On a night when Stephen Curry scored 47 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, his outrageous performance had to take a backseat to another story.

The Lakers won powered by Pau Gasol’s 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as well as Kobe Bryant’s 34 points; but that’s not the main story here.

With a little over three minutes left in the game, Bryant fell to the ground and seemed in pain. He gathered himself and nailed his two free throws and then headed straight to the locker room.

By game’s end, the news broke out. The Black Mamba had a torn Achilles heel.

After the game, a visibly shaken Bryant fought back tears when addressing his status with the media.

This is a sad day for all of those involved with the NBA.

Whether rooting for or against the former league MVP, he always garnered respect. Bryant is unquestionably one of the most feared athletes of his generation and undoubtedly the most revered.

Very few throughout the rich history of the Association have matched his sustained level of excellence for such a prolonged period of time.

His catalog is the envy of many.

Most of his would be challengers have faded over time and almost invoke ridicule when we think back to the days they were actually part of a Kobe discussion. Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter all had their opportunities but failed for the most part.

Ray Allen is one of the few players that’s matched Bryant’s longevity and given him fits throughout their respective careers but he is currently backing up a Kobe nemesis in Dwyane Wade for the Miami Heat.

It’s worth noting that Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, James Harden and LeBron James have effectively wrestled the torch away from Bryant, but not completely.

The Black Mamba never truly let go despite being in the league for 17 seasons and playing at an incredibly high level. That’s what makes the injury so gut wrenching.

Kobe Bryant wasn’t hanging on, he was carrying the franchise and being voted a top five NBA player in the process. Thus, this is a devastating injury not only for the Lakers, but also for the NBA.

Let’s face it, the Lakers are the league’s marquee franchise. Hence, with their signature player now shelved not only for this season but also potentially for a huge chunk of next season, it completely alters the landscape of the NBA.

Bryant’s injury affects the direction of the franchise and consequently alters the Pacific division. Dwight Howard is a free agent at the end of the season and it was expected that Pau Gasol would get traded in the offseason given the team’s huge salary commitments.

But now what?

These are all questions the front office must now deal with it. But more importantly, have we seen the last of Kobe Bryant?

The consensus is that not only will he play again, but he will suit up as a Laker. Our very own Ethan Sherwood Strauss had this to share in this most recent installment of ESPN.com’s 5-on-5:

Kobe will play for the Lakers again, probably next season. I’m no doctor, but it’s difficult to see both sides deciding against giving that Achilles another run in purple and gold.

The Lakers’ all-time leading scorer is gone. His competitive fire still burns and hopefully we see it again as he makes a triumphant return in less than 12 months.

Kobe Bryant as well as basketball fans worldwide deserve that much.

Questions or comments? Feel free to leave them in the comments section or you can contact me by email at [email protected].

Follow @ShyneIV

Stephen Curry with left-handed layup.

Last night, Stephen Curry shined on a big stage in a loss against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Unfortunately for Warrior fans, it felt like déjà vu.

On February 27, Curry strolled into Madison Square Garden and lit up the New York Knicks with a monstrous 54-point performance. He was simply unstoppable and unconscious.

Late in the fourth quarter, Jarrett Jack went a little rogue and tried to catch the Knicks defense off balance by attacking them instead of giving Curry the pleasure of doing so. It was bold and could have worked but did not.

Also, the Knicks doubled Steph and got the ball out of his hands and consequently won the contest.

Last night, a similar thing happened.

The sharpshooter was not only spectacular, but Klay Thompson was also having a great night, which made trapping Curry all that more difficult.

The Dubs’ point guard was sensational and hit up the Lakers for an incredible 47 points. Steph made it rain from all over the court and gave the Laker guards fits. He came off screens, shot in transition and broke down his defender off the bounce for layups and gorgeous floaters in the lane.

Stephen Curry’s shot chart vs. Lakers.

Stephen Curry was simply amazing. But it’s tough not to feel cheated with the way the game ended.

Stephen Curry only had four field goal attempts in the fourth quarter, and one of them was a heave from the backcourt as the game clock expired.

With the Lakers sending an extra defender at the Golden State guard, it made sense for him to dish off and run an offense designed to get his teammates some open looks.

