Klay Thompson not only let Chris Paul (and Moses Moody) drive the boat — CP3 apparently steered it around Alcatraz — to the GSW game Sunday night, but also Draymond Green on the way back to Tiburon. The video clip, as filmed by his trainer Travis Walton, is part of the whims-the-scenes video from the last couple days.
The following is just pure and gross speculation, but I would guess that Chris always wanted to ride in the boat and recently suddenly realized that, hey, the Utah game might be his last one with the Warriors. Maybe he asked Moody to tag along (?).
In any case, it brings me back to gratitude and, inspired by Steve Kerr, karma. Here’s Kerr from practice at Chase Center yesterday (video and transcript below), when asked to elaborate on why he thinks this year’s group has earned some karma:
I just believe you earn a lot of things in this game. You have to earn confidence. And you do that by putting the work in and going through the fire and feeling adversity. And this team has had all kinds of that over the years. But I also just believe that if the team is in a good place and you have a good vibe in the locker room, there’s a joy about the game that translates to success, good performances and all, however you want to express it. As a coach, you can just kind of feel it. And I’ve been very frank. I didn’t feel it last year. So, this year I felt it. It doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. It doesn’t mean we’re going to win, but I think we have a better chance of really making a push this year than we did last.
I believe in that, too, but I’ve lost plenty of Asian-American tournaments in my day — also won several championships — to know that anything can happen in one game. Incidentally, shout out Chris Haynes, who plays in Mike Jaranilla’s Filipino league, although I have some questions about that lol. Haynes mentioned it on the air just now:
And so enjoy this one, for better or for worse. I’ve said countless times, Stephen Curry always says, “Enjoy the process,” so Warriors fans who really want to embody the culture should embrace that.
As Dean “of Positivity” Chambers told me yesterday:
What are we trying to prove? We just want to keep playing with our friends. If the season ends tomorrow, I’m going to cherish this season and all the growth we’ve had. If not, annd until it does, we can get Number 5. That’s it to me.
Here’s another thing to cherish. Curry and Thompson’s relationship (full interview and transcript from after practice is below, per usual):
I’ll just also say that Golden State at its best (albeit it sans Gary Payton II) is better than Sacramento at its best without key cogs Kevin Huerter and downhill killer Malik Monk, which is probably why Vegas odds have GSW favored by 2.5 points. But even De’Aaron Fox said yesterday that either team is a bad shooting night away from calling it a season:
And, finally, tonight that Warriors championship-level defense has got to be prevalent. An easy way to remember what that feels like is to watch Klay’s late-game stop of Zion Williamson from the New Orleans game:
Below are all the videos and transcripts from practice and then also the Utah win, of which I’ve only not done the behind-the-scenes video yet (too many videos to do from practice and morning shootaround, plus this post). Don’t miss the one with Draymond, which is always super-informative, as he took the podium postgame despite resting. But anyways, I did put the raw, unedited transcript way below (and games notes, per usual)…
0:00 Do you get just a feel for where your team’s energy level is? I mean, obviously you sat Steph and Draymond yesterday. Just where those guys are, knowing what’s ahead, and you had a lot of games to come here just to get to the play-in.
STEVE KERR AFTER PRACTICE, DAY BEFORE GSW-SAC PLAY-IN: “Our guys are in a really good frame of mind. I might have mentioned it yesterday after the game, but second half of the season, obviously we had a really good record. I think 27-12 or something. We also had a really good two-way balance. Both offense and defense in the top ten. I mean, we had all the hallmarks of a really good team in the second half of the year, but it was more than that. It was also, we had guys who were struggling early in the season, slow starts for Wiggs and Klay, Draymond with the suspension. One of the things I’m most pleased about with the second half is just the sense of ease and peace that each guy seems to have. I think Draymond and Klay are in a great place, as opposed to early in the season. And that matters, and that affects other people. And so I, I really think this team has good chemistry. Draymond has been a great mentor for the younger guys, the second half of the year. Wiggs is in a really good place. So it’s, it’s not just in our record and our offensive, defensive ratings. It’s the vibe. And it’s a good vibe. And obviously we’re in a tough spot. We gotta win two games just to get into the playoffs. And anything can happen. But I do really believe in this group and I believe in karma. I, I think this group has earned some good karma. So, we’ll see what happens.”
1:48 Was there anything tangible or any fulcrum point that you could point to, that kind of triggered or ignited the second half of the season? Or was it just guys getting comfortable and just timing reps?
“I mean, I think Draymond and Klay, those two guys getting into the right headspace triggered it because I mean, let’s face it. They’re they’re Hall-of-Fame players. They’ve hung four banners here along with, with Steph and Andre, that’s the foundation of the team. Got a lot of other contributors and guys who have played well and won championships and Wiggs and Loon and I mean, guys who have really contributed to this, but this team is about Steph, Klay and Draymond. And so first half of the season, neither one was right emotionally, spiritually, however you want to put it. And once they turned the corner, it affected the whole team because that’s how it works. And part of that is our defense just got dramatically better. And that’s where Draymond really comes in. It’s not only his performance on the floor, but it’s the way he impacts his teammates and just his approach, the second half of the season has been fantastic.”
3:13 Could you elaborate on your belief in karma and why you think this team has earned it?
“I just believe you earn a lot of things in this game. You have to earn confidence. And you do that by putting the work in and going through the fire and feeling adversity. And this team has had all kinds of that over the years. But I also just believe that if the team is in a good place and you have a good vibe in the locker room, there’s a joy about the game that translates to success, good performances and all, however you want to express it. As a coach, you can just kind of feel it. And I’ve been very frank. I didn’t feel it last year. So, this year I felt it. It doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. It doesn’t mean we’re going to win, but I think we have a better chance of really making a push this year than we did last.”
4:14 Steve, what do you remember from that elimination game last year in Sac, both the actual game and just the atmosphere in Sacramento?
“The atmosphere for all four home games here was amazing. It was incredibly loud. I think the main thing, honestly, that I remember is shaking Mike Brown’s hand afterwards. When you get to these elimination games and you play and compete against people you’re really close with, there’s a sense of elation when you win, but you know that your good friend is struggling and it hurts. And those moments are always really difficult when you coach against a great friend. And so I was feeling great joy for our team and sorrow for Mike because of everything that he has meant to me over the years.”
