The GSW’s 118-112 victory over reigning champions, Celtics, featured many highlights. From Stephen Curry‘s drives to Buddy Hield’s clutch triples, there was ample that helped seal the deal for the Warriors tonight. Curry led the way for the team, finishing with 27 points. Another highlight of the night was Steve Kerr’s reaction to Curry making his way back to the bench. Even though the Kerr-Curry duo has been through many battles together, winning four championships, they too have their ups and downs.
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In the first half, when the Warriors were clinging to a 38-34 lead, Curry made a blunder. He threw an outlet to Kyle Anderson, which the Celtics’ Derrick White picked up easily. And just a few moments later, Curry’s apparent blunder led to Jayson Tatum picking up 3 points for Boston. It truly frustrated Steve Kerr, which is when he was seen yelling at him. But it was Curry’s reaction to Kerr’s frustration that talked more about the locker room culture of the Warriors.
In the post-game pressers, Kerr said, “The beauty with Steph is he lets me yell at him, which sets the tone for the rest of the team. It was a five-point swing. He accepted it. He knew it”. Kerr yelling at a star player, with the said player responding positively sets a precedence that accountability runs deep in the Warriors’ roster. Curry willingly accepted the criticism coming his way, proving why he is the true leader.
Notably, Curry’s turnover could have caused issues for the team in their tough battle against the Boston Celtics. They prevailed in the end, but to everyone’s surprise, Steve Kerr gave him a mouthful. Curry’s reply, “I didn’t have another turnover after that.”
Warriors from a few years ago weren’t the same as today’s. They had Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and even Andre Iguodala in the past years. With these big names, they could have afforded to make mistakes ever so often. Today, with a less experienced squad on Curry and Draymond Green’s experienced backs, Kerr probably feels there’s not much room for error. This season, the Warriors are embracing a more defense-focused approach under Kerr, with an emphasis on pressing high and securing rebounds. Recognizing the league’s shift towards three-point shooting, Kerr noted, “Everyone else is playing fast and shooting 3s, too, these days”.
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Kerr continued, “Boston shot 20 more 3s than we did in the second half. So it’s tough to win if you are giving away possessions. I’ve been all over Steph and Draymond.”
Change in dynamics for Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors
He knows the pressure on Curry and Draymond now, Steve Kerr. He knows! “It’s incumbent upon them because they are our leaders and they’re the guys who handle the ball most. They gotta cut back on their bad decisions like that,” Kerr said.
If a player achieved so much like Curry did react differently, we would probably understand his psyche, too. Why should you get yelled at? I have achieved everything I want to. Who do you think you are? Egos harm, my friend. Curry goes by the same playbook. He respects and adores Kerr. “It’s a mindset that, one, I want to be coached just like everyone else,” Curry said.
Curry continued, “I don’t get sensitive about getting yelled at if you make a dumb play. Especially because it led to a 3 on the other end. It’s avoidable. We have to be able to take care of possessions.” Even Draymond Green got into the act of detailing the coaching situation at the Warriors. He understands the importance of a genuine leader and wears the badge in honor. He detailed, “They need to annoy us right now. They’re working us crazy right now, but we need that because that means they’re hungry, too.”
The top professional anyone could wish for becomes Stephen Curry in his own words. Not easy to control your emotions when you’re 36. But needs must, you’re a leader. Guys like Brandin Podziemski look up to you now.
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Undoubtedly, Curry remains a leader in the franchise now. They need his 3-pointers and basketball IQ and by making him the centerpiece of their offense, the Golden State Warriors continue to reap all the benefits.
