Bay Area Buzz 4/24: Nuggets-Warriors Series to Watch, Raiders Look to Reverse Bad Draft Fortunes
By Eric He
Apr 23, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson (3) guards Golden State Warriors point guard Jarrett Jack (2) in the second quarter during game two in the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Why Nuggets-Warriors is the Series to Watch
"No series in the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs has been more entertaining than the matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors. These are two of the fastest teams in the league (the Nuggets ranked second in pace this season, while the Warriors ranked fourth), but they represent two opposite styles of play.This is a battle of speed versus speed, but also hot shooting versus paint dominance, spacing versus athleticism. Andre Iguodala, Corey Brewer and JaVale McGee wow with freakish highlight plays, while Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson dazzle with outside shooting. -Sean Highkin, USA Today Sports"
Raiders Look to Reverse Bad Draft Fortunes
"Now second-year general manager Reggie McKenzie gets his first crack at a premium pick in what will be one of the most important steps in a rebuilding process that has mostly featured the cutting of many of Davis’ previous draft picks and other prominent players in order to get a bloated salary cap in order for next season.The Raiders hold the third pick in the draft Thursday night with glaring needs on both sides of the ball, most notably at pass rusher, offensive line, receiver and cornerback.With so many holes, the philosophy for McKenzie and coach Dennis Allen will be finding the best player and avoiding the busts and disappointments that have done the Raiders in so often of late.– Associated Press (Boston Herald)"
Sharks Clinch Playoff Spot, Beat Dallas Stars 3-2
"Two dramatic goals 30 seconds apart in the third period have sent the Sharks into the Stanley Cup playoffs for a ninth consecutive season.San Jose came from behind to defeat the Dallas Stars 3-2 at HP Pavilion on Tuesday night in the final home game of the regular season. The Sharks had been trailing with less than six minutes remaining, but Joe Pavelski’s deflection of a shot by Brad Stuart tied things at 14:23 and Logan Couture scored the winner on the next shift.– David Pollak, San Jose Mercury News"
San Francisco Mayor Traveling to Baltimore to Make Good on Lost Super Bowl Bet
"Fulfilling a bet he lost on Super Bowl XLVII, San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee is traveling to Baltimore on Friday.The terms of the bet with Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake: a day of service in Baltimore City.Mayor Lee is tasked with revitalizing vacant lots, renovating a police station and reading to elementary school students.– Aaron Wilson, Baltimore Sun"