5:15 Another moment of reflection and maybe it speaks to what you were talking about before, just the evolution of your team, but I think you guys played each other three or four times during the regular season, but all of those games were decided by one point. What do you remember from those games, maybe, where it went right or wrong, and how much have both of your teams, the Warriors and the Kings, changed?
“Yeah, I mean, the two games in Sacramento, I just remember the turnovers. We won one of them, but we tried to give it away and the other one we did give away and it was all turned based on turnovers and poor execution. So, that’s what I remember about those two. The one we lost here, I regretted after the game not taking a timeout. We had a chance at the end, and I let the play play out. It didn’t turn out, and so that’s one when I beat myself up after that game. I don’t remember the other one. No, the other one was Klay hit the game winner, and that’s when it was really early in the season and again, I didn’t take the timeout and he came off the screen, was open and knocked it down. And so, those are — I mean, it is crazy that all four came down to one play. As far as where each team is now, we’re both very different and that’s why I don’t know how much we’re going to gain from our earlier tapes of those games because they’re without Huerter and Monk. Trayce and BP are playing much bigger roles now than they did then, JK’s gotten way better, Klay and Wiggs are both — and Draymond — are all playing at a much higher level. Keon Ellis, I’m not sure, he was on our scouting report for those four games. Now he’s a starter and a hell of a player. So, there’s a lot of difference and it’s been.”
7:11 Following up a little bit about Game 7 last year in SAC, what sticks with you about Steph’s performance that led to the 50 points? I saw a clip recently where it showed you talking to him on the bench and reminding him to breathe. I mean, that was such a memorable game. And I’m curious your take on sort of what Steph sort of elevated into another realm with the season on the line. And how does he sort of adapt in these situations?
“I mean, he’s one of the great clutch players in the history of the league. We know that. I think he led the league in efficiency this year, player efficiency in clutch minutes. We’ve seen him win championships, win Finals MVP. I mean, Steph Curry is Steph Curry. So that performance did not surprise me because he’s that guy, he’s him, as I think Austin Reaves said, but what I remember about that game is we extended a lead at the end of the third. I think we went up into the fourth by 12 or something and so we had timeout saved up and the conversation you’re referring to, I think I was telling him we can take a timeout anytime you want, just to get a couple of minutes of rest and and we were able to control that fourth quarter, but I mean, he was sublime. Yes, yes, yes. Use the timeouts to rest because I’m not bringing you out exactly.”
8:51 How do you know when Wiggs is engaged, when he’s locked in, because you mentioned earlier, he obviously had the slow start, but he’s come along. What are the ways that tell you, besides obviously production?
“I think you can see his on-ball defense impacting the game and then you can see him getting downhill to the rim and attacking and getting to the free throw line. He really turned his free throws around this season. I don’t know where he ended up percentage-wise, but from the first month or two to the last four months, he was fantastic. So I think all of that together, you just see him attacking more offensively and you see him really getting into the ball defensively.”
What was missing earlier in the season? I mean, what was it that you were expecting from him earlier and he wasn’t able to deliver until later?
“Well, I don’t think he had great rhythm. I think that the absence at the end of last year hurt him and then remember early in the year we were playing him with the two bigs and I think it did help him when we started playing smaller with JK and Draymond on the front line with him, because it opened up the floor a little bit and maybe that and maybe I didn’t do a good enough job early in the season of getting him into spots to attack. And I think we did a better job of that. But that was also the spacing that he was playing with.”
70 (percent on free throws for Wiggins) for the year?
“Yeah. Yeah, probably 80 over the last three months, yeah.”
10:28 Going back to Game 7 last year, Davion Mitchell played fewer minutes in that last game. Instead, Brown opted for Terrence Davis. This year, Mitchell’s seen increased production, better numbers, as long as Keon Ellis, who you mentioned. What’s the key in getting through what has been an improved defensive guard attack from the Sacramento Kings, in this play-in game?
“What’s the key for us in terms of dealing with Sacramento’s guard defense? Yeah, with Ellis and Mitchell, it doesn’t change from last year, because Davion played a big role in that series, and Davis, played the Ellis role, and those guys did a really good job. So we’re prepared for their ball pressure and I think Mitchell is an excellent on-ball defender. Ellis is really good too. And we know that they’ll be all over Steph and we’ve got to be ready for everything. They’ve blitzed Steph in the past. They’ll hit him in the half court, double-team. We’ve got to have our spacing right and make sure we’re executing against all that.”
11:39 Steve, you mentioned them not having Huerter and Monk. What have you kind of noticed about what’s different about the way that they play? Ellis is obviously a good defender. Teams have left him open and he’s hit some threes, even, too. But just what do you see about how different they’re playing with their sort of new look by necessity?
“Well, they’re playing eight guys, coming off the bench with Lyles and Len and Mitchell. And so very tight, consistent rotation. They run a million pick-and-rolls with Len. He gave us some problems last year in the playoffs. So I’m sure he’s part of the plan and yeah, I mean, it’s different without Monk and Huerter. Both guys are great shooters and Monk’s got the speed to get to the rim that has caused us problems. But Ellis has been one of the best finds in the league by any team. He played on their G League team a year ago as their two-way guy. They’ve obviously really developed him well and he’s a really good player. So, I mean, it’s just the rotation is different. It’s tighter. Guys will play more minutes, but it’s still the duo of Fox and Sabonis that their team is based on.”
12:55 How’s Gary doing? Any update on his status?
“Gary will be out for this game and if we win, he’ll be out for the next play-in game as well. And then we will reevaluate. If we’re able to advance, then we’re hopeful he would be able to play in the first round.”
Steve, what’s it like having two rookies at least feel ready for a moment like this for the playoffs? And how does that compare to rookies you’ve had in the past?
“I mean, every team is different and the way this team is configured, both those guys are going to play and they’re in the rotation. In the past, we’ve had deeper teams. We’ve had different sets of circumstances. I would say we’ve had young guys who weren’t quite as experienced as these guys. And so it was a longer development process. But I’m excited. I think they’re ready to play and it’s going to be fun to see our young guys out there.”
13:56 Somewhat off topic, but you look back at the play-in and obviously Steph had those big performances. You look at the stats, you can’t really find those numbers anywhere, whether it’s playoffs numbers, whether it’s regular season numbers. How would you maybe, like, decipher that? What should the league maybe do about finding those stats some way?
