Little has gone right for the Warriors this season, but no one is complaining about one thing -- the signing of free agent Ronny Turiaf. The former Gonzaga standout has been equally impressive on the court and off.
Turiaf, who was signed away from the Lakers last summer, has been a godsend to the Warriors' frontcourt. He has provided a shot-blocking presence and interior force, whether it's been as a backup or while filling in for an injured Andris Biedrins. All the while, Turiaf never complained about his generally unappreciated role.
With the newcomer leading the way, the perennially defensively challenged Warriors shockingly will lead the league in blocked shots per game. He's accounted for almost one-third of the team's total (2.2 of 6.4 per game).
Monday, the Warriors announced Turiaf has been selected as the winner of the franchise's Angela & Christopher Cohan Community Service Award, which annually goes to the player with the greatest commitment of time, service and financial support to children and families of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Among many charitable acts, Turiaf purchased and donated 25 tickets per game to youth organizations for children who otherwise could not afford to attend an NBA game.
"In his first year wearing a Warriors uniform, he has created an instant bond with our fans and the entire Bay Area community," Warriors president Bob Rowell said of Turiaf, "not only with his energetic play on the basketball court, but also with his outgoing and caring personality away from the game."
SPURS 101, WARRIORS 72: The Warriors had hoped to give fans a reason for future optimism in their home finale, but the playoff-bound Spurs had greater motivation. Playing for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, the Spurs completely shut down Golden State's perimeter game and coasted to the easy win. The Warriors were outscored 24-6 from behind the 3-point arc, making just two of 10.
