S-Jack (photo. Eriberto Oriol)

When the “Captain Jack” moniker is thrown around the Dime office, it’s almost always in reference to a guy with a hyperactive trigger. But after watching last night’s Golden State/Portland game on TNT, it was obvious why “Captain Jack” fits perfectly, in a far more positive way, for Stephen Jackson.

In a must-win game against the Blazers last night – as Denver’s win over the Mavs would have propelled them ahead of GS if they lost – Jackson watched his Warriors get off to a molasses-slow start, falling behind 26-12 on 6-16 shooting to start the night. Boom had received an IV before the game, and he looked like he pulled it out of his arm before stepping on the floor. Andris Biedrins was bricking three-footers. It was a lethargic, ugly start.

“We looked to our leader, and when our leader was sick, it seemed that everybody kind of played like Baron at the start of the game,” Don Nelson said. “And we needed everybody to play above what they normally do to carry him.”

Sure the Warriors got significant contributions from Kelenna Azubuike (14 points) and Monta Ellis (18 points), but it was Jackson who took the reigns as the focal point of the Warriors’ offense. After playing 53 minutes against the Lakers, in which he sunk two triples within the last 38.5 seconds to cap a 31-point night for a 115-111 win, Jackson’s hot hand carried over against Portland. It didn’t matter who was checking him, his jab-step jumper looked like Carmelo‘s. He scored 8 crucial points, and got gritty on D against LaMarcus Aldridge, as the Warriors scrapped back from the early deficit, cutting the lead to four, which eventually went to a one-point difference before the half.

Baron is the heart and soul of this Warriors team, but his play is almost taken for granted. When Jackson steps up and calmly swishes that buttery-smooth jumper, in air of frustration overwhelms opposing defenses. Captain Jack picked up his squad for the second night in a row, as each one matters down the home stretch.

As Nellie said, “They’re all must-wins.”