“These are playoff games. I can’t believe they’re not included in the stats. And yeah, the stats just disappear into the ether. It’s crazy. But hopefully, if I have a terrible coaching job tomorrow night and I completely screw up the whole game, at least it’s invisible and nobody will ever remember.”
14:45 Besides GP, do you expect everyone else to be available?
“Yes. Yeah.”
14:53 Just kind of where is JK at, Steve, as far as he was out, he came back, he had the one good game, he kind of went out again. Are there any concerns about just what you can get out of him considering he’s been so in and out and kind of having a different role also?
“Yeah. Absolutely. It’s not ideal that he missed the games at the end and then, looked like he needed some rhythm last night. But it is what it is, different players face different circumstances. Last year, I think Wiggs; his first game back was coming off of missing 35 games. So you just can’t account for some things. So JK will be out there, we’re going to need him. And he’s putting the work in every day and hopefully he’ll find his rhythm and do what he can do.”
0:00 Steph, Kerr just talked about how good the karma is with the team right now, how good the feelings are, the vibe is. Do you agree with that? And if you do, can you elaborate? What’s the feeling amongst the players right now?
STEPHEN CURRY AFTER PRACTICE, DAY BEFORE GSW-SAC PLAY-IN: “I think just in terms of optimism and confidence in who we are and what we can do any given night, you have to maintain that. You have to believe it. I think we do. It comes down to one game, and then one game, and then hopefully, more. But, we understand what it’s like in this type of environment. A must-win scenario, of the history of last year with Sacramento. So, just, the vibes are ‘go win a basketball game.’ And we know we can do that. You’ve got to go obviously prove it and execute it. A lot of mental focus today and the last month, really. I know we’ve had some, a couple of letdowns, but overall we’ve been playing really well, trending in the right direction. Our defense has turned the corner and we’ve been able to sustain that. So all those things point to, can we just do it for 48 minutes and we’ll see tomorrow.”
1:18 Everybody mentions the pregame speech last year, but just what do you remember about that day, Game 7 last year? Just how you were feeling waking up, the actual game, the atmosphere and everything kind of around it?
“It was a sense of urgency, obviously, just understanding we were in pretty good shape coming back from Sacramento, winning Game 5. And they took it to us in Game 6 and we got embarrassed on our home floor. And it’s a matter of how you respond at that point, and just an understanding of whatever it took to bring the right energy back to that Game 7 performance. Everybody talks about my numbers, but everybody was engaged and locked in, playing physical, playing with desperation. And we’re gonna have to have that same type of mentality tomorrow. So it’s kind of ironic. Just everything that was built up to that Game 7. This is technically a Game 7 type environment in the same building. So we gotta do it again.”
2:21 Two questions for you… Steve was talking about how he believes in basketball karma and you go about things the right way and you kind of put the effort in in the right places, the karma will come back to you. He said you guys didn’t have that last year. Do you believe in that same kind of basketball karma and put out good vibes?
“Good vibes will find you as well. I believe in the present moment is that optimism and that idea that, yes, approaching everything the right way and with the right intentions, I think for us, it’s about having no agendas. It’s just about how we can win and turn our season around. We’ve had some tough breaks. We’ve had a tough break to our family. Just been a wild year all the way around. But the present moment is, can you galvanize the right energy to go win one game. I’m sure there’s plenty of teams over the course of NBA history that felt like karma was coming to them and it didn’t. Some of it is just how sports are in general, but the approach is what he’s mentioning and talking about. And I think you have to control what you can control, and I think we’re in a good position there. However it ends up, it won’t be because of a lack of effort if we don’t get it done.”
3:42 And you guys are very familiar with each other, your team and the Kings, but how different is this matchup given the personnel that maybe wasn’t involved earlier and now is for both teams? How different is it?
“We’ll see. I think it’s weird because we haven’t played them in a long time. We had a lot of matchups earlier in the year. I know they’re without Malik and Huerter. So they have some other guys that haven’t been a part of their rotation. We had some guys that stepped up, like Trayce and BP, guys that really weren’t part of the rotation last time we played them. There’s some unknowns on both sides, but the known is, the core guys who were in that series last year, we play each other four times a year, like, we know each other pretty well, coaching staffs know themselves, know each other really well, so adds another dynamic to it, but it should be fun.”
4:36 Sounds like a teammate of yours inched past you for the free throw championship.
“Yeah, I’m going to see if they rewrite the rules on it. I don’t know what 125 free throws, what the qualification is, but he got it done.”
I remember two years ago when you and Jordan (Poole) were playing together, vying for that. There was some friendly banner. I think you texted him before the last game in New Orleans and reminded him he couldn’t miss. Was there any friendly banter with you and Klay or did it sort of sneak up on you because he hadn’t reached the threshold?
“I had no clue till Raymond (Ridder) told me today. I knew I was up there percentage-wise pretty much all year. I think Damian (Lillard) was up there too, but I had no clue Klay was eligible until last game and he made all five. So shout out to him.”
Did he say anything to you today?
“He had no clue either. So he’s like, ‘Oh, that’s cool.’ That was the comment. That was the whole conversation right there. He didn’t even realize he gets a little plaque or trophy or something. I presented Jordan with his when he got it. I guess Klay missed that whole ceremony because he had no idea that there’s a trophy acknowledgement for the stat leader right there. So the trophy was a surprise to him.”
Any solace that he kept it on your team at least?
“No, I hate losing. Absolutely not. But I guess I’m extremely proud of my teammate. Yes.”
6:07 I was just talking to Wiggs and he was saying that, yeah, you guys have been in his ear. And it may be a factor. He said he appreciates that and lets him know how you guys feel about him. How important is it that you guys stay on him about just doing what he can, what you know he can do?
“That message is for everybody. It’s just a little louder when it’s a guy like Wiggs who has performed at the highest of levels, and helped us tremendously, win a championship like he’s fully capable. And what he has to do is not easy. I think that’s something people miss just in terms of he usually has the assignment to guard the best perimeter guy. We want him to be aggressive offensively as well and create shot attempts, create a good offense, be aggressive attacking around, take shots that he knows he’s supposed to take. And what he has to do, it requires energy, requires a physicality and a consistency, but he’s fully capable. And so it’s like that parent-child relationship where you like, not to say he’s a child, but to say, like, you only ask somebody to do what you know they’re capable of doing. And that’s our energy towards Wiggs all the time. And I think he understands how important it is to us reaching our full potential as a team. And you’ve seen that over the last month or so. He’s answered the bell.”
