Golden State, You've Lost That Loving Feeling

Why do all of you have to be hating?

Ever since writing that Kevin Durant deserted the Oklahoma City Thunder, people have asked me why I have so much contempt for the Golden State Warriors now.

"It's not their problem KD signed with them."

"Of course you'd choose to be better."

"You're just bitter he didn't choose Boston."

All those statements are perfectly legit, especially the last one. (I am damn bitter because brother, he would've looked great in green and it would've been a bigger challenge than to "bye cheap jewellery" as Reggie Miller claimed.)

But I have a perfectly good reason to declare my love for the Warriors is over.

The Warriors were the NBA darlings.

They were the underdogs who became the Cinderella fairytale in earning a near-impossible 2015 NBA Championship who then went on to rewrite the records books and seize a historic 73-win season.

Everyone, including me, doubted they could even become legitimate championship contenders with their unconventional style of relying on three-point shooting.

But they paid no attention to the naysayers and continued to capture hearts and momentarily steal breathes with their heart-stopping pulsating play that revolutionised basketball.

Having saving all that, it wouldn't be fair to label them as only being an offensively-minded team as they became a premier defensive unit that were committed and focused on the other side of the ball.

Even individually, from the top to the bottom of their playing roster, every player was an unlikely success that was discarded or picked up in the draft.

Steph Curry is the most unlikely MVP in the history of any sport, let alone the size-orientated NBA.

After being drafted seventh with no real sense of excitement and a number of serious ankle injuries, Curry seemingly morphed overnight into a global superstar and caught the NBA by surprise.

In 60 years of MVP voting, Curry was the first to earn the award by unanimous decision this season, effectively claiming back-to-back MVP titles.

Other members of the Warriors championship side includes other draft projects Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Harrison Barnes who were drafted 11th, 35th and 7th respectively. Like Curry, Thompson and Green were given little hope of evolving into fully fledged starters let alone into All-Stars , while Barnes has become the Dallas Mavericks' franchise player, signing a monumental deal for $95m for four years.

Moreover, cornerstones of the team, Andrew Bogut, Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingstone, Marries Speights, and Leandro Barbosa, were all outcasts from former teams that Golden State threw lifelines to in revitalising their NBA careers.

All season long, we heard the Warriors proudly declare "Strength in Numbers".

There was once a time they refused to give up any players to trade for a bonafide star in Kevin Love. They refused to believe they weren't a championship contender without Love.

Now, all that "Strength in Numbers" talk seems like a very distant memory.

In their relentless pursuit of Kevin Durant, everything that was endearing about the Warriors was lost in a heartbeat.

In signing Durant, they lost Barnes, Bogut, Barbosa, Speights, Brandon Rush and Festus Ezeli.

The 2015-16 Warriors were arguably the greatest NBA team, even greater than the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls because they won more than 70 games in their championship defence where every team aimed up for them (unlike the Bulls' season which was their first championship since Michael Jordan returned from baseball).

The Warriors were the endearing underdogs, stealing not just a fairytale championship, but the hearts and minds of sports fans globally.

In a league of ego and selfishness, they preached a team-first mentality who many believe overachieved in reaching their goals.

But it's hard to warm to them now, after all their "Strength in Numbers" and team talk.

The Warriors have lost that loving feeling...

Why I Love The Warriors Is Why I Hate Them

PHOTO: EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES

I'm incredulous.

I'm outraged that the 2014 MVP and Future Hall of Famer, Kevin Durant, has left the Oklahoma City Thunder. And not because he deserted the side that he led to the Western Conference Finals four times in the past six years as well as the 2012 NBA Finals.

It's not that he left the Thunder high and dry - it's that he left to join the very team that defeated him.

It makes ZERO sense that after relinquishing a commanding 3-1 series lead, Durant would then join that very same team that beat him. It's not as if the Thunder were swept and Durant was ineffective. 

Durant was stunning in returning from season-long injury and was a revelation defensively which lead to the Thunder deciding to trade their defensive stud Serge Ibaka away.

The Thunder were on the brink of championship greatness. 

But Durant abandoned that glory of bringing a coveted championship to the working town of Oklahoma. The same city that he called "the perfect place for me".

He deflected responsibility after a long track record of being a leader, made even more sour when he claimed greatness isn't all about rings.

For the first time ever, I actually agree with Stephen A. Smith of ESPN. It's not even that he left the Thunder. That's understandable.

But Durant decided to jump on the Warriors bandwagon and take a massive shortcut to claiming a championship ring.

