It may come as a huge surprise to some Francis fans, but Mookie Blaylock played Steve even last year. In fact, in the Rockets 35 point blowout of GS, Steve only took 9 shots and scored 15. Steve was the 4th high scorer that game. If Steve scores 50 or takes 50 shots, you might as well notch the "L" column now and the TEAM can save their energy for the Nuggets. ------------------ GATER
Mookie is the expected starter at PG tonight (Sura has a strained hamstring). This is a plus for the Warriors defensively, since Sura has been awful at preventing opposing PGs from penetrating. Mookie has slowed a bit, but at least he stops his man once in a while. A big question mark for us is how well Vonteego Cummings plays -- he's been out of sync his first couple of games back from his broken cheekbone, and if Cowens doesn't like what he sees he yanks 'Teego in favor of Vinny Del Negro. (Hide the women & children if Vinny tries to guard Francis or Mobley on the perimeter! ) If Mookie/Cummings/Hughes can't slow down Francis & Mobley, GS is in deep trouble, because our interior defense stinks with Dampier out. Foyle will block his usual 2 shots in limited minutes, though, with the help of the huge bandage/splint he's got protecting the fingers on his right hand (Cowens referred to it as a "jai alai scoop"). Offensively, your guess as to what Larry Hughes will do is as good as mine. If Mo's defense is as bad as you guys keep saying, Jamison may go for 60 unless your double-teams kick butt (which I hear they did against the Grizz). If he does drop 60 on you, then the W's are a solid bet to score at least 85. BTW, I think you'll enjoy seeing Chris "Shaft" Porter at SF. ------------------