7:39 How different is the pre-playoff or pre-postseason prep for you at 36 than it was at 26, mentally? I mean, when you’re young, sometimes you look at it a certain way, but as you’ve been through all these wars over the years, how different is it as you approach the playoffs?
“It’s a little bit just more of a comfort zone of understanding what that environment is like. I’d think when you’re 26, like, you’re just real antsy and anxious and you’re kind of living off of that kind of just youthful energy, that kind of carries you through even if mentally you don’t quite understand how to execute at that level. You can kind of get by. I think for me it’s like locking in just on the strategy that we’re trying to implement on the game plan, understanding what I need to do, get my body ready. But I think this last two weeks has kind of been just patience, understanding that, like I said, this year has been all up and down and the playoffs are the most fun time of the year and we just want an opportunity and even sitting here right now, 24 hours from the game, I feel very comfortable and ready for the moment. So that just comes with all the reps that you’ve had over the years.”
9:00 You talked about the defense turning the corner. How do you view where your defense is now and why it’s turned the corner? Obviously, Trayce entering the starting lineup has changed a lot.
“You could look at Draymond, Trayce, and Wiggs. I think those three guys, especially being available and finding the chemistry, shoring up that front line. I think our rotation has been a little bit more predictable over the course of the last month. It’s helped us from game to game find a rhythm. And then it’s just a commitment to that end of the floor, every night, one effort, second effort, third effort, being able to rebound, all the details that aren’t really fun to talk about, but when you see it and you show it, it’s amazing to watch. I think our defense in the last 30 games or so I think was top seven or something like that. So that’s no accident and it’s helped us turn our season around. So can we sustain it for Tuesday, Friday and this weekend?”
10:12 Steph, a couple years ago in the play-in, you had 39, 37, but those stats don’t count towards regular season playoffs. Just kind of want to know your thoughts on that, what the NBA should do about that.
“It sounds like I might be like the leading play-in scorer? I don’t know if that’s a stat. I really don’t care because hopefully you’re not in a play-in that often, where it becomes something that you’re aware of. I hate the fact that there’s a history of performances there, so it’s our job to try to stay out of that each year, but that’s the hand we’re dealt. Just kind of a weird kink in the system, a little bit.”
10:59 And then with BP and Trayce, what’s the luxury of having two rookies that at least feel ready for the moment like this?
“It just gives us depth. I mean, they’ve gotten better each and every game throughout the season. They’ve made their presence felt. They’re in the rotation for a reason. Trayce is starting for a reason. They give us so much on either end of the floor. The playoffs are a different atmosphere and like you said, you’re glad that they got enough reps that you can throw them in there tomorrow. They understand what they need to do. The cool part is the playoffs, you don’t really have to do anything different than what you’ve been doing. It’s just don’t get overwhelmed by the by the moment, by the environment. Just play basketball, have fun. I remember my first playoff experience and going in, that first six minutes, first quarter. It’s a rush because it’s a different feeling, different vibe. So if they get through that, they’ll be fine.”
12:04 Earlier in the season when things weren’t going so well for this team, it was like, at least on the outside, can they keep this together? Is this thing still going? Obviously it’s been a much more successful second half of the season. Do you think this team has proven enough that no matter what happens, next week or so, you’re keeping it together? Or do you think there’s still some things that you need to prove, this team needs to show, in order to make sure that things are sustained in the next season?
“Not really concerned about this next season conversation. I think it’d be pretty obvious. It’d be a disappointment if we’re not in a playoff series and have an opportunity to compete at that level. You can make up whatever narrative that you would want to bring up. But right now, I think it would rob the opportunity we have this week and hopefully, going into a playoff series, give ourselves a chance. And I think it’s important that we stay in that mentality. Don’t really worry about anything else.”
13:12 It was certainly seen from the outside, Game 7 last year was kind of like justifying this group. I mean, I think even some of your management might have said it afterwards. Do you remember thinking about that, or were you just thinking about that moment? Or were you thinking of some big picture too?
“No, I think it was more — I mean, you can’t avoid those conversations. They’ve been hovering over us since 2019. And obviously winning that championship helped a lot and proved that we’re still capable. I think we’re still in that element, but I mean, when you’re out there on the floor as a player performing at that level, understanding what’s expected of yourself and your team, the environment brings the best out of you just because you’re trying to win basketball games. There’s no real other implications that you carry out there on the floor. When it’s all said and done, those thoughts definitely come in because as a human being, you’re worried about what’s next. But as athletes, when we’re out here, we don’t get to this level worried about anything other than the moment. So, I think we’ve been pretty good at that and got to do it again.”
14:24 How did your kind of personal matchups against Sabonis go during this regular season go? Did you get a lot of minutes against him?
TRAYCE JACKSON-DAVIS: “I mean, the only time I really got to play against him was in the preseason. The other few times we played Sac were early in the year before I was getting a lot of playing time and so, just watching clips, listening to Dray, Dray and Loon on how to guard him, is the biggest thing that we’ve done.”
14:50 Similarly, De’Aaron’s a guard who really likes to finish at the rim. What have you seen from either Dray or Loon or watching film, on tips or tricks to slow him down?
“Yeah. I think the biggest thing with him is, just loading the ball, especially in transition. In transition, we’re trying to take him away because when he gets downhill, that leads to spray out threes and he can really create and finish through contact. And so trying to not let him get a full head of steam.”
15:20 I asked Brandin this last night. Did you watch the series between the Warriors and the Kings last season? Yeah, I did. What did you remember or what stuck out to you from that seven-game series?
“It was a very physical, physical series. The fans were engaged. Everyone was engaged. High-level basketball, shot-making and then obviously Game 7 stuff.”
15:45 Obviously, it’s still basketball at the end of the day, but have your coaches or teammates talked about kind of just the heightened intensity that comes along with postseason basketball?
“Absolutely. In our walkthrough, in our film sessions, you can tell everything’s at a high level. All the vets are teaching. They just keep reiterating not everything’s going to be perfect, play through mistakes. But at the end of the day, it’s still just basketball.”
