Game 6: This game was do or die for both teams, because if the Warriors can't win in Oakland, then what chance do they have in Game 7 in Dallas. A loss here would shift momemtum to where it would take a miracle for GS to win in Dallas.
In the 2nd quarter, with Dallas ahead by a couple of points, Davis went into the locker room with a pulled hamstring, the muscle that has plagued him throughout his career and kept him from claiming his place as one of the premier stars of the league. On the next GS possession, Jackson was hammered by a wicked shot to the forehead under the boards. He went down in a heap, and lay there for several minutes, grimacing in pain, trying to shake it off and clear his brain, as the trainer attended to him. At that moment, watching a clearly dazed Jackson, and knowing Davis was out of the game, it was a very scary interlude for GS fans. You could see the whole season going down the drain before your eyes. On the next couple of possessions, Monta Ellis, who was removed from the lineup because he had been pretty much a no-show this series, came in and scored two buckets. That was huge from a guy who had done nothing, but he sure showed up when the team was in dire straits. Then Jackson came back in, and Davis emerged form the locker room before half time to lead the team back to a 2 pt. lead.
In the 3rd quarter, the Warriors came out and simply play incredible basketball, with Davis and Jackson, the guys who have the will to win, the guys who want to win so bad that in Game 3 they got too fired up and were thrown out, they showed the way. Nelson did not make the same mistake he made before. Instead of slowing it down he put the pedal to the medal.
It was a great series. And the Warriors learned a lot about themselves. They learned that Davis and Jackson are the clutch guys, and Richardson will always rally behind them. That Ellis and Harrington, overall, were not able to rise to the occasion. Pietrus is a great athlete and solid contributor, and performed pretty much as expected. The BIG SURPRISES - first and foremost, Matt Barnes, who played his best ball of the year, played with same kind of will and inspiration as Baron and Stephen, and showed what kind of a clutch guy he is. Secondly, Andris Biedrins, who is still a little raw, showed, nontheless, that although he occasionally makes mistakes, that he has great talent, does not wilt under pressure, can be a formidable defensive presence blocking and/or changing guys' shots, and, though not a great offensive player, will take one step towards the hoop, leap, and jam it, if a lane to the bucket is left open and he takes the ball in the high post inside the foul line.
In the end, it was Davis v. Nowitski, as to who was not just a great player, but a great leader, who could carry his team to victory. Game 6 was one more feather in the Baron's cap. Everyone is SF area knew what Davis can do. Now everyone knows it. What we all didn't know, is that Stephen Jackson is right there with him, taking on half the load, and making a lot harder for teams to win by doubling and collapsing the lane on Davis. Now we know it. We have learned a lot about these guys, and a lot about their will to win.
Warriors 111, Mavs 86. A blowout!!!!
