Bay Area Buzz 11/2: Warriors and Sharks Win, 49ers and Raiders Previews
Bay Area Topics
Warriors Win
"Holding court late Saturday afternoon, 27 hours after signing a $70 million contract extension, Klay Thompson pledged to become more efficient on offense. He wasted no time diving into his goal.Thompson went out and scored a career-high 41 points, all the while staring down the legend Kobe Bryant, to lead the Warriors to a 127-104 win over the Lakers at Oracle Arena.Now that’s how a man celebrates in style, and Thompson’s night was punctuated with a standing ovation from the sellout crowd at the home opener.Thompson had plenty of help. Splash Brothers sidekick Stephen Curry put in 31 points, adding 10 assists and five rebounds. Harrison Barnes was the only other Warrior to reach double figures, with 15 points.But it was Thompson’s night. He always finds special motivation when facing the Lakers, the team his father, Mychal, spent so many seasons as a player and now serves as a broadcaster. The fourth-year shooting guard made 14 of 18 shots, everything from 3-point missiles to driving dunks. He added five rebounds, just to get some dirt on his jersey.Bryant did a nice job of reminding everyone he’s not quite finished. The 36-year-old was particularly dazzling in the third quarter, scoring 19 of his team-high 28 points. Forward Jordan Hill added 23."
Sharks Win
"Logan Couture’s brilliant tip of a Justin Braun shot proved to be the game-winner in a 3-1 Sharks victory over New York on Saturday night at SAP Center.Couture broke a 1-1 tie at 11:50 of the third period, putting his stick in a perfect position about five feet from the crease to redirect the puck over Jaroslav Halak’s shoulder for his team-leading sixth goal of the season.James Sheppard’s first goal of the year acted as insurance, as he finished off a nice passing play from Andrew Desjardins and Adam Burish at 15:35.The Sharks evened their home record to 2-2, after playing nine of their first 12 games on the road. They have gained at least a point in four straight games (3-0-1).New York took a 1-0 lead at 8:06 of the first, when Kyle Okposo skated around Brent Burns and found Antti Niemi’s short side for his fourth goal. It was just the second first period goal the Sharks have allowed in 13 games.San Jose responded a little more than two minutes later with a power play goal. Tommy Wingels chopped a loose puck from behind the net out in front, where Tomas Hertl whacked it in at 10:23. The marker, Hertl’s third, ended an eight-game goalless drought for the 20-year-old, who was demoted to the fourth line to start the game.Hertl was eventually bumped up to the third line with Chris Tierney and Barclay Goodrow, while Sheppard was shifted to the fourth line.The Sharks were forced to play most of the game with five defensemen, after Scott Hannan left for unspecified reasons in the first period. He did not return, possibly due to a hit from the Islanders’ Cal Clutterbuck.For the first time this season, the Sharks won a game in which they didn’t score the first goal (1-3-0).After announcing a less-than-capacity crowd Oct. 25 vs. Buffalo for the first time in 205 regular season and playoff home games, the Sharks called Saturday’s game a sellout."
49ers Preview
"The added week of rest, combined with home-field advantage, plays perfectly into the hands of the 49ers in Week 9. It also helps going up against a Rams team that is beset by a multitude of injuries.But divisional matchups always raise the bar a bit higher than the rest. We can’t forget that Jeff Fisher’s Rams, no matter what the circumstances may be, have a good track record of giving Jim Harbaugh’s squad a tough outing.In 2012, San Francisco went 0-1-1 against St. Louis. In this year’s Week 6 contest, St. Louis got out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. The Rams were trailing the 49ers by seven points in the fourth quarter before a Dontae Johnson pick-six sealed the deal.History aside, what should we make out of this game, and what will the eventual outcome be late Sunday afternoon?…Of course, the biggest factor will be the game’s situation. The 49ers have yet to have a statement game eight weeks into the season. It would be nice to see San Francisco absolutely dominate each aspect of the contest and do so in a fashion that solidifies its role and position moving forward.Let’s go with that desire. The 49ers take full advantage of the Rams’ 2014 woes, utilizing the right combination of offensive adjustments, stout defense and a healthy squad that has received some much-needed reinforcements."
–Peter Panacy, Bleacher Report
Raiders Preview
"Every team in the NFL has talent. Sure, there’s a difference from team to team, but even the winless Raiders have players capable of making plays in every phase of the game. The deciding factor is execution and consistency, and these are both areas in which Oakland has struggled.Per Williamson, Sparano himself noted that one of the biggest issues for this team has been consistency. When the Raiders plug one hole, the team springs a leak somewhere else. Oakland has yet to put together a game in which all three units play well.Seattle will exploit this inconsistency and make Oakland pay for every mistake. The Raiders will make some plays, but the Seahawks will dominate throughout and never really be in danger of losing.For Oakland, this will be a learning experience. Despite the loss, the team needs to take important lessons that can be applied going forward. The Raiders will win a game this season, but it won’t be this week."