16:13 You and Brandin have extensive experience in college, not just one year in the NBA. Do you feel like that helps in playoff pressure games like this, having that much experience in your college careers?
“Yeah, playing basketball at a high level, playing for something. Obviously with me, being the leader of my team and always having the opposing team trying to take me away. So I’ve learned how to adjust through that. So the matchups, the scouting reports and all of that stuff, I always hone in on and then having Coach Woodson, he really helped me just look at different things that I can see throughout a game. And so trying to apply that to here.”
16:55 Bouncing off of that, is there ever a time where you or Brandin kind of think, ‘This is our rookie season and, boom, we’re straight in the postseason,’ just like the turnaround thought, especially in your case of now being an increased part of the rotation and suddenly it’s playoff time?
“Yeah, absolutely. The rookie season flew by. I’m not going to lie. But, it comes full circle. I mean, we played against them first preseason game. I started against Sac and then coming back and we’re playing them in the first play-in game. And so, just looking back at it, the season flew by, but you just gotta stay locked in, stay consistent.”
17:30 We just learned that Gary’s not going to play tomorrow. How big is that just in terms of team defense and especially with slowing down Fox?
“Yeah, Gary’s a huge piece to our team. Now, I think we’re going to have to rely on Wiggs, rely on JK using their athleticism, their speed, their length against Fox. And so yeah, he’s a huge piece and we’re going to miss him tomorrow.”
  Hi, Steve. How do you feel about arriving at the 10 seed? Um, well, we’re happy to have a shot, you know, um, it could have played out a number of different ways today and, uh, played out as it did. So we’ll we’ll get ready for Sacramento. I mean, I’m sure you’ve kind of, you know, I know there’s been some type of playoff scouting behind the scenes.
What are your early thoughts on, you know, the fact that will be kings in an elimination game? 48 hours? Well, it’d be great atmosphere. Um, we were there last year, obviously. And, um, you know, they’ll, they’ll have their, their crowd behind them. And, um, it’s nice to not get on a plane. Um, so we’ll, we’ll take the bus up there tomorrow and, um, you know, have a, a day to prepare and be ready to go.
Big picture. Uh, just how would you contextualize just the arc of the season arriving to this point? Well, I’m really, um Happy with the way it unfolded over the last couple of months. You know, we were a little bit in disarray for a while early in the season, trying to find ourselves and a lot of guys really stepped up not only on the court, but but off the court in the locker room.
We have a really good connection on this team. Good chemistry, guys pulling for each other, putting in the work. So I’ve got a good It’s a good feeling about what’s, what’s ahead. Um, I think we still have a chance to do something special. Um, now obviously we’re, you know, it’s NCAA tournament. We’ve got to get out of the first weekend here and win, win the first two and, you know, get to the, uh, to the first round.
But, um, we have a shot. So we’re excited about that. Back to the Kings matchup. I mean, you guys are very familiar with that team, but what defensive challenges do they present? Especially defense has been so important. Well, the Fox, uh, Sabonis pick and roll game is lethal and then they’ve got great shooting around those guys.
And, uh, you know, Sabonis is kind of, uh, the fulcrum of a lot of their offense and, um, we know them well. They know us well and, um, they’re, they’re, you know, great. Coached team. Mike and his staff do do a fantastic job, and, uh, they’ve been really good for the last two years for a reason. I mean, they’re they’re talented, and, um, they’ve got a good, good formula, and they’re tough team.
Coach, how important was it for Clay to have a great game like he did today, riding into the playing game for his, you know, state of mind? Clay’s been great now for, you know, for a while, but I really liked him, you know, playing. Playing 19 20 minutes, getting a rhythm, um, you know, I think it bodes well, um, for him going into that game Tuesday to not have to play too many minutes, but to get a nice flow tonight and knock some shots down.
Steve, you talked about the atmosphere in Sacramento and obviously to get to that first series. Now you got to win twice on the road and you were so much better on the road this year clearly and you’ve talked about it. But I’m curious if now that the season is over, if you can sort of capture sort of what made you guys better on the road and how much does that matter now going on the road in the postseason?
I mean, it’s it’s actually more surprising that we weren’t a good home team. You We were a good road team. I expected to be a good road team. You know, we’ve got veterans, uh, champions, guys like him right there. Oh, they need me. Sorry. We’ll see you later. You were in the middle of a good answer. Um on the road and just how much that your success on the road matters and can translate to the postseason.
Yeah, I mean, we should be a good road team. We’ve got, uh, a lot of guys who have won one championships and, you know, veteran players like Chris who, um You know, our unfazed by by the road. And so, yeah, we’re very confident heading out, um, for these next couple of games, hopefully. Steve, just curious, does Chris boss you around like that all the time?
Yes, they all do. All of them. Yeah, it’s like NBA coaching 2024. You just, you just do what they say. A follow up, what was the memory that was made down there? It’s just a beautiful team photo with all 75 front office coaches, staff. Yeah, we got a lot of, a lot of people. Very, very cool. Um, I’m just curious on obviously the play and there was a lot of, for the fans, the scores are all kind of lining up.
What do you think of just the drama that was created on the last day of the regular season? By the NBA in the matchups and how much you enjoy. I mean, it’s the plan. I think it’s great. I really enjoy the format and, um, the parody. Um, obviously you can’t legislate that. It’s just there’s a lot of really good teams in the league.
A lot of teams that are going for it. Um, so, um, it was, uh, Pretty interesting final few weeks of the season, way more interesting than, than normal. What’d you think of Kaminga’s game? It definitely seemed like he was not looking to shoot a career high in assists, but I think it was zero points. That in the flow.
Was that something you were encouraging him to do or does he know he he came in this morning and tested his back out and said he was good to go so we put him in the starting lineup and you know, they just He hasn’t played a lot lately. He missed it missed a bunch of games came back for a couple so maybe he’s not quite in rhythm, but you know, he’s I like the way he moved the ball and as you mentioned the seven assists and So nothing out of the ordinary to me.
Thanks.
Pods. Obviously, you’re a rookie. You guys are headed into the play in series headed to Sacramento. Do you think that being a rookie at all, do you think that you’re settled in being that you’ve played them so many times this season to what it is that you got to do to come out victorious and then get that go on to the second game, which is also on the road?