And the reasons for why he left for Golden State is exactly why I'm pounding this keyboard furiously.

You see, I'm plagued by Durant's decision to join the Warriors who broke the NBA record books with a magical historic 73-win season.

I'm plagued because all the things I loved about the Warriors is what makes me hate them now.

And more than Klay Thompson, Steph Curry, Andre Iguodala or Draymond Green, I might hate Zaza Pachoulia even more (and not just for this clip because nothing will ever be more easy now).

Durant is going to love it in Golden State for the same reasons I came to admire the Warriors. They're humble, unselfish, love sharing the ball in offence, are committed and focused defensively, thrive on having fun on and off the court and possess absolutely no ego on the team. 

The Warriors are the opposite of what the Thunder are. Durant and Russell Westbrook were constantly engaged in who was the alpha-male of the team, while team mates bickered and argued in an environment that fostered drama. 

How much fun is it watching Westbrook mindlessly dribble the ball into oblivion?

And like all the girls, Durant just wants to have fun. 

I mean, if you thought it was the Line Up of Death before, it's the Line Up of the Apocalypse now. Just take a look.

Durant will love it with the all-preaching Christian line-up consisting of Thompson, Curry, Green, Iguodala and himself. This is the Christian rock-band of the NBA now.

But for a team that took no shortcuts in patiently building its championship core through the draft, their relentless pursuit of Durant will leave a sour and spoiled taste in many mouths.

Especially mine.

What Have We Learned About The Boston Celtics So Far This Season?

So, nine games into the season and the Boston Celtics’ record stands at 3-6.

Not exactly ideal but what did you expect going into this season?

Is a 3-6 record an accurate reflection of the Boston Celtics?

No doubt, the Celtics are a young team on the rise behind a coach who is entering just his second year in the NBA.

Having said the Celtics’ record is a little misleading and it’s important not to over-react (yet).

Here are the results so far:

OPPONENT	RESULT
Brooklyn	W 121-105
Houston	L 104-90
Dallas	L 118-113
Toronto	L 110-107
Indiana	W 101-98
Chicago	W 106-101
Oklahoma City	L 109-94
Cleveland	L 122-121
Phoenix	L 118-114

Seven of the Celtics’ first nine games have been against teams that made the playoffs last season. The other two opponents – Cleveland and Phoenix – didn’t make the playoffs. Cleveland is a major NBA title contender this season and Phoenix finished with 48 wins to miss the playoffs by one game in a loaded Western conference.

Of their six losses, four games have been lost by five points or less. Also, in those four games, the Celtics scored over 100 points. It’s clear that the Celtics have the ability to score-their problem lies in defence, which is usually a challenge for any young team.

With that all being said, there’s plenty of time for the Celtics to make up for lost opportunities.

There will be no better chance for the Celtics to get their season back on track tomorrow night in Philadelphia against the 76ers who are the only team to remain winless after 10 games this season.

I know it seems a little patronising and ridiculous to be so upbeat about beating the poor hapless Philadelphia 76ers (it would take the most cold-hearted to not feel for them) but it’s a big opportunity to give some talented youngsters a chance to build confidence for the rest of the season.

I’m looking forward to seeing the Celtics perform in person tomorrow night and drawing my own assessments about the Celtics for the rest of the season.

Previewing Tonight's Playoffs Games - Bulls @ Wiz, Clips @ Warriors, Raps @ Nets and Rockets @ Blazers

Looking Ahead:

Game 4 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals

Chicago Bulls @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS (-1.5, 182.5)

1PM ET, ABC

Series: 2-1 WASHINGTON

Nene has been suspended for Game 4 for butting foreheads and grabbing the head of Jimmy Butler. The Wizards will miss his presence and will lament missing an opportunity to seize the series with a 3-1 lead.

Chicago will exploit the opportunity and level the series 2-2.

Prediction: Chicago Bulls 100, WASHINGTON WIZARDS 95.

Game 4 Western Conference Quarter Finals

Los Angeles Clippers (-2, 209.5) @ GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

3:30PM ET, ABC

Series: 2-1 Los Angeles

An already fiery series was added another dimension with Clippers-owner Donald Sterling’s controversial racial remarks.

“We had a great team meeting this morning about it,” Doc Rivers said. “A lot of guys voiced their opinions. None of them were happy about it. This is a situation where we're trying to go after something very important for us. Something that we've all dreamed about all our childhoods. Donald or anyone else had nothing to do with that dream and we're not going to let anything get in the way of those dreams."

Rivers will have to coach his team beyond the distractions and focus on continuing their momentum on the road in Golden State.

