league history to have 60-point game against Warriors

Damian Lillard is one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA.

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard had one of his most exhilarating performances Monday night, and he became a part of history in the process.

Lillard scored a career-high 61 points to lead the Trail Blazers to a 129-124 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors. Per ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Lillard is the third player to have a 60-point game against the Warriors, with the other two being Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain.

As a guard with deep shooting range, Lillard added to his performance by making a career-high 11 3-pointers. For Lillard to be in company with two of the game’s best players, it shows how talented of a scorer he is. This season Lillard is averaging a career-high 27.9 points per game and shooting a career-high 44.6% from the field.

What makes Lillard special is that few players can heat up like he can, especially when it’s late in the game.

His dribble moves and ability to create space help him launch the most difficult of shots. Lillard scored 12 points in the fourth quarter against the Warriors, and he scored seven in overtime. This season Lillard ranks 11th in fourth quarter points (6.9).

Kevin Harlan had a hilarious call on Hassan Whiteside getting kneed in the groin

“He took it where no man wants to get it!”

Kevin Harlan is the GOAT play-by-play guy in all of sports. This shouldn’t even be a debate anymore. If he’s not showing everyone how to call a couple football games at once, he’s dominating while sitting courtside at a NBA game.

He was in Portland on Monday night for the Warriors-Trail Blazers game, which turned out to be a pretty great game between two teams with losing records. And if you just listened to Harlan on the call, you would have thought it was a pivotal playoff game, because he brought his normal incredible energy.

He showed once again that he knows how to perfectly handle a light moment when Hassan Whiteside was kneed in the groin:

I mean, come on. That was great.

He later showed his unrivaled ability to make key moments seem like unreal moments when he called this huge 3-pointer by Damian Lillard that sent the game to OT:

 

Harlan did it again in OT when Lillard hit another big 3-pointer that gave hime 57 points and tied up the game:

The Trail Blazers wound up winning the game thanks to Lillard’s 61 points.

Fans, meanwhile, rightfully sang Harlan’s praises:

LeBron James pays respect to Klay Thompson’s college jersey retirement

Lebron James went to Instagram to congratulate Klay Thompson on his Washington State jersey retirement.

Over the past five seasons, the Golden State Warriors have been involved in nearly every big basketball game the NBA has produced. During that time, Golden State has brought a trio of championships back to the Bay Area, and all three have come against one player — LeBron James.

James and the Warriors have built a steady rivalry from the rise of the Stephen Curry era. James and the Cleveland Cavaliers stole away a championship from the 2015-16 Warriors team that resulted in a historic 73-9 regular season.

Although by many Warriors’ fans, James is considered a rival, the Los Angeles Lakers All-Star paid respect to Klay Thompson during a special moment on Saturday.

Thompson returned to Pullman, Washington, where his alma mater, Washington State University, retired his No. 1 college jersey. Stephen Curry, Zaza Pachulia, and more of the Golden State contingent were in attendance for Thompson’s ceremony.

James went to Instagram to share a congratulatory message to Thompson after having his No. 1 jersey pulled into the rafters of Washington State’s Beasley Coliseum.

James and the Lakers are surging to the top of the Western Conference, while the Warriors are dwelling near the bottom. Injuries to Curry and Thompson have spoiled the opportunity for Golden State and James to potentially meet in the playoffs.

However, once Curry, Thompson return to the Warriors lineup next to D’Angelo Russell and Draymond Green, the rivalry between James and Golden State once again.

Golden State Warriors vs Portland Trail Blazers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and tips.

On Monday night, the Golden State Warriors (10-34) will travel to the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter to take on the Portland Trail Blazers (18-26) in a Western Conference matchup. We analyze the Warriors-Trail Blazers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

 Warriors vs. Trail Blazers: Key Injuries

Warriors:

  • PG Stephen Curry (hand) out
  • SG Klay Thompson (knee) out
  • SG Jacob Evans (concussion) out
  • SG Glenn Robinson III (ankle) questionable
  • PF Kevon Looney (abdominal) out

Trail Blazers:

  • SG C.J. McCollum (ankle) out
  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles) out
  • C Jusuf Nurkic (leg) out
  • PF Skal Labissiere (knee) out
  • PF Zach Collins (shoulder) out

 Warriors vs. Trail Blazers: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 12:00 p.m.. ET.

