Klay's 11 Treys - Game 6, NBA Western Conference Final - Warriors vs. Thunder

source: Bleacher Report
The Unworthy One - Warriors owner Joe Lacob, Klay Thompson

Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference final takes place tomorrow, Memorial Day in Oakland, California.

Less than a week ago, the possibility to go to Game 7 seemed very unlikely. A scenario eerily similar to the 2012 San Francisco Giants in the National League Championship series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Like the Warriors, the Giants were down 3 games to 1.

Warriors-Thunder Game 5 took place in Oakland, and the Warriors won, 120-111.

Game 6 returned to Oklahoma City. An away game and having been blown out 2 previous times, the Warriors would have to win, or end a record-breaking 73-9 season and go home.

Go home, yes. Eliminated, no.

Oklahoma City held the lead for most of Game 6.  The quieter Splash Brother sinks 11 3-point goals, his most important one, was to take the lead for good at 104 - 101 with 1:35 left in the game. He finished with 19 of his playoff high 41 in the 4th quarter.

This game is adding to the long library of unforgettable games in Warriors franchise history.

Here's a recap:


And, the link to view Bleacher Report columnist Kyle Newport's Joe Lacob video loop.

Wardell Stephen Curry II - 2015-16 NBA MVP (Unanimous)

source: sfgate.com
L: Steve Nash, R: Stephen Curry

It came as no surprise Stephen Curry was named for the second consecutive year as the National Basketball Association's Most Valuable Player. What was surprising was that Steph received all 131 first place votes. Unprecedented, as there is no other NBA MVP that won unanimously.

Timing of the MVP presentation couldn't have been better. Less than 24 hours earlier, Steph returned to action after missing 4 games due to a grade 1 MCL sprain during the first round playoff game versus the Houston Rockets. He would come off the bench for the first time in 4 years.

When Steph came into the game, his shooting was less than stellar, going for 0-for-9.  He missed a driving layup to win the game at the end of regulation. It was in overtime that proved beyond doubt why he's the NBA MVP.  Steph scored 17 points in overtime to lead the Warriors to a 132-125 win. It boggles the mind when you realize overtime is only 5 minutes.

Wanna see it again? With apologies to Paul Allen and Trail Blazer fans, here you go:

1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers - 33 consecutive wins

source: Total Pro Sports

Tonight, the Golden State Warriors won their 20th consecutive game in Steph's hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. The Warriors are more than halfway to matching the 43-year record of 33 consecutive wins by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers.

Coached by Bill Sharman, the team primarily revolved around 3 players: center Wilt Chamberlain (13), guards Gail Goodrich (25) and Jerry West (44). While most 11 year old girls screamed over David Cassidy, yours truly carried a big torch for Gail Goodrich.

Chamberlain, West and Goodrich are all members of Naismith's Basketball Hall of Fame.

Goodrich and West had a combined scoring average of 52 points a game. For me, they were the Splash Brothers long before Stephen Curry's and Klay Thompson's dads even played in the NBA.

Here's a short video with interviews with the Big 3. They may have played over 40 years ago, but it's clear how well the Lakers could run, shoot and pass the ball.

Steve Kerr Introductory Press Conference

source: San Jose Mercury News

It's been 2 weeks since the Golden State Warriors won their first NBA title in 40 years.

Credit former head coach Mark Jackson to assemble the players, but the missing piece was hiring a former player without any head coaching experience.

The coach who would succeed Mark Jackson for the 2014-15 season is former Arizona, TNT analyst, Phoenix Suns General Manager and member of 5 NBA Championship teams (3 with the Chicago Bulls, 2 with the San Antonio Spurs), Steve Kerr.

If you have about 33 minutes, I've attached the video of Coach Kerr's introductory press conference. I find it fascinating to hear the Warriors incredible season come full circle. He transformed a good team into a great one.

Need a condensed version? Forward it to the 4-minute mark and listen for about 2-3 minutes. Listen closely to Kerr's answer as to why he'd want to give up a great gig with TNT to coach in the NBA.

Anyone who's ever left a high paying job to work for less money and deeper fulfillment will understand.

Stephen Curry, 2014-15 NBA MVP - full speech

source: vibe.com

Last week, as many of us here in the San Francisco Bay Area knew would happen, Golden State Warrior point guard Stephen Curry was selected by the National Basketball Association as this season's Most Valuable Player.

In my opinion, it couldn't have happened to a more likable, hard-working, humble guy.

If you're a Steph Curry fan and have 40 minutes to spare, watch the full version of his acceptance speech. It's clear how grateful and appreciative he is to current and former coaches and teammates, Warriors staff and management, friends, and most of all, his immediate family.

Again, congratulations, Steph. We couldn't be any prouder.

Stephen Curry, 2014-15 NBA MVP?

source: ESPN

As of this writing, the Golden State Warriors are 65-15, mostly due to a baby-faced point guard named Wardell Stephen Curry II. Chef Curry has been a one-man highlight reel all season. On April 9, 2015 game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Steph scored 45 points and broke his own 3-point goal record.

MVP. MVP. MVP.
UPDATE****May 4, 2015. Steph receives 100 of 130 first place votes to win the NBA's MVP for the 2014-15 season. He is the first Warrior since Wilt Chamberlain in the 1959-60 (a few months before I was born) season when the Warriors were in Philadelphia. Congrats Steph!

The Redemption Feat: Stephen Curry wins 3-point shootout

source: USA Today

The first time I saw Steph Curry play basketball was in 2008. He was a sophomore at Davidson University playing in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

What immediately impressed me about Steph was, and still very much is his quick-release, soft touch shooting from 3-point range. His relaxed, enthusiastic demeanor makes it so much fun to watch him play.

When the Golden State Warriors drafted him in 2009, it was exciting news. However, I had some concern that his slight build would not hold up well against taller and stronger players in the NBA.

I'm glad I've been proven wrong.

As the Warriors have started out white hot for the first half of this season, much of it has to do with Steph maturing into one of the best players in the NBA.

And that maturity has extended into competing in the 3-point contest held yesterday. I also think ESPN's Kenny Mayne helped. Shown last week, Kenny enlisted the assistance of a 10-year girl, Jaden Newman, and 3 retired NBA players: Robert Horry, Tim Legler and Steph's dad, Dell Curry, aka Papa Bear, to get Steph prepared for the 3-point contest.

If you're a basketball fan and haven't seen it, it's fun and really shows off Steph's style. I've already seen it at least 6 times.

Aaron Craft - former Buckeye, future Warrior

image source: ESPN

As reported this past week, the Golden State Warriors signed former Ohio State Buckeye defensive standout/point guard Aaron Craft to a partially guaranteed contract.

Undrafted, Craft played in this year's NBA Summer League. His play impressed new Warriors head coach Steve Kerr enough to sign the Findlay, Ohio native.

Whether or not Aaron's career will go far in pro basketball, his 3-time first team Academic All-American selections tell me he'll do well in whatever he decides to do. This Ohio State alum and San Francisco Bay Area resident is very excited he's here. Best of luck to you this season, Aaron.

Courtesy of David Allin, here's a video highlighting Aaron's career at Ohio State: