SFC: Davis has praise for Jackson and rest of old mates

SFGate
Davis has praise for Jackson and rest of old mates
Janny Hu, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, November 15, 2008


(11-15) 19:21 PST Los Angeles - --

Instead of sharing the backcourt with Stephen Jackson, Baron Davis had
to go right at him Saturday. And the ex-Warrior could only smile and
laugh as he described how it felt playing his former team for the
first time.

"It was fun," Davis said. "Obviously, we knew it was going to be a
battle. It was more fun than" nerves.

Davis had 25 points and 11 assists against the Warriors in a game
typical of his Golden State stay. There was excellent court vision and
three steals. There was also 7-for-19 shooting from the field, 3-of-10
from three-point range.

Mostly, there was respect for the opponents he knows so well.

"That was fun, playing against Jack," Davis said. "He's out there
talking a lot. Jack's always talking. It was fun ... especially when
he got that tech. I knew he was going to get that tech. I'm usually
the one calming him down. I was like, get him another one. Get him out
of here."

Davis also praised the Warriors for their recent play, with Jackson
assuming Davis' old leadership role and much of the point guard
duties.

"He's done a great job, and I think they're starting to settle in and
figure out who they are as well," Davis said. "The young guys are
stepping up. Andris Biedrins is playing exceptionally well. He's going
to have an All-Star year."

Maggette returns, too: Ex-Clipper Corey Maggette had 17 points, five
rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes in his second game back from
a strained left hamstring.

Maggette showed more explosion and lift in going 7-for-15 from the
field, though he got to the foul line only four times. After the game,
he continued his routine of icing down both tender hamstrings.

Musical chairs: Coach Don Nelson's scattershot rotation continues.

Nelson went with Jackson, Anthony Morrow, Kelenna Azubuike, Maggette
and Biedrins as his starting five. He then brought Anthony Randolph in
as the first big man off the bench. Brandan Wright didn't play at all
despite being available.

Briefly: Biedrins extended his double-double streak to 17 games with
17 points and 16 rebounds. ... Morrow led six players in double-digit
scoring.

E-mail Janny Hu at jhu.RemoveThis@sfchronicle.com.

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