Can new-look Warriors get the franchise back to postseason
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(Sports Network) - The Golden State Warriors made a blockbuster deal with
the Indiana Pacers that has changed the face of the roster. Will the deal help
get the franchise back to the playoffs for the first time since 1994.
On Wednesday,the Warriors acquired Stephen Jackson, Al Harrington, Sarunas Jasikevicius and Josh Powell from the Indiana Pacers for Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Ike Diogu and Keith McLeod. Harrington and Jackson, who were the second and third leading scorers for the Pacers this season, are the keys to the deal for the Warriors. Harrington, who can play all three frontcourt positions, averaged 15.9 points and 6.3 rebounds in 36 games for Indiana, while Jackson, a guard/forward, tallied 14.1 points in 37 games. Jasikevicius, a reserve guard, averaged 7.4 points and three assists, while the forward Powell had 1.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in limited action over just seven games this season. Dunleavy averaged 11.4 points and Murphy 8.9 points and 6.0 rebounds for Golden State this season. The Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers wrap up a home-and-home set on Wednesday, as the clubs meet at the Staples Center. It is the second of four meetings of the campaign between the squads. Golden State has lost six of nine and eight of its last 12 at the Clippers. The Warriors have won two in a row in the series. On Monday, two-time All-Star Baron Davis finished with 19 points and 13 assists as Golden State defeated the Clippers, 108-93, at ORACLE Arena. Monta Ellis scored 24 points in the win for the Warriors, who snapped a three- game losing streak. Dunleavy had 18 points and a season-high 13 rebounds off the bench in his last game with Golden State, while Matt Barnes netted 17. On the injury front for Golden State, center Adonal Foyle (sprained right ankle) and forward Mickael Pietrus (sprained left ankle) are questionable for tonight's contest. Golden State is 4-13 on the road this season. The Warriors return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at ORACLE Arena. It will be the first of two meetings between the clubs this season. The Cavaliers are scheduled to host the Warriors on January 30th at Quicken Loans Arena. Davis leads the Warriors in scoring (20.9 ppg) and assists (8.6 apg). He has scored in double-digits in seven straight games and collected four double-doubles in that span. GSW |