Too Much Boozer

And my real regret after watching last night's game is this: Why isn't Derek Fisher still a Warrior? Yes, I know you have to give up talent in order to get talent, and yes I understand that the Warriors are already quite deep at the guard position, and that a franchise needs a good balance between experience and youth. But still -- I watch him play, and I feel like he's wearing the wrong uniform.

As sad as I am to say it, I think the Warriors are just about finished in this series. They will go down fighting; they may even be able to extend it to Game Seven. Hell, they may still even pull off a miracle and advance -- that's how the Red Sox did it, remember? But I also feel like the Warriors are starting to crack a little here under the pressure. The unnecessary hard fouls (Baron's transition elbow to Derek, which put him on the floor and will probably result in a fine...although to Baron's credit it already has lead to a personal apology, right there on the floor) was especially painful to watch. And last night in the fourth quarter, for whatever reason, they just couldn't get it done. That should have been THEIR time, in THEIR house. And instead the Jazz scored 40 points, and left the Warriors looking angry, demoralized, and....well, beaten.

The Warriors are still a player or two away from being legitimate contenders. Jackson, Richardson and Davis are all exciting to watch, and they play with a playground intensity too, which for good or ill is what gives the Warriors their heart. Andris Biedrins is a joy to watch, and I'm sure his free throw shooting will improve with coaching. Al Harrington and Matt Barnes, along with Mickael Pietrus are all fine players -- but they're also all a little undersized to match up with someone like Carlos Boozer, and this series has really shown it. And Monta Ellis? Well, he's fine for a rookie (although I guess technically this is actually his second year), but let's face it. At playoff time, wouldn't you much rather see Derek Fisher in that uniform?