After crushing the Warriors by 40 points in Game 2, the Clippers managed to barely hold on to an 18-point 3^rd quarter lead to win 98-96 in Game 3.

With the controversy surrounding a young inexperienced team, the Clippers won’t be able to win Game 4 on the road in Golden State.

Prediction: GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 114, Los Angeles Clippers 100.

Game 4 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals

Toronto Raptors @ BROOKLYN NETS (-4, 192)

7PM ET, TNT

Series: 2-1 BROOKLYN

Having played in front of some energetic crowds in Boston, Kevin Garnett has called for a wild and raucous Brooklyn crowd.

"They could do better," Garnett said Saturday. "I was expecting Brooklyn to be real hostile, New York-style. I know what it's like to come here as the opposition, so our crowd could do better, but they were there when we needed them, and we fed off of them."

Paul Pierce and Garnett are really bringing the playoff intensity that the Nets were so desperate for this season. Be sure that Garnett and Pierce will not allow the Nets to let up at home and take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Prediction: BROOKLYN NETS 104, Toronto Raptors 94.

Game 4 Western Conference Quarter Finals

Houston Rockets @ PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS (-2, 214.5)

9:30PM ET, TNT

Series: 2-1 PORTLAND

This series has been epic. There have already been two overtime games.

LaMarcus Aldridge has been an absolute monster. In the first two games, Aldridge scored more than 40 points but was contained to 23 in Game 3 with the Rockets starting Omer Asik.

James Harden finally came into form in Game 3 and will have to look to continue his streak if the Rockets can steal another road victory.

With Aldridge bouncing back with a big game at home, the Trailblazers will squeak another overtime victory to take a 3-1 series lead.

Prediction: PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS 120, Houston Rockets 119.

Game 3 Western Conference Quarter Finals: DALLAS MAVERICKS 109, San Antonio Spurs 108

 Vince Carter hit an impossible double-pump 3-pointer at the buzzer for the Dallas Mavericks to steal a 109-108 victory over the San Antonio Spurs to take a 2-1 series lead. 

With the score tied at 106 each, Manu Ginobilli dribbled the clock down to bank a 5-foot shot for the Spurs to take a 108-106 lead with 1.7 seconds left. 

 But Carter provided the heroics for the Mavericks faithful as he caught an inbounds pass to hit the game-winner in a closely contested match between two experienced teams. 

 It appeared that the Spurs had capitalized on the Mavs’ numerous turnovers in the fourth quarter with a 100-95 lead with 2 minutes remaining. 

Led by Monta Ellis, who scored 7 of his 29 points in the final 2 minutes, the Mavs came roaring out of the timeout to tie the game. 

 The Spurs will have a chance to tie the series in Game 4 in Dallas on Monday before they return home for Game 5.

Game 3 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: Miami Heat 98, CHARLOTTE BOBCATS 85

Miami take a commanding 3-0 series advantage led by LeBron James’ stat line of 30 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists including an emphatic open-court dunk after staring down Bobcats owner, Michael Jordan.

The Bobcats started strongly again leading 27-23 after the first quarter due to Al Jefferson’s 15 points.

However, the Heat began to resemble a championship-calibre team in the second quarter as they limited Jefferson to just two points and outscored the Bobcats 35-19 in the second quarter to lead 58-46 at halftime.

The Heat continued their dominance in the second half and would be forgiven for already looking ahead to facing Toronto or Brooklyn in the next round.

Looking Ahead to Tonight's NBA Playoffs - Grizzlies @ Thunder and Warriors @ Clippers

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Game 2 Western Conference Quarter Finals

Memphis Grizzlies @ OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (-7, 189)

8PM ET, TNT

Series: 1-0 OKLAHOMA CITY

Game 1 was a tale of two halves as the Oklahoma City Thunder almost squandered a 25-point lead over the Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder lead 56-34 at halftime before the Grizzlies came roaring back to trail by four points.

The Grizzlies outscored the Thunder by 18 points in the third quarter by dominating inside with post players Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. The Grizzlies’ best chance to win is to play an entire game like the third quarter.

“It was real important,” Randolph said. “We see what we can do. We know what we can do and we’ve got to come like that at the beginning of the game.”

It will be interesting to see if the Grizzlies will defend Kevin Durant with Tony Allen again. Allen held Durant to 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting (36%) while Durant scored 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting on everyone else.

Expect the Grizzlies to come out of the gates faster than Game 1 but they won’t have enough answers to contain Durant and Russell Westbrook at home. Or will they?

