Was Baron Benched Over B-Day Party?
We were all a bit confused to see Baron Davis sitting on the bench for the entire second half of the Warriors' loss to the Suns, and rightfully so. Even though he only shot 2-13 from the field in the first half and apparently can't defend the pick and roll to save his life, you simply don't bench your team leader in a game you have to have to keep your slim playoff hopes alive. Unless there was another reason to do so.
A little comment from Paul Coro in the Arizona Republic may just tell us the real reason that Baron was benched during that critical contest:
Golden State's Baron Davis was gone. He was benched for the second half by Warriors coach Don Nelson after a 2-for-13 first half and a Sunday night birthday party in the Valley.
"I gave Baron a much-needed rest in the second half," Nelson said.
If there's any truth to this, that Baron was out partying a little too hard the night before the team's last gasp at remaining in the hunt for a playoff spot, then it's absolutely inexcusable. I know there wasn't a huge chance for the Warriors to make the playoffs even if they won out, but there was still a chance. I also know that players stay out late on a regular basis, but with the season on the line, you'd think just this once that Baron would have the sense to get to bed at a decent hour and not overdo it before what is always a high octane game against the Suns.
Let's not forget though that this Warriors team has a history -- this season -- of players partying the night before a game and then playing poorly because of it. Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington took a trip to Vegas before a game against the Lakers, and Baron went to promote his film at the Sundance Festival the night before a bad home loss to Minnesota.
Honestly, I don't know why so many people root for this team. It's filled with selfish players who are sore losers that play zero defense. They were lucky to get into the playoffs last year, and were even luckier to get matched up with the one team they could actually beat. Last season was a fluke; this season proved as much.
At least there's a bright side for Warriors' fans: if this turns out to be true about Baron's partying costing his team the game, he'll definitely be back in Golden State next year. Because even if he were to opt out of his contract, no other team would want to sign him.
We were all a bit confused to see Baron Davis sitting on the bench for the entire second half of the Warriors' loss to the Suns, and rightfully so. Even though he only shot 2-13 from the field in the first half and apparently can't defend the pick and roll to save his life, you simply don't bench your team leader in a game you have to have to keep your slim playoff hopes alive. Unless there was another reason to do so.
A little comment from Paul Coro in the Arizona Republic may just tell us the real reason that Baron was benched during that critical contest:
Golden State's Baron Davis was gone. He was benched for the second half by Warriors coach Don Nelson after a 2-for-13 first half and a Sunday night birthday party in the Valley.
"I gave Baron a much-needed rest in the second half," Nelson said.
If there's any truth to this, that Baron was out partying a little too hard the night before the team's last gasp at remaining in the hunt for a playoff spot, then it's absolutely inexcusable. I know there wasn't a huge chance for the Warriors to make the playoffs even if they won out, but there was still a chance. I also know that players stay out late on a regular basis, but with the season on the line, you'd think just this once that Baron would have the sense to get to bed at a decent hour and not overdo it before what is always a high octane game against the Suns.
Let's not forget though that this Warriors team has a history -- this season -- of players partying the night before a game and then playing poorly because of it. Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington took a trip to Vegas before a game against the Lakers, and Baron went to promote his film at the Sundance Festival the night before a bad home loss to Minnesota.
Honestly, I don't know why so many people root for this team. It's filled with selfish players who are sore losers that play zero defense. They were lucky to get into the playoffs last year, and were even luckier to get matched up with the one team they could actually beat. Last season was a fluke; this season proved as much.
At least there's a bright side for Warriors' fans: if this turns out to be true about Baron's partying costing his team the game, he'll definitely be back in Golden State next year. Because even if he were to opt out of his contract, no other team would want to sign him.
