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Patrick O'Bryant had the best game of his pro career. 10 points, 4 rebounds, and a standing ovation from the home crowd!-
The Warriors (1-6) received expected contributions - 21 points, 12 assists and a career-high five blocks from Baron Davis - and an absolutely out-of-the-blue boost from backup center Patrick O'Bryant. He played more than nine minutes in the third quarter, after Biedrins collected his fourth foul. And the tall, thin kid who has done little to earn the trust of Warriors brass - hence, the club's decision not to pick up the option on Bryant's contract for next season - suddenly looked useful.
He blocked Chris Kaman's shot.
He scooped up Davis' missed free throw and scored.
He took a pass from Barnes and threw down a resounding dunk.
O'Bryant not only finished the game with a career-high 10 points, he also pumped energy into the crowd and sparked Golden State's telling third-quarter surge. The Clippers had closed within two points (72-70), but O'Bryant helped the Warriors move ahead by nine (96-87) heading into the fourth quarter.
Many of the 19,596 spectators gave O'Bryant a standing ovation when he fouled out with 7:42 left in the game. O'Bryant was so flush with good vibes afterward, he dared to wonder if his breakout game had earned some elusive trust from Nelson.
"I think he might like me a little more now," O'Bryant said.
Nelson was hardly ready to declare O'Bryant the second coming of Bill Russell, but the coach offered encouraging words for his young 7-footer.
"Best game he's played, no question," Nelson said. "A couple of guys gave him really nice passes, but he was active and used his length. He looked like a player, didn't he?"
The Warriors (1-6) received expected contributions - 21 points, 12 assists and a career-high five blocks from Baron Davis - and an absolutely out-of-the-blue boost from backup center Patrick O'Bryant. He played more than nine minutes in the third quarter, after Biedrins collected his fourth foul. And the tall, thin kid who has done little to earn the trust of Warriors brass - hence, the club's decision not to pick up the option on Bryant's contract for next season - suddenly looked useful.
He blocked Chris Kaman's shot.
He scooped up Davis' missed free throw and scored.
He took a pass from Barnes and threw down a resounding dunk.
O'Bryant not only finished the game with a career-high 10 points, he also pumped energy into the crowd and sparked Golden State's telling third-quarter surge. The Clippers had closed within two points (72-70), but O'Bryant helped the Warriors move ahead by nine (96-87) heading into the fourth quarter.
Many of the 19,596 spectators gave O'Bryant a standing ovation when he fouled out with 7:42 left in the game. O'Bryant was so flush with good vibes afterward, he dared to wonder if his breakout game had earned some elusive trust from Nelson.
"I think he might like me a little more now," O'Bryant said.
Nelson was hardly ready to declare O'Bryant the second coming of Bill Russell, but the coach offered encouraging words for his young 7-footer.
"Best game he's played, no question," Nelson said. "A couple of guys gave him really nice passes, but he was active and used his length. He looked like a player, didn't he?"
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