Kylen Mills, the host of the daily Locked On Warriors podcast, with your daily Locked On Warriors newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Warriors and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Golden State Warriors’ win in Boston: A statement game?
What’s the good word everyone? Charlie Walter here with another winning edition of the Locked On Warriors Podcast. On today’s show we get into the following.
Golden State Warriors: A Statement Win in Boston
The Golden State Warriors are making waves early this season, boasting a 7-1 record after a thrilling victory in Boston. The Warriors showcased their resilience and depth, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with. This game was more than just a regular-season matchup; it felt like a playoff battle, with both teams displaying intense defense.
Warriors’ Defensive Prowess
The Warriors’ defense was a standout, especially in the first half. They managed to hold the Celtics to just 40 points, a testament to their defensive strategy and execution. Kevon Looney played a pivotal role, particularly in the fourth quarter, where his rebounding efforts helped shift the momentum in favor of Golden State.
A Look Ahead
This victory is a significant confidence booster for the Warriors as they prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers next. The win in Boston not only solidifies their position as a real contender but also sets the tone for the rest of the season. The Warriors are proving that they belong among the elite teams, and their performance against the Celtics is a clear statement of their capabilities.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Warriors’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Warriors podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Warriors Podcast:
- Analysis of the Warriors’ defensive strategies
- The impact of Kevon Looney’s rebounding on the game
- Stephen Curry’s influence and key plays
- Bench contributions and their significance
- Upcoming matchups and what to expect from the Warriors
Thanks for being a subscriber of the show and lets have some fun with all these Warriors dubs!
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis The Golden State Warriors secured a 118-112 victory over the Boston Celtics, with a strong defensive performance and Steph Curry leading the charge. (Golden State of Mind)
Milestone Steph Curry made NBA history by hitting another three-pointer milestone during the Warriors’ game against the Celtics. (Sports Illustrated)
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
Don’t let other episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Warriors podcasts.
Could The Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry Be First 36 Year Old To Win NBA MVP?
Steph Curry has outshined three NBA MVP frontrunners to start the season, propelling the Warriors to a 9-2 start. Could he quietly be an MVP candidate with a strong season and a Warriors resurgence?
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