Yeah, I think me and Trace, our roles are pretty defined at this point. We know what’s being asked of us, what we’re supposed to do when we’re out there. Um, no matter, you know, the lineup, who’s where, who’s with us. Um, So I think for me and him, it kind of gives us a comforting, um, knowing what our role is, knowing what kind of minutes we’re going to get all those type of things.
Um, and it’s magnified more because it’s a winner go home game. But, um, at the end of the day, it’s basketball, just like every other game. Brandon, did you watch the Warriors Kings first round last season? What? What do you What were your thoughts? Thoughts takeaways. Just what do you remember from watching that back?
I feel like that’s for me kind of what? Solidified stuff is one of the best players ever just watching his performance specifically in game seven Crazy stuff But I know it gets loud in that building I know the fans are gonna be crazy on Tuesday night, and I think we’re ready for him as another guard What what do you think about how de Aaron plays?
I mean, he’s really a guy finishes a lot at the rim and stuff What? Makes it difficult to go up against a player like that. And just, I guess, the Kings overall is a mess. I think it’s just you’ve got to show so many bodies of him in transition. Um, you know, when he’s making threes, it’s kind of hard to guard.
I think in our first game we played, In October there, him and Steph kind of went back and forth shooting threes. And just watching that, it’s kind of like, how do you stop a guy like that? Because he’s so explosive to the rim and can shoot. Um, obviously he hasn’t shot that way throughout the course of the year.
Um, but just knowing you gotta always put two bodies in front of him to stop him. Um, if we want to win, that’s something we got to do for 48 minutes. Regular season finale, you know, you’ve been through your first year in the league. How would you evaluate your, your first season? I think it was was great.
Um, obviously I didn’t play in all 82 games. So still Waiting to do that so I can get the title of rookie off my back But I think I have so much more to offer, you know in the coming years Not only in these playoffs but in the years to come so to see that potential and the growth For myself, I think it’s something to look forward to and not only me but to like dub nation in general Um,
let’s go.
Andrew. If you could just sort of speak to your thoughts on facing the Kings. I mean, given the recent history, seven game series and played him a bunch early in the season. It’s a memorable games. What? How do you view that matchup and what what you will it will take for you guys to beat him? It’s gonna be one of those games where, you know, we have to leave it all on the floor.
You know, every every game we’ve had of them has been a battle to the end. You know, a physical competitive game. Um, so it’s going to be, uh, definitely a hard fought game that, you know, we got to leave everything on the floor.
Andrew, both, um, Steve and mom mentioned how it feels like the NCAA tournament, um, went for the upcoming play in series. How does that impact the mentality of you preparing for these upcoming games? Oh, for sure. You got to be ready because now it’s, you know, win or go home. Um, no second chances. Um, but I’m confident, you know, the whole team is confident.
Um, I feel like we’re in a great rhythm right now. You know, offensively, defensively, and you know, just being out there and being connected together. Um, so we’re all looking forward to it. What kind of message would you give to some of the younger guys on the team? J. K., uh, Trace, who haven’t had, you know, playoff experience yet?
Um, I’ll just tell him you guys are ready. You know, you guys proved what you can do all all season long. You guys fought like hell all season long. Um, so you guys are ready, you know, we expect them to, you know, do the same thing they’ve been doing. During the game today, was there ever a thought or was there ever like any scoreboard watching with the Lakers game or the Kings game happening at the same time?
Or was it just kind of we’ll do our thing and see what happens? Um, it’s kind of like, you know, we do our thing and see what, see what happens. You know, it’s the NBA, so anything can happen. But, um, it played out how, you know, we thought it would. Andrew, uh, dream. I was talking about how you guys familiarity with the Kings, but as Kendra pointed out, that Trace has sort of emerged since you guys played the Kings last.
How does he sort of change the equation against a team like that with his defensive presence? Oh man, Trace in the court, you know, he’s a, he’s a game changer, you know, especially with him and Draymond back there. Um, cause he’s a shot, he’s a shot, he’s shot block and he’s a, he’s making people adjust their shots, you know, in the pain, making them think twice.
Um, he’s a, he’s a big key to our defense.
XX
  Brad Pajewski looks like he is going to be our guy. Gonna get the headset on for us.
And Brandon is sliding the headset on. Hey Brandon, you can hear us. Hello there. How are you? What’s up? Hey, this is Tim and Tom and Brandon, first of all, uh, congratulations on your first NBA regular season. What do you think? Uh, it’s been fun. Uh, I don’t think I quite reached the 82 game threshold yet. I think I’ve only played maybe 70 something, so I’m still a rookie.
But I got a couple more games until I’ve graduated from that. But I, uh, you know, I feel really good. It was a really good season. Um, some downs, some ups, some adversity. And I think, uh, me and Trace did a good job of, you know, fighting any battle that came our way. And here we are on April 14th, and we’re going to the play in.
Going to the play in, and tell me what you guys were thinking of. What was the vibe like before this game? And what you wanted to accomplish in this game. Yeah, I think it was just to win. Focus on us, that’s all we could control. And then, obviously, um, you know, halfway through the third quarter, we, you know, we checked the scores, and LA was up by a good amount, and so was Sacramento, so it just made the most sense to, you know, rest the guys that are going to play a lot of minutes on Tuesday.
And get the young guys and some of the guys who don’t really get minutes, uh, in there to get, get them, uh, you know, feeling comfortable because, you know, it could happen. They could end up playing too. Brandon, what do you know now that you didn’t know your first game? I got so much potential, um, that I haven’t unlocked yet.
Um, I, I’ve seen spurts of it, I’ve seen flashes of it, but I have so much, uh, you know, more to offer in, in the coming years. Um, so I like to look at that as a, as a positive and a bright side for me. Um, you know, after the old guys retire, us young guys want to keep it rolling. Where do you think you’ve made the biggest strides this year?
I think understanding how to play with Steph, Clay, and Draymond. Um, I think I’ve made a big stride in that area, but also earning Steve and the coaching staff trust. Um, knowing what they’re going to get out of me each and every night I’m out there. Um, and just playing a role. I think, you know, like I’ve mentioned earlier that a lot of these guys that get drafted in the first round have always been the guy.