Prediction: OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 92, Memphis Grizzlies 89.

Game 2 Western Conference Quarter Finals

Golden State Warriors @ LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (-8, 212)

10:30PM ET, TNT

Series: 1-0 Golden State

There were 51 fouls called in Game 1 and Blake Griffin fouled out in 19 minutes. Chris Paul also found himself in foul trouble that took him out of rhythm throughout the game as he struggled down the stretch with missed shots and turnovers.

This series was expected to be physical and confrontational with a lot of bad blood between the Warriors and Clippers. Doc Rivers, believes the officials overreacted in calling fouls that limited Griffin but says the Clippers will bounce back in Game 2.

There’s a lot of things we can do better,” Rivers said. “We had a lot of opportunities; we just didn’t capitalize on them. They did. They made all the big ones.”

6^th Man of the Year candidate, Jamal Crawford, scored 9 point on 2-of-11 shooting and will aim to be more of a factor.

For the Warriors, Klay Thompson says all the pressure is on the Clippers. “They can’t afford to go down 0-2 and go on the road,” Thompson said. “It’s tough to come back down 0-2.”

Andre Iguodala was also hindered with foul trouble and played only 20 minutes. Iguodala will have more of an impact in Game 2 and will add another dimension for the Warriors. However, expect a faster paced game with less fouls being called.

I’m betting on the Clippers to win with the home-crowd support.

Prediction: LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 114, Golden State Warriors 106.

Game 1 Western Conference Quarter Finals: Portland Trailblazers 122, HOUSTON ROCKETS 120

(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)

LaMarcus Aldridge pushed the Portland Trailblazers to an epic Game 1 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets, scoring a career-high 46 points along with 18 rebounds.

The Rockets lead 112-106 in overtime and looked to have seized momentum to close the game. However, the Trailblazers wouldn’t go away and hit back-to-back three-pointers to go on an 8-0 run in taking the lead.

Aldridge fouled out with the scores locked at 116-each with a minute remaining in overtime and Jeremy Lin scored at the basket on the subsequent play for the Rockets to reclaim the lead. Damien Lillard responded with his own drive to the basket and converted the free throw before Joel Freeland hit one-of-two free-throws to hold on for a stunning postseason road victory. 

Making the playoffs for the fist time since 2011, it was going to be a difficult task for a young and inexperienced team to play on the road in Houston but the Trailblazers jumped to an early lead and lead 27-20 after the first quarter.

The Rockets took control to lead by 11 but the Trailblazers countered with a 15-5 run to trail 49-48 at halftime. Again, the Rockets jumped to an 86-73 lead in the final quarter. Trailblazers coach, Terry Stotts, employed the Hack-A-Howard strategy that resulted in a 10-0 run to tie the game at 98 with 2:45 remaining. Dwight Howard missed four straight free throws during the run.

Lillard scored 31 points with 9 rebounds including a three-pointer that tied it up at 104-all before James Harden put Houston up with two free throws. Aldridge’s tip-in with 2.9 seconds left tied it again at 106-all and Harden missed the final shot to win the game in regulation.

Howard and Harden finished with 27 points each. Harden struggled early in scoring only 2 points in the first 19 minutes. Chandler Parsons also scored 24 points for the Rockets.

The Rockets had numerous chances to seal the game and will have to recover for Game 2 on Wednesday night. Coach Kevin McHale has to decide whether to limit Aldridge by double-teaming him in the post. Harden will look for a better start and Howard has to avoid foul trouble for the Rockets to tie the series going back to Portland. Although the Trailblazers are young they may struggle without any contribution from their bench who scored only 7 points.

Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals Recap: Pierce and KG drive the Nets to steal home court from the Raptors Featured

Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images

Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: Brooklyn Nets 94, TORONTO RAPTORS 87 

Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: Brooklyn Nets 94, TORONTO RAPTORS 87

Different city, different colors, different team- Same “old” Truth.

Paul Pierce scored 9 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter for the Nets to steal homecourt and take a 1-0 series lead over the Toronto Raptors.

With little impact in the first three quarters, Kevin Garnett and Pierce saved their best for last.

The Raptors rallied from a 8-point deficit to tie the score at 73 before the Nets called a timeout to put Garnett and Pierce back in with 6:25 left in the fourth quarter.

Not scoring since the first quarter, their playoff experience paid off for the Nets as Garnett and Pierce scored 11 straight points.

Pierce hit a 3-pointer to take an insurmountable 82-76 lead with 2:38 left for the Nets who had missed 19 straight 3-pointers before. The Nets struggled all night from 3-point range hitting only 4-of-24.

