duncan228
04-01-2008, 11:19 AM
http://www.nba.com/games/20080401/GSWSAS/preview.html?nav=scoreboardhome
Warriors-Spurs Preview
By KATE HEDLIN, STATS Writer
San Antonio has completely dominated Golden State at home over the last decade, good news for the Spurs considering the battle they're in for the top spot in the Western Conference.
The Spurs look to win their 20th consecutive home game against the Warriors, who are in contention for one of the West's final playoff spots.
The Spurs (51-23), tied for first place in the West with New Orleans, don't have much room for error with the top six teams separated by just a few games. They'll again look to take advantage of their home-court dominance over the Warriors as they try for another key win in the race for the top seed in the conference.
San Antonio has won the last 19 home matchups in the series by an average of 17.2 points. Golden State, which has averaged 84.5 points in that stretch, hasn't won in San Antonio since Feb. 14, 1997.
The Spurs have won seven straight, including a 109-88 victory over Houston on Sunday. San Antonio led most of the game against its division rival, which is also battling for the West's best record.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we got a little breathing room with the win," Spurs forward Ime Udoka said.
Michael Finley and Tony Parker each scored 22 points and the Spurs shot 53.0 percent from the field. San Antonio has held six of its seven opponents during the win streak to fewer than 90 points.
"The defense was outstanding for 48 minutes," coach Gregg Popovich said. "I thought that's what fueled us to get the win against a really good team."
Tuesday is the finale of a four-game homestand for the Spurs, who then play four of their final seven games on the road. They are 31-6 at the AT&T Center and have won four straight and 11 of 12 there.
"I think there is always room for improvement, but we are focused and everyone understands that we have eight games left and the real stuff is about to start," Parker said.
The Warriors, though, have won both home meetings with the Spurs this season, including a 130-121 overtime victory Jan. 7.
Golden State is looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since a three-game winning streak from March 7-12. Since then, the Warriors are 5-5 and have fallen into a three-team battle with Dallas and Denver for the final two playoff spots in the West.
The Warriors earned a key win in that race with a 114-104 victory over the Mavericks on Sunday. Monta Ellis led six Golden State players in double figures with 30 points, while Baron Davis added 21 and Andris Biedrins had 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Tuesday is the opener of a four-game road trip for the Warriors, who also face Dallas, Memphis and New Orleans in that stretch. They are 20-16 on the road.
"We don't want to count on anybody else," forward Matt Barnes said. "I think if we take care of our business and win the games we're supposed to win, we'll get in. We don't want it to come down to someone else get us in the playoffs."
Warriors-Spurs Preview
By KATE HEDLIN, STATS Writer
San Antonio has completely dominated Golden State at home over the last decade, good news for the Spurs considering the battle they're in for the top spot in the Western Conference.
The Spurs look to win their 20th consecutive home game against the Warriors, who are in contention for one of the West's final playoff spots.
The Spurs (51-23), tied for first place in the West with New Orleans, don't have much room for error with the top six teams separated by just a few games. They'll again look to take advantage of their home-court dominance over the Warriors as they try for another key win in the race for the top seed in the conference.
San Antonio has won the last 19 home matchups in the series by an average of 17.2 points. Golden State, which has averaged 84.5 points in that stretch, hasn't won in San Antonio since Feb. 14, 1997.
The Spurs have won seven straight, including a 109-88 victory over Houston on Sunday. San Antonio led most of the game against its division rival, which is also battling for the West's best record.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we got a little breathing room with the win," Spurs forward Ime Udoka said.
Michael Finley and Tony Parker each scored 22 points and the Spurs shot 53.0 percent from the field. San Antonio has held six of its seven opponents during the win streak to fewer than 90 points.
"The defense was outstanding for 48 minutes," coach Gregg Popovich said. "I thought that's what fueled us to get the win against a really good team."
Tuesday is the finale of a four-game homestand for the Spurs, who then play four of their final seven games on the road. They are 31-6 at the AT&T Center and have won four straight and 11 of 12 there.
"I think there is always room for improvement, but we are focused and everyone understands that we have eight games left and the real stuff is about to start," Parker said.
The Warriors, though, have won both home meetings with the Spurs this season, including a 130-121 overtime victory Jan. 7.
Golden State is looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since a three-game winning streak from March 7-12. Since then, the Warriors are 5-5 and have fallen into a three-team battle with Dallas and Denver for the final two playoff spots in the West.
The Warriors earned a key win in that race with a 114-104 victory over the Mavericks on Sunday. Monta Ellis led six Golden State players in double figures with 30 points, while Baron Davis added 21 and Andris Biedrins had 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Tuesday is the opener of a four-game road trip for the Warriors, who also face Dallas, Memphis and New Orleans in that stretch. They are 20-16 on the road.
"We don't want to count on anybody else," forward Matt Barnes said. "I think if we take care of our business and win the games we're supposed to win, we'll get in. We don't want it to come down to someone else get us in the playoffs."