And gotten all the shots, gotten all the minutes, and never have had to fill a role besides that. And I think that’s. That’s part of my journey where I’ve had to do that, uh, in multiple places I’ve been. So to not be the guy and having to play a role, I think, uh, it’s something that I’m really proud of.
Well, the biggest compliment I can pay is you make winning basketball plays time and time again. I appreciate that. That’s, that’s what I’m out there to do. Dre, Dre, last year, y’all, y’all, uh, when you, when you guys lost to the Lakers last year, it was like, I’ve never felt that before. Like, you know, even this early, what does this feel like?
Um, just like we need to go win the game. Uh, I don’t really, I don’t know. Just feel like we need to go win, but it’s exciting. Uh, you know, you know, it’s do or die. Probably feels a little more NCAA tournament ish. Uh, kind of give you that feel. Yeah, you know, we just got to go in. What do you think about this matchup?
And what do you kind of think are the keys against the Kings team that has changed a little since last playoffs? I think definitely changed a little bit. Um, you know, we, I think we know this team pretty well, though. For the most part, nobody’s changing that much unless you just completely change the roster and the mainstays in their roster are still there.
So they’re going to run a lot of things through Sabonis. Obviously, everything start with the head of Snake De’Aaron and everybody else kind of gets theirs off those two guys. You know, they’re Very much. So a pattern team like they got their things that they want to get to and so, you know, going into the game and understanding that, uh, what, you know, the things that we’ll be trying to take away and not let them get to those patterns.
Uh, but yeah, I mean, we, we know them. Well, they know us well, so it won’t be no surprises following up on that. The past couple of weeks. Times you guys have played him either this season or even last season, much with the same group, but Trace has really emerged as a, as a key contributor for you guys at center the past couple months.
He wasn’t a key part of those game plans. How do you see him kind of helping defend a guy like Sabonis, um, in this? Uh, well, you know, um, Trace has great length. He’s very athletic. He affects a lot of shots at the rim. Uh, you know, Sabonis does all of his damage pretty much within 10 to 15 feet. Uh, obviously, he can step out and shoot the ball, but A lot of his damage from a scoring perspective.
Obviously, he, you know, gets everyone involved. Um, you know, he’s, if I’m not mistaken, I’m pretty sure he probably leads the team in assists. Um, and so he, you know, he gets everyone, but when it comes to scoring, it’s, a lot of it is around the rim, you know, and Trace, uh, can affect some of those shots if, you know, but it starts with positioning though.
Uh, you know, Sabonis is great at creating angles, you know, so gotta make sure you’re good, um, with your positioning against a guy like that. You know, he has all the step throughs and jump hooks and double step throughs that you can imagine. His footwork is great. So, it’ll be a tough challenge. He’s always a tough challenge.
Uh, but like I say, you know, Trace gotta use what he has and his strengths, which is his athleticism and his length. Draymond, it was kind of a joke at the beginning of the season, how many times you saw you guys saw Sacramento and then to know that they’re your first game in this one, you kind of just said they know you, you know them.
But as the more veteran team, does this short travel and knowing this team? Play in your hand at all. Does it have any effect? I mean, I think the travel definitely helps be that it’s an hour away, quick bus ride down that helps, uh, us knowing them helps, but on the flip side, they know us at well and that hurts, you know, so, um, you know, overall, At the end of the day, coaches are gonna put a game plan together, uh, their coaches will put a great, great game plan together, our coaches will put a great game plan together, but then you gotta go out there and play, you know, and, and, you know, a lot of times you get in a, in a series, and like at a certain point in the series, it’s like, alright, you know me, I know you, like, you know, Who gonna make the small, the little plays to win?
Uh, who’s gonna come up with the 50 50 balls to win the game? Because you know everything I’m running, I know everything you’re running. And I feel like that’s what this obviously not a seven game series, but I feel like that’s what this game gonna come down to who gonna make the necessary players to win the game.
You obviously the schedule set, there’s nothing you can do about it now, but the fact that it could be on the road Tuesday, if you win on the road Friday, if you win on the road, uh, what do you think about that? You know, it sounds pretty daunting, but, uh, how are you approaching just that set of circus dances?
Our last eight weeks has prepared us tremendously for that. Um, we’ve been on the road pretty much the last month and a half, two months. Uh, quite a bit. Uh, we’ve fared pretty well on the road all year, you know, so, know we’re capable of going to win some road games. Uh, And when this team’s back is against the wall, I like how the group shows up.
So, um, you know, it’s not ideal, but it is what it is. And that’s what we’re faced with. And we want to keep playing for, um, much longer into this season. So just got to go get it done. In the last year or two, as the Kings have gotten better, there’s been more talk about, you know, a Northern California rivalry, quote, unquote, and when you play a seven game playoff series, that obviously adds to it.
I’m just curious if you could speak to the, what the energy, what the atmosphere is like. I mean, you guys played a very memorable game, seven staff drops 50 this year, they overcame a big deficit. What’s sort of the electricity like when you guys play the Kings the last few games? Uh, it’s always a playoff type game.
Like, you feel that. You go into, um And to their arena, their fans want to light the beam and see us lose and beat the crap out of us. And they come in here, we want, we want to beat the crap out of them. Um, a lot of familiarity amongst the two organizations, even beyond just us going out and playing in the money games that we’ve played against each other over the past couple of years.
Uh, you know, Mike. Vivek, um, LB, like there’s a ton of familiarity amongst the organization. So, um, yeah, I mean that it kind of has brewed into that, but you know, for us, it’s another game. You got it that we have to go in. It’s not just another game in the sense of like, oh, it’s just any other game. It’s another game that we have to go in and we got to go get it done.
XX
  Who are you resting and not resting today? Uh, Steph and Draymond will not play today. Everybody else, uh, is, uh, well, I can’t say available. Um, but everybody else will, um, potentially play based on how they warm up and other than Gary. Gary’s out. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Waiting on waiting to hear on J. K. Steve,
rewatching the game yesterday. I didn’t realize this in real time, I guess, but Trace was pretty effective when he was out there. Only played 22 minutes though, and I’m wondering how flexible are your rotations in a situation like that where you guys went small and Got quest for a while there. Yeah, I mean, we could have gone back to trace and for sure we watching the tape is, you know, one of those things where you say, well, maybe we should have done that.
