Warriors: What They Need to Prove Against the Spurs

Jan 18, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) posts up on Golden State Warriors forward Carl Landry (7) during the second half at the AT

The Golden Warriors will face the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, who have the best record in the NBA at home on Friday night. They’re not getting any older, despite their Big 3 all being on the other side of 30.

The Dubs are going to have to prove to everyone that they’re finally back to their winning ways. The Deadly Streak that was season damaging is now over, and it’s like the Warriors are ready to start over.

This may be one of the biggest tests of the season, even though the Warriors seem to do very well in games like this. Earlier this year, they knocked off OKC 105-99 in the biggest win of the season so far.

Right now, the Spurs are as hot as can be, and the Warriors have not beaten them in quite a while.

They play hopelessly in San Antonio, now at a 29 game losing streak there, but at home, it’s a different case, as the Warriors have one of the best fan bases in the NBA today.

What to Prove:

1. Winning Wasn’t a Fluke:

So what if the Warriors played the Suns, who are one of the worst teams in the league? It doesn’t matter because a win is a win, and every team in the NBA is capable of beating every other team. Just to grab a win gives the Warriors tremendous confidence.

In an interview, Mark Jackson said that he would rather have lost six games in a row than be 37-17. He went on to say that he likes pressure on his players, and he wanted to see which would still be playing at a high level, even in times of distress. If the Warriors can get a win against San Antonio, the league will re-recognize them on the intimidation level, and things will be back to normal.

2. Keeping Klay Thompson Was a Good Idea:

A few days ago, the Warriors and the Hornets were “passed exploratory stages” with a Thompson and Eric Gordon deal. I’m sure Thompson heard

Feb 20, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) controls the ball ahead of Phoenix Suns shooting guard P.J. Tucker (17) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Phoenix Suns 108-98. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

about this, and didn’t like the idea.

The next day, he scored 28 points, including 21 in the first half. He wouldn’t miss, and he was hitting some pretty big shots. The Warriors were lucky to have not dealt him, as he payed dividends yesterday. He also helped on the glass, which the Dubs have really been looking for these last couple of games. If he comes back strong on the Spurs, everyone will be more content with some of the slack he picks up.

3. They’re Still A Threat:

Beating the Suns isn’t a great accomplishment, as more than 25 teams have done it this year. The Suns, however, are a loaded lineup, and many of their players, if they had it together, could crush a team single-handedly.

The Warriors’ defense was just good enough to assert dominance and end that dreaded losing streak. Taking on the Spurs is of course a great challenge to the Warriors, but it’s a very winnable game.

The Warriors are looking to start a winning streak now.