But there’s also something to be said for simply going away from the Human Torch. The Warriors essentially stopped running plays designed specifically to get him open looks.

Hurricane Curry had flooded Staples Center and destroyed all of the homes in the immediate area, but suddenly the weather stopped cooperating. Mark Jackson instead featured Klay Thompson, Carl Landry and David Lee down the stretch.

In the last five minutes of the game, Golden State took 10 shots. Two of those were courtesy of Curry and again, one of those looks was a backcourt heave, which prompted this tweet from Grantland’s Bill Simmons:

WHOA!!!!!!!!!!! Curry almost made the greatest shot since West in the 1970 Finals. Really fun game. The 2013 Lakers are Jason Voorhees.

— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 13, 2013

Normally, on a night where your best player is having the game of his life, teams usually win these games. But the Warriors have managed a donut so far in these two instances in the 2012-13 campaign. It might be a mere coincidence, but that certainly doesn’t seem like it’s the case. As ridiculous as this may sound, the Warriors now need to figure out creative ways for their best player to actually generate more shots. Playoff time is around us folks.

Questions or comments? Feel free to leave them in the comments section or you can contact me by email at [email protected].

Follow @ShyneIV

Golden State Warriors

116

Final Recap | Box Score

118

Los Angeles Lakers

	David Lee, PF 43 MIN | 8-12 FG | 3-4 FT | 8 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 0 TO | 19 PTS | -6 Lee was quite the presence offensively, especially in the second half when defended by Antawn Jamison. But sadly, his defense cost the Dubs tonight. He took poor angles against Bryant in the pick-and-roll and also allowed Pau Gasol to have his way against him.
	Harrison Barnes, SF 29 MIN | 1-6 FG | 2-2 FT | 6 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK | 0 TO | 4 PTS | 0 Barnes contributed on the boards and defended Kobe Bryant on a few possessions and held his own. Mind you, he contributed next to nothing offensively.
	Festus Ezeli, C 16 MIN | 2-3 FG | 0-0 FT | 7 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK | 0 TO | 4 PTS | +8 Ezeli contributed on the boards and gave the team a semi-physical presence in the paint. But he also fouled out in a mere 16 minutes of playing time and wasn’t enough of a deterrent at the basket.
	Stephen Curry, PG 44 MIN | 17-31 FG | 4-4 FT | 6 REB | 9 AST | 3 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 47 PTS | +3 Stephen Curry was simply sensational in this one. He rained jumpers from all over the place and when the Lakers keyed in on him, he repeatedly fed his open teammates. The Dubs lost, but it wasn’t because of Curry.
	Klay Thompson, SG 43 MIN | 10-24 FG | 3-4 FT | 2 REB | 7 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK | 1 TO | 25 PTS | +3 Klay played under control tonight for the most part and took some really good shots. The 1-2 pick-and-roll between he and Curry resulted in a favorable matchup with Steve Blake and he burned him early and often. Also, his defense on Kobe Bryant was quite impressive.
	Mark Jackson In terms of scheme, Jackson did a lot of interesting things in this one to matchup with the Lakers. He even stole one of the Laker plays and ran it for Klay Thompson down the stretch and the guard rewarded his play calling by nailing a killer 3-pointer. But ultimately, Jackson deserves some criticism for failing to manufacture plays to free up Curry in the fourth quarter.

Three Things We Saw

1. Stephen Curry should have had north of 50 points in this contest. By the end of the third quarter, he was comfortably sitting on 39 points with his hands looking like a flamethrower. In addition, he was getting whatever shot he wanted. The Lakers decided to double-team him in the pick-and-roll and he willingly gave the ball up to open teammates. But only getting four shots within the final period with one of those being a backcourt heave is simply unacceptable.
2. Fouls, fouls, fouls and more fouls. The Lakers benefitted from a few favorable calls but that’s not what cost the Warriors the game. Golden State players repeatedly committed silly fouls off the ball (rebounding, loose ball, post position, etc..) and gave the Lakers a chance to parade at the stripe and put up 50 freebies. Count’em, 50!
3. Not Warriors related but still worth mentioning: with about three minutes left in the game, Kobe Bryant exited the contest due to a foot injury. For player that has consistently displayed an incredibly high pain threshold as well as tons of toughness, his departure certainly signals something serious with his foot. The league is better with Kobe on the floor, let’s hope he bounces back.