Prediction

Portland 118, Warriors 110

Moneyline (ML)

Despite having a losing record this season, the BLAZERS (-278) are big home favorites on Monday night as they face a Warriors team that has been decimated with injuries. Golden State has lost 10 of their last 11 games and seven-straight games on the road. While they will be getting Draymond Green (finger) back on Monday, it’s still hard to see them upsetting Portland. Bet on the Blazers to win this game at home.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

As expected, the BLAZERS (-6.5, -106) are favored over the Warriors at home on Monday despite losing 10 of their last 14 games. The Blazers have struggled against the spread this season (18-26-2) but they should have no problem covering this spread as the Warriors have struggled to score points this season. Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (ankle) will miss the game, and that could make things interesting. However, I anticipate the Blazers scoring enough to keep the Warriors at bay.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 220.5, which seems low given the history of these two teams. While there won’t be the same talent level we are accustomed to seeing, both teams are going to want to play with pace and that should lead to a ton of scoring. I’m taking the OVER (220.5, -121) and expecting a higher scoring contest.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Marcus_Mosher and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Report: Warriors went on ‘fact-finding trip to Australia’ for LaMelo Ball

Despite a season-ending injury to LaMelo Ball, Warriors general manager Kirk Lacob took a trip to Australia to meet with Illawarra.

The Warriors, like many other NBA teams, were unable to scout LaMelo Ball before his season came to an end prematurely due to a foot injury. By playing on the other side of the world, general managers, scouts and front offices couldn’t simply make a trip to watch him play.

But unlike other teams, the Warriors had made plans to go scout Ball. While those plans obviously had to be altered, The Athletic’s Ethan Strauss did report on Sunday that Warriors general manager Kirk Lacob still made a trip to Australia.

“Ball declared himself done with the NBL season shortly after Warriors assistant general manager Kirk Lacob’s made a fact-finding trip to Australia. With Ball, NBA teams will be working off of incomplete information, hoping to fill in the gaps through interviews with teammates and coaches.”

Ball has stayed involved and connected to the Illawarra Hawks even after being officially ruled out for the season. Whether the decision was made with the knowledge of NBA teams still planning trips to Illawarra is unknown but it’d be an added bonus if so.

As for the Warriors, Ball’s fit wouldn’t necessarily be great with the likes of D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson and Steph Curry already on the roster. But those players may not be on the roster come opening night of the 2020-2021 season.

It would be a great situation for Ball, joining a franchise with a history of winning. But it still seems unlikely at best considering his fit and the current makeup of the Warriors roster.

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Kyle Shanahan compares NFC Championship bound 49ers to Warriors

The San Francisco 49ers are one win away from punching a ticket to the Super Bowl, and their coach, Kyle Shanahan sees some similarities to the championship Golden State Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors have dominated the Bay Area sports realm over the past five seasons. Five straight trips to the NBA Finals, three championships and the birth of one of the best backcourt duos in NBA history have made it easy for basketball fans in the Bay Area to jump on the bandwagon.

It’s not just the Warriors that had reigned over the Bay Area. At the start of the decade, it was the San Francisco Giants who were hanging banners in the Mission Bay neighborhood of the city.

Now, both San Francisco basketball and baseball teams are struggling. However, the football team has risen to the occasion and taken the Bay Area championship baton.

The San Francisco 49ers are only one win away from a trip to the Super Bowl, and their head coach wants his offense to play similarly to the championship Warriors of the past.

I just have always been a fan of them, and even before I got here just watching how they play — I remember saying in Atlanta even when we were there that I wanted our receiver group to be similar to the Warriors — to where who knows who the starter is.

Shanahan keyed on the Warriors usage of their sixth man, turned Finals Most Valuable Player, Andre Iguodala.

They all play — Andre Iguodala, things like that — I think he wasn’t the starter and then he’s the conference finals or whatever it’s called, NBA championship MVP — seven games that matter to them.

The 49ers’ head coach wants his team to have the unselfish mentality the Golden State Warriors championship-run showed.

I mean, you think of stuff like that — you’ve got an MVP, you’ve got a defensive MVP, guys who seem really not to care how it gets done — They all just go out there and ball and see where the weakness in the defense is, and wherever that ends up, that guy shoots and that’s a lot how I see offense.

If Shanahan’s goal was to model his team after the Warriors, even if it was just a little bit, he’s done well. The 49ers have four different players with 30 or more receptions and three different running backs with 500 or more rushing yards. The 49ers defense line alone has four players with six or more sacks.

A key reason why the 49ers have advanced deep into the playoffs is their ability to play balanced football, with a new unit leading them to victory each week.