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ROAD TRIP
The Warriors recently completed a stretch where they played five games in seven days over four time zones. Whew!! I am getting tired just thinking about it and believe me, even for an announcer who doesn’t have to physically play in the games, that was a tough stretch.

We landed in New York on a Saturday morning following a red-eye flight after the Utah game on November 4. I did not have time for sleep after renting a car and driving up to Connecticut to visit my parents. I don’t get to see them often and the drive up the Merritt Parkway was nice because the leaves on the trees were in various stages of orange and red.

Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Knicks.

I relish every chance to go to Madison Square Garden, one of the last great old sports facilities in this country. It has a unique energy to it and you never know who you will see there, like Jessica Alba, the actress who was courtside for our contest.

Milwaukee was the site of the Warriors second road game of the season and members of the broadcasting party went out to dinner. We chose Karl Rauch’s, a German restaurant located across the street from our hotel. It was a favorite of the late Bill King whenever visiting Milwaukee and we toasted his memory.

In Chicago, a brief stay was highlighted by a visit with longtime newspaperman and friend Dan McGrath. Dan is one of the best journalists that I have ever met and is the former Sports Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle and the Sacramento Bee.

Jason Richardson has stepped up the defensive side to his game. (NBAE/Getty)

THE ROSTER
Mike Dunleavy - In a shooting slump to start the season...

Troy Murphy - Off to good start, red hot in Milwaukee...

Adonal Foyle - Hit game winning shot versus New York...

Baron Davis - Makes one mind bending, indescribable play per game...

Jason Richardson - Playing the best defense of his career...

OFF THE BENCH
Mickeal Pietrus - Starting to slash to the basket, rather than just take jumpers...

Zarko Cabarkapa - Better than he thinks he is, met longtime idol Toni Kukoc when the Bucks come to town...

Chris Taft - Active in limited minutes...

Monta Ellis - Preps to pro draft pick saw first NBA action in Phoenix...

Derek Fisher - He has played very well and is never afraid to dive on the floor...

Calbert Cheaney - Still has that sweet mid-range touch...

Aaron Miles - I think he will play a role in a big game somewhere along the way...

Andris Biedrins - Ankle still a little tender, but could be back this week...

Ike Diogu - Had left hand checked and will be checked again in a couple of weeks...

MAILBAG

Hello there Tim!.
I've been a Warriors basketball fan for many years. As a concern for my team, why does the team not hire a basketball free throw guru? Maybe, a suggestion to Mullie and Montgomery? If we want to excel onto the next level we have to go this direction!
Thanks a loyal and committed fan,
Marick

Marick,
The Warriors are working on their free throw shooting and the coach is a good idea. However, if the Warriors need to ask someone about free throw shooting and how to improve, all they need to do is ask Chris Mullin.
Thanks,
Tim

Even with Chris Taft's limited minutes thus far, he has shown potential for the years to come.

Hi Tim,
I'm satisfied about the 3-2 start, but I think that game against Chicago was a very winnable game. Defense so far has been vastly improved, but rebounding has been a problem. I've liked what I've seen from Taft so far.
He's the athletic mobile frontcourt player that can finish on the break...and has the size/strength to provide good defensive pressure.
Robert

Robert,
Taft is a surprise and he shows some promise for the years to come. He has an NBA body right now and if he continues to improve, he has untapped potential. Thanks for your e-mail.
Tim

Tim,
I'm heading back home for Turkey Day with family and friends. Is it possible Ike will be on the court by then? I caught the Warriors-Bulls game here in Chicago the other night, and I believe his presence could have turned a one point loss into a win for us. I saw Ike play at Arizona and actually met him at the Suns-Spurs playoff game. He's got great character and was a steal for the Warriors in the draft. When will we see him running the floor??
Cheers,
Tad

Tad,
Ike was checked out Friday and they will check him again in a couple of weeks. We’ll still have to wait and see for a Thanksgiving return. We all want to see Ike on the floor ASAP, but we also have to think long term. He will be a big contributor before this season is over. Thanks for the interest and enjoy your Bay Area Thanksgiving.
Tim

Hey Tim,
I’m happy to see the wins, but why are they having so much trouble scoring? Is it because Dunleavy is having a rough start shooting the ball? Mike’s 15 ppg would come in handy each night. I’m perplexed by his troubles because his shot looks pretty. His offense is a large contribution to the team and we need his versatility. I’ve liked his game ever since the Warriors drafted him, but maybe he needs to come off the bench for awhile. Mickeal is a more than comparable replacement. What are your thoughts?
Thanks

Justin,
That is the question of the day these days. The offense was something that nobody worried about in training camp, but gives you pause now. I think it is a combination of things: First, Baron is not 100% with that hamstring issue and he will not get a lot of rest until December when the schedule eases up somewhat. Second, I think that the team is settling for too many three-point shots rather than drive the ball to the basket. Thirdly, Mike and Zarko are in slumps and that has hurt the production from the forward positions. I do not agree with starting Pietrus. It is only seven games in and I believe that Mike will be just fine.
Thanks for the e-mail.

Thanks for the emails, keep them coming, see you next week.