Follow @ShyneIV

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

Game Info

• Tip Off: 7:30 PM PT
• Television: CSN-BA+

Los Angeles Lakers Team Profile

• Offensive Efficiency: 105.6 (8^th in NBA)
• Defensive Efficiency: 103.7 (tied for 18^th in NBA)

Leaders

• Points: Kobe Bryant, 27.3 PPG
• Rebounds: Dwight Howard, 12.4 RPG
• Assists: Steve Nash, 6.7 APG
• Steals: Metta World Peace, 1.7 SPG
• Blocks: Dwight Howard, 2.4 BPG
• Field Goal Percentage: Dwight Howard, 57.8% FG
• 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: Steve Nash, 43.8% 3PT FG

Scope the Opposition: Forum Blue and Gold.

Preview: The Los Angeles Lakers (42-37) are survivors. Injuries, internal strife, media scrutiny and a coaching change all could have served as excuses for the team to fall apart and miss the postseason.

But as the finish line approaches, they are running in their lane and have a one-second lead on the Utah Jazz (41-38) in the race for the final Western Conference playoff spot.

An argument could be made that Kobe Bryant has run this relay race alone, passing over the baton to himself. Let’s be clear, he hasn’t carried the team alone but boy has it looked like it as of late.

Between the ridiculous load of minutes and the heavy burden Mike D’Antoni has dropped on Bryant’s back, it’s obvious the team’s success hinges on the exploits of the former league MVP.

In his last five games, the two-time world champion is averaging 45.2 minutes, 31.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game on 44.8 percent field goal shooting. In addition, his usage rate has taken a slight dip comparison to his regular season figures.

With Pau Gasol once again flashing his brilliant all-around skills as a big man, Bryant’s workload has been reduced ever so slightly. His regular season usage rate of 29.9 is down to 28.7 in the past five games per NBA.com’s advanced stats tool.

The Lakers have won four of their last five and look like a team headed for the postseason. The return of Metta World Peace certainly has given the team a much needed boost and the trio of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard looks good.

The chemistry between all three seems at its best right now when compared to the rest of the regular season. Guys are getting the job done and the Lakers are better for it.

But are they really?

D’Antoni and company needed a 23-point fourth eruption from the four-time All-Star Game MVP to close out the New Orleans Hornets (27-51) at home this week. The Lakers then followed up that effort the next night by surrendering 69 first half points to a Portland Trail Blazers team that started Victor Claver, Will Barton and Meyers Leonard alongside Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge.

In other words, the Lakers have been good, but not great. With Kobe Bryant enjoying one of his finest seasons ever coupled with the extended minutes he’s been playing, barely squeaking out games seems concerning.

Many will cite these last five contests as evidence they’ve turned the corner, but NBA.com’s advanced stats tool tells us they’ve surrendered 102.7 points per 100 possessions. If projected over the entire season, they would be a middle of the pack defense.

With three games left, the Lake Show needs to win out to guarantee a postseason berth. Their next three games will all be played at Staples Center.

Tonight they get the Golden State Warriors (45-34) who were just humbled at home last night by the Oklahoma City Thunder (58-21).  On April 14, they draw the San Antonio Spurs (57-21) and then close out the season against the Houston Rockets (44-34) on April 17.

Considering their recent success against the Warriors coupled with Andrew Bogut’s absence tonight (ankle sprain), the Lakers must love their chances against the Dubs tonight.

But prior to game’s end, the Warriors’ backcourt will be heard from.

Damian Lillard lit up the Lakers two nights ago but D’Antoni adjusted in the second half by sending a soft trap in his pick-and-roll coverage that slowed the young Blazer guard.

Stephen Curry has had issues with hard traps, but it’s doubtful the Lakers will execute it sharply against Steph given that their big men are somewhat slow-footed. Curry’s shooting will force the Lakers to allocate some attention his way, which should open the floor for his teammates.

His backcourt partner Klay Thompson will be running all over the court around screens and might force Bryant into exerting more energy than he’s ready for. If such is the case, Kobe’s jumper might be a little flat late in the game.