Joe Johnson and Deron Williams scored 24 points each, from a combined 16-of-33, that fuelled the Nets to a 25-13 lead in the first quarter before the Raptors came back to trail 50-46 at halftime.

It’s early but after an early first-round exit in the playoffs last year against the Bulls, the Nets’ trade for Pierce and Garnett appears to have gone to plan.

While the Nets played with the focus and patience of an experienced team, the Raptors were rushed and panicked in their offence.

Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 22 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds, and Jonas Valanciunas had 17 points and 18 rebounds.

DeMar DeRozan struggled throughout the game hitting only 3 field goals to finish with 13 points from 3-of-13.

Next game is Tuesday night in Toronto and this series could end more quickly than people thought.

Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: Washington Wizards 102, CHICAGO BULLS 93

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

 Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: Washington Wizards 102, CHICAGO BULLS 93

The Washington Wizards rallied from a 64-51 deficit in the third quarter to steal home court from the Bulls.

The Bulls looked ready to blow out the Wizards but were outscored 30-18 in the fourth quarter as they struggled to find anyone to score down the stretch. During the final quarter, the Bulls missed 8-of-10 field goals as the Wizards went on a 18-6 run to win the game.

It was a strong team performance for the Wizards. Nene Hilario and Marcin Gortat proved too powerful for the Joakim Noah-led Bulls. Nene dominated with 24 points and 8 rebounds, including a powerful dunk to start the game. Gortat added 15 points and 13 rebounds. In their postseason debuts, John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 29 points and 13 assists. Trevor Ariza also scored 18 points including three 3-pointers.

The Bulls tried hard but struggled offensively and shot 5-of-20 from the 3-point line. Noah led the Bulls with 10 points and 10 rebounds while Kirk Hinrich and D.J. Augustin both scored a team-high 16 points each.

The Bulls will have to recover quickly from a shattering loss in time for Game 2 on Tuesday.

Game 1 Western Conference Quarter Finals: SAN ANTONIO SPURS 90, Dallas Mavericks 85

(Photos by D. Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images)

After playing all season for home court, the San Antonio Spurs almost lost it in their first game of the playoffs against Texan rival Dallas Mavericks.

The Spurs had to overcome a 10-point deficit as the Mavs lead 81-71 with 7:45 remaining in the fourth quarter.

During the third quarter, Spurs nation held their collective breath when Tim Duncan hobbled to the bench, holding his knee. But Duncan returned to put the Spurs on his shoulders to overcome the Mavs by scoring nine of his 27 points in the fourth quarter on 4-for-5 shooting in the paint.

The Spurs tied the game with 4:54 remaining before Tony Parker drove to the basket to take a 83-81 lead. Parker finished with 21 points and 6 assists.

The Mavs restricted the Spurs to 3-of-17 from the 3-point line but Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis had little input in scoring only 11 points each and both shot 4-of-14 from the field. Devin Harris came off the bench to lead the Mavs with 19 points and 5 assists.

In compounding a difficult lost opportunity for the Mavs, the Spurs have a 24-4 playoff series record when winning Game 1 under coach Greg Popovich. 

Game 1 Eastern Conference Quarter Finals: MIAMI HEAT 99, Charlotte Bobcats 88

(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Miami Heat began their championship defence in the playoffs with a little more difficulty than was expected as they sealed the game with a 18-4 run in the fourth quarter.

The Heat have now beaten the Bobcats 17 straight times and although it was their first national television appearance this season, Charlotte rose to the occasion as they jumped to a 16-9 lead on the back of Al Jefferson.

Jefferson- the Bobcats only playoff-experienced starter- was 4-of-4 from the field before he left to the locker room at the end of the first quarter with a foot injury. He returned in the second quarter to finish with 18 points and 10 rebounds but his performance suffered.

After trailing the Bobcats 23-19 at the end of the first quarter, the Heat closed the half on a 19-2 run to lead 49-42 at half time.

However, the Bobcats responded after halftime on the back of Kemba Walker, who finished with 20 points, as they went on a 13-0 run to retake the lead.

Eventually, the Heat proved too powerful in the fourth quarter with LeBron James and Dwayne Wade who scored 27 and 23 points in the game, respectively. LeBron passed Larry Bird to become the eighth highest playoff-scorer.

What was already a near-impossible task, may now have become a hopeless situation for the Bobcats. In a worrying sign for Bobcats fans, and for any hope of their first franchise playoff win, Jefferson left the arena in a walking boot.