And make no mistake, Kobe will see a multitude of defenders tonight. Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green will all be featured in the Kobe System. And quite honestly, there’s a great chance Bryant will still be superb.

The playoffs have begun for the Lakers, let’s see if the Warriors can handle that.

Questions or comments? Feel free to leave them in the comments section or you can contact me by email at [email protected].

Follow @ShyneIV

Let’s all take a moment to appreciate what has become of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The images above represent what the Los Angeles Lakers were supposed to become this season. After the acquisitions of future Hall of Famer’s Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, basketball pundits and fans alike joined forces in what seemed like a unanimous mentality: the Lakers will win the Western Conference and give the Heat a run for their money in the Finals.

Oh how things have changed.

After starting the season 1-4 (ONE AND FOUR!) the Lakers fired Mike Brown, went on a mad scramble to find a head coach only to hire former disgruntled head coach of the New York Knicks, Mike D’Antoni. This was of course after everyone in the basketball world had already assumed the Lakers would pay Phil Jackson whatever he wanted to come back and give Kobe and Co. another serious run at title contention.

It didn’t happen.

Mike D’Antoni brought his run-and-gun (or a slightly modified version of it) to the fourth oldest team in the league (average age of 29.1) and madness quickly ensued. D’Antoni seemed to be in over his head (when doesn’t he?), Dwight brought his “My, Myself & I” mentality over from Orlando, Kobe became just as much a mad man off the court as he was on it, Pau became the usual punching bag that he is and the incredibly weak Lakers bench was constantly exposed for what it was. All this on top of numerous injuries to key players, players that were supposed to contribute to a Western Conference crown and Finals matchup with the defending champions.

While the Lakers have leveled the ship as of late, they still are in the midst of one of the most disappointing seasons in American sports history. Even if they do make the playoffs — which seems more probable as the days go by — the Lakers are still bound for a first round exit no matter who finishes first in the conference. Quite the flip of the script for what was Hollywood’s hottest attraction before the season began.

Now, as the Warriors and Lakers face-off at Staples Center for the final time this season on Friday night, we are finally presented with an opportunity to see these teams play for more than just bragging rights.

This is nothing new for the Lakers, who have had nothing but meaningful games for what seems like their entire existence. But for the Warriors, a team so marred by venality, ineptitude and misfortune for the majority of their days, this is an important time.

The Warriors are now a force. They’re not a dominant force like the Heat, Thunder or any other top contender, but they now give other franchises reason to look their direction. The Warriors were a joke for so long (especially recently), it’s beyond refreshing to see them play meaningful games during the most crucial parts of the season. And unlike the 2007 “We Believe” group which features young (but troubled) players and cocky veterans, this version of the Warriors (along with ownership) will be a force for years to come.

“It’s a message that was sent,” Warriors head coach Mark Jackson said. “I wanted my guys to understand that we are the better team. … We were not going to come into the game on our heels. We respect them and they have guys that will be in the Hall of Fame. … That being said, this is a different day.”

These words uttered after the Warriors 109-103 win over the Lakers on March 25 by Jackson were not outlandish nor false, just facts. The Lakers will still hold the headlines whether they make the playoffs or not, but the Warriors could care less. This is indeed a different day, a day that Warriors fans have been waiting on for years.

The Warriors are a better team than the Los Angeles Lakers.

Whether this is the case for years to come is another question, but it’s not a question now. The Warriors are fighting for the sixth seed at 45-34 while the Lakers are fighting for their playoff lives at 42-37. This isn’t an astronomical difference nor is it a sign of future standings. Still, for two franchises with completely different pasts and far different preseason aspirations, this is an unbelievable change of events. It’s time to soak it in.

Some say rivalries don’t mean anything unless there is something serious at stake. While I disagree with the premise, it does hold some merit. Stakes change from team to team . For the Lakers, playing the Warriors these past seasons has been nothing more than a blip on their Finals-bound radar. For the Warriors, they were the biggest games of the season, a chance for fans — if the Warriors won — to finally talk some semblance of trash for at least a little while. In other words, it meant incredibly more to the Warriors than it ever did the Lakers.

Now, as the Warriors stroll into Staples Center on Friday night, as the Lakers are fighting for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference (while the Warriors have already clinched), as the Lakers future looks anything but secure (while the Warriors does), as the Lakers coach is nowhere near qualified for that position (while Mark Jackson has proven he is), as the Lakers best player is nearing his end (while the Warriors best player is just beginning) and as Lakers management is in the midst of some serious turbulence, the Warriors finally have a steady conglomerate of both smarts and dedicated minds.

Despite what you define a rivalry as, there’s no debate anymore: Lakers-Warriors is now one. It took multiple drafts, trades, signings, firings and hirings, but it’s finally here. This matchup now means more than just trash talk at work the following day. Not only that, but on this particular occasion, despite what happens Friday night, the Warriors will have proven their worth. Forget the past and focus on the present, just this once. The Warriors have overthrown the Lakers from their throne.

This is indeed real life.

Follow @JRAM_91

The Golden State Warriors (45-34) will be at Staples Center tonight to take on the Los Angeles Lakers (42-37). Warriors World reached out to Darius Soriano and Rey Moralde of Forum Blue and Gold, the Los Angeles Lakers ESPN TrueHoop Affiliate Blog, to get their take on the team and the contest.

1. Fact or fiction: Kobe Bryant All-NBA 1st Team?

Darius Soriano, Forum Blue and Gold: Fact. I believe Chris Paul will get one guard spot and while the other spot could go to several different deserving players (James Harden, Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker), I think Kobe will be (and should be) the choice. The combination of his production, how he’s excelled in multiple roles in carrying the Lakers’ offense, and the advanced stage of his career that he’s doing it all is enough to earn him this honor. Again, though, there are several deserving choices and there shouldn’t be any outrage should any of the above guys get the nod.

Rey Moralde, Forum Blue and Gold: Fact: Kobe will probably get it. I don’t think the media will give 1st Team honors to James Harden, Russell Westbrook, or Dwyane Wade (Chris Paul will be in the 1st team as the other guard). Considering how many great performances Kobe has had over this season, including that 47-point game against Portland, I don’t see why he doesn’t deserve it. Kobe also has averages of 27.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. Doesn’t that seem 1st Team material to you? I think so.

J.M. Poulard, Warriors World: Fact. Between production and reputation, Kobe Bryant seems like a sure bet for another All-NBA 1^st team selection. Also, given that voters submit their ballots so close to the end of the season, those that close out the campaign with a bang tend to benefit from an extra boost. Since March 30, Bryant is averaging 28 points, 9.2 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game. So yeah, he’s in.

2. Is the 2010 version of Pau Gasol back?

Darius Soriano: I’m hesitant to say he’s totally at that level, but he’s as close as he’s been since the early part of the 2011 campaign where he still being referred to as the “most skilled big man” in the league. He’s finally looking healthy and seems to be past the ailments that sapped him of his quick first step and ability to elevate on his shot. He’s moving better on both sides of the floor and is back to creating from the post for the majority of his offense. Combine that with his passing and rebounding and he’s again a difference maker, which is so important for this Lakers’ team.

Rey Moralde: It’s been a good stretch but I’m still a little skeptical. At least, Mike D’Antoni has put him in a position where he can succeed and that’s putting him in the high post area where he can play some high-lows with Dwight Howard. If he continues to do his playmaking from there then I don’t see why he can’t be the 2009 or 2010 version of himself. But I’d like to see him do this on a prolonged stretch. If he lays an egg in a playoff game, then everyone is going to raise some questions about the Spaniard again.

J.M. Poulard: It’s awfully tempting to give Pau Gasol the nod here but I need to see a little more. His back-to-back performances this week against the New Orleans Hornet and Portland Trail Blazers were awfully dominant and at the same time impressive. But one has to consider the competition. Anthony Davis was completely outmatched against the more seasoned veteran and Portland used a host of bodies not yet ready for battle with the Spaniard. Gasol deserves all the credit for dismantling them but I need to see it against quality opposition before making the statement he’s back to 2010 levels.

3. Fact or fiction: Lakers would win a seven-game series versus Warriors.

Darius Soriano: Not to come off as too homer-ish, but I lean towards fact. The Warriors have a lot of ways to hurt the Lakers’ porous defense, primarily with Curry and Thompson’s ability to stretch the floor and with Jack’s change of pace off the bench. When you add in Lee’s versatility, that’s a lot of weapons. However, I still believe that the Warriors would struggle to slow down Kobe and in a playoff series that’s likely to be slower than the regular season games, I think the Lakers’ big men will be better than the Warriors’ and tilt the series in their direction. It would be a fascinating series, though, and I could definitely see it going 7 games with the series being decided by only a handful of plays.

Rey Moralde: Fact: I’m not totally confident about the Lakers beating any of the Top 5 teams in the West in a seven-game series. However, the Warriors, I can see the Lakers defeating if they were ever to meet in the playoffs. I know the Lakers would always have trouble closing out on the shooters and Jarrett Jack seems to have career games every time he plays Los Angeles. But the Lakers, especially with the newfound confidence of Gasol, can dominate inside. Howard is getting healthier. And Kobe’s domain is the playoffs, something the Warriors haven’t been in with this current team. Experience is something the Warriors lack and something the Lakers have a ton of. Plus if the Warriors go into the postseason now and they faced the Lakers, they would be going in with no momentum whatsoever. And to quote the great Phil Jackson, “Mo is such a bi…” well, you know the rest.

J.M. Poulard: Fact. The Lakers have had the Warriors’ number in recent seasons and it’s still the case. The Dubs always had a solid backcourt but finally have a frontline to compete with the Lakers’ and that has narrowed the gap. But ultimately, Kobe Bryant has just broken the hearts of Warriors fans far too often. He’s the one guy that continuously tips the scales in favor of the Purple and Gold. This season alone, he’s averaged 32.3 points and 9 rebounds per game versus Golden State and there’s no reason to expect any different.

Darius Soriano (@forumbluegold) and Rey Moralde (@TheNoLookPass) are contributors to the TrueHoop Network and also be found on Twitter.

Image courtesy of NBAcircle.com.

The Golden State Warriors (42-32) have had an interesting 10 days. The Dubs were victorious in three of their four games and even routed an opponent at Oracle Arena.

They started off on March 23^rd by defeating the Washington Wizards (27-46) and then set their sights on the Los Angeles Lakers (38-36). After being tormented for the past few seasons by the Purple and Gold, Golden State finally extracted some vengeance.

The Lakers had won 19 of the past 22 contests against the Dubs entering the contest on March 25^th, but history did little for Kobe Bryant and company on that night.

Two nights later, the Sacramento Kings (27-47) strolled into Oracle Arena as if they owned the spot and defeated the Warriors. With the world seemingly coming to an end, Mark Jackson got the team back into the fold and they spanked the Portland Trail Blazers (33-40) on March 30^th.

As is customary, here’s the breakdown of the remaining schedule:

• Games left: 8
• Home games left: 5
• Road games left: 3
• Games versus opponents with .500 record or better: 4
• Games versus opponents with sub-.500 record: 4

The Hollinger Playoff Odds still have the Dubs finishing the season as the sixth seed in the west and the schedule certainly seems to corroborate that information.

It’s worth noting Golden State has two games left this season that unquestionably provide some intrigue:

• April 11^th versus Oklahoma City (54-20): this contest might potentially affect the seeding at the top of the Western Conference standings.
• April 12^th at Los Angeles Lakers: final game against the Lake Show this season. Dealing a division rival a blow to their playoff hopes is a one method of preparation for the postseason.

Warrior of the Week

Making this selection on a weekly basis is becoming awfully redundant, but that’s merely a testament to the player’s skill set.

In the last four games, Stephen Curry has simply averaged 29 points, 4.8 rebounds, 9 assists and 1.8 steals per game on 50 percent shooting from the floor and 45 percent shooting from 3-point land.

As impressive as his output has been in the last 10 days or so, an argument could be made that Curry’s been the best lead guard since the All-Star break.

Folly?

His numbers since the mid-season classic: 26.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game on 48 percent shooting from the field and 46.8 percent shooting from 3-point land.

No matter how you slice it, he’s been a stud.

Questions or comments? Feel free to leave them in the comments section or you can contact me by email at [email protected].

Follow @ShyneIV

By: Jesse Taylor

I really don’t want to make this article about Warriors TV play-by-play man Bob Fitzgerald. It’s more an experiment in watching a sporting event while muting the broadcasters. Whether you’re a fan of the Warriors broadcast team or not, maybe my experience will help you decide if you want to give it a shot.

Like all great ideas, this one came from a Twitter interaction. In this case, it was with friend of WarriorsWorld Tommy Broughton (@GswFanLee). He said he was muting the game because he couldn’t take Fitzgerald’s act when the Warriors play the Lakers and Kobe Bryant. I had thought about doing this in the past, but hearing Tommy was going to actually do it made me decide to finally give it a shot.

So the plan was to watch the entire Warriors-Lakers game on mute and write about it for WarriorsWorld.

Thanks to the “Janet Jackson Super Bowl Nipple Rule,” all live sporting events are now shown on a short TV delay. This takes away the ability to sync the radio broadcast with the game action on TV. So my option was either complete silence or another form of audio in the background. I decided to give each a try.

Prior to the game, I interacted with a few other Warrior fans on Twitter and came across one who mutes every game. San Francisco’s Todd (@SaintTodd) listens to old school hip-hop on Sirius Backspin while watching his favorite hoop team. With the game on mute he finds himself more in tune with the intensity of the game.

He was exactly right.

As soon as CSN’s pregame show ended I hit the mute button on my remote. I’m immediately watching Fitzgerald and Jim Barnett staring and talking to me without being able to hear them. Pretty awkward. My wife is upstairs sick in bed, so I go check on the kids. My daughter is listening to Justin Timberlake’s “Suit and Tie” while my son reads a book. I hang with them a bit, and then head back over to the TV. JT is still playing as the game begins. Not a bad way to start my own 20/20 Experience.

It takes a bit of adjusting at first to get used to not hearing the normal sounds of the game on TV. Checking Twitter while watching a game has become a norm for me. It allows you to get a different take from the team’s beat writers, bloggers and fans. Without the broadcasters or whistles, there are no audio cues to help me know when to look back up at the TV while checking Twitter.

One thing that was an easy adjustment without audio was grasping the foul calls. I expected the lack of a whistle and broadcaster explanation to create a lag in my recognition. But the referee’s arm raise on each foul and the player’s body language immediately let’s you know what’s going on.

Timeouts work the same way.

After a first quarter of Justin Timberlake in the background, my daughter went to bed and my son joined me for the game. We went with no background audio for the second quarter.

My son was not happy with the soundlessness at first, but he quickly forgot about it and got into the game. We began talking about the game ourselves, which was the best part of this experiment. Typically when we watch a game together and he starts talking, I find myself tuning him out because I’m also trying to hear what Fitzgerald, Barnett or Ric Bucher are saying on TV.

What a waste that was. I’d much rather engage in a basketball discussion with my son than listen to those guys. No offense to them, but I don’t know what I was thinking.

And just like @SaintTodd claimed, you can actually feel the intensity of the game more without the broadcasters. I wasn’t distracted with side stories, complaints about the refs or other non-essential auditory wastefulness. I was 100 percent into the game. As the Warriors went up by 20, my son and I still celebrated and discussed the plays. When the Warriors ended the half with a Klay three, a Curry long jumper, a Lee basket and a great Bogut tip-in to put the Warriors up 63-40, it was the most fun I’ve had watching a basketball game on TV maybe since I was a little kid.

With my son still by my side, I streamed The Beatles station on Slacker Radio at low volume. Not only was I still able to focus on the game, I also got in some much needed “hearts” and “rejections.” “Strawberry Fields?” Yes please. “Another Day?” Ban track.

The only experience I missed with the game on mute was the sound of the crowd in the background and the squeaking of sneakers. It always adds to the play on the court. But if you know enough about the game, you will be making your own crowd noise at home. Basketball and shoe squeaks go hand-in-hand, but I can always pretend it’s an outdoor blackcourt game.

Knowing the game is the key to watching the game on mute. I didn’t feel like I missed a thing by not hearing the announcers. In turn, I didn’t have to deal with a lot of the negativity that comes with listening to TV broadcasters. Mainly, homerism and the resulting annoyerism.

I thoroughly enjoyed this test and plan to go mute again on Wednesday versus the Kings. I highly recommend it for those who know enough about basketball not to have the play on court explained to them.

Follow @JRAM_91