Um, you know, we also feel like, um, You know, playing smaller gives us better opportunity to spread the floor and score. So that’s one of those things where you just kind of weigh your options and just make your decisions in the game. But to be perfectly frank, I wish I’d played Trace a little bit more.
Obviously what matters most is his health, but given that J. K. has missed a bunch of time in the past few weeks, is there more of an incentive to get him on the floor tonight to get some rhythm? No, he’ll play if he’s capable of playing. So, um, the training staff will determine that with J. K. And if he’s available, then then we’ll get him plenty of minutes to try to get a rhythm.
I know it was a while ago, but, um, the experience with the plane three years ago, do you, do you carry anything, anything you learned from that? I know very different teams, Steph, underlined that very different team, but, uh, anything you might’ve taken from that? Okay. Um, let’s do a little differently. Yeah. I mean, I thought we were wiped out emotionally after that Laker game.
Uh, in the 78 game, and, um, you know, it’s it’s really tough because you’re obviously putting all your chips in to win a game if you’re in the play in. Um, but I thought we were, um, we didn’t have a ton of energy for the second one. And, um, So I, It’s most likely we’re gonna we’re gonna have to win two games away.
It’s looking so, um, you know, but if you’re in the 78 game, do you know the question that I had at the time afterwards was, uh, you know, should we have invested a little less emotionally into that game? And, um, it’s a tough one to figure out. But, um, But I felt like Memphis had a big advantage coming off a win, feeling good.
We were kind of wiped out and they took it to us. They got out to a big early lead before we were able to come back and force overtime. So it’s interesting dynamics, like from an emotional standpoint with the play in. Steve, I asked you something similar a little bit ago, I think before that Lakers game, but.
Usually at this time, the last game of the season, even if you’re in the play and you may have an idea of who you’re facing in that or even if you make it past the first round, how challenging is it to go into the last game of the regular season? One not know who you’re facing in the plan, but then even at the top of the West, that 123 is really jumbled.
You can’t do much prep work. I’m assuming. Well, yeah, I mean, we have, um, Lot of coaches. We have, uh, Scott Vaughn, our advanced scout is out there. He watches these teams all year. So we have a database with our, you know, potential game plans for any opponent. Um, but you can’t really dive in, um, you know, to, to one opponent at this point, obviously.
So, um, for us, it’s, um, you know, Most likely be in. You know the 9 10 game. I guess it’s still a chance. We could be eight, but that’s unlikely. But um, that means get ready for that game. And while that’s happening, we’ve got people behind the scenes who are preparing for potential opponents coming up. Steve, uh, how would you sort of describe where Steph is emotionally, physically?
I mean, you’ve talked about how he really needed that break a week ago, and then he looks so sharp against the Lakers and kind of sluggish the last couple of games and tweaked his ankle, as he mentioned, is today more of an emotional fatigue route, you know, break or is his ankle is the ankle concerned at all?
Or no, the ankle is doing pretty well. Um, this he could play. Um, you know, if he had to play, he would be playing. Um, I don’t know if we’re going to be able to put him out today, but given what we’re facing, um. It made no sense to put him out there today. Um, you know, we’re. We’re hoping that we’ve got three games this week.
And um, so getting a rest today and
Gary’s now missed a few games with this calf. Is there any doubt that he could be available for the first playing game? I haven’t talked to Rick about it yet. Uh, I talked to Rick yesterday and he just told me that Gary was definitely out for today and that we’ll see over the next couple of days his availability for the plan.
Steve, I’ll take you a little bit even farther back, early 90s Cleveland. Um, When you were a player and there were very few losing seasons in your life, but when there were Where were you able to find joy? And was it difficult to? Kind of find something to play for in those seasons when you knew that like the big end goal wasn’t even on the table
Wow way back Yeah, we had we had a year in Cleveland where Mark Price Tours ACL and I think we only won Uh 31 games, probably because I was his backup, and so it was a long year. But it was, um, you know, in seasons like that, you really, um, You lean into the game itself. I mean, we all grow up playing basketball because we love it, not because somebody forced us into it.
And so even in a losing season, you can take a lot of joy from the game itself and from the relationships you have on the team. And, you know, we were lucky to have Lenny Wilkins, an amazing coach, who always had a good perspective on things. And, you know, it’s a, it’s a reminder that Life doesn’t always go the way you want it, whether it’s basketball or anything else.
And so you just have to persevere and keep going about your business and have the perspective that we still play basketball for a living. We’re living good lives. So those are my memories from the, you know, the tough seasons that I had. Who’s your master’s pick? Scheffler. Yeah, I’m really gonna go out on a limb here.
Stephen, a player development thing, and the things you look at Jonathan coming in his third year now, Jalen Johnson in Atlanta in the third year. Are you, is there anything to that type of player, and I can go back and list a bunch more, where that is the timing that it takes for the one year college G League Ignite player to kind of get rolling in the NBA?
I mean, I, I, it’s, it’s, it’s hard to, to um, generalize it. But, um. Because we, you know, everyone comes in with a different level of feel and understanding of the game. But I do think in general today, um, players have so little experience when they get to the NBA that there’s a bigger learning curve than there was 20 years ago, you know.
Instead of getting three years with Dean Smith, you know, you’re getting, uh, 11 games with the G League Ignite. It’s kind of a, you know, a difference, you know, you’re not playing in the ACC championship game in front of 20, 000 people. You’re playing in games that, frankly, most people don’t play. Care about.
Or maybe you’re getting one year of college or maybe, um, not even that. I mean, you know, I think when we had when we drafted James Wiseman, I think he played three college games. Um, and so the league has changed so dramatically in terms of the players experience and fundamental base or lack thereof when they arrive.
The flip side is, I think the players have never been more talented. You know, better shooting, better dribbling. Individual skill work is just off the charts. Um, so it feels to me like most guys who come in, we’re trying to teach them, um, the fundamentals, um, and, and, uh, a base knowledge of, of, um, feel for the game, anticipating, uh, what’s gonna happen.
And, um, the college coaches used to do that for us. So that’s, that’s what I see, um, On what? Can you elaborate on the idea of playing important games? Spoh talked about how many hockey, as I said, he played a bunch. And I’ve also heard the phrase from people that the players today never unpack. They go to multiple high schools.
They go to college for one year. They never unpack. So they aren’t playing a game that they’re So what have you seen about the guys who have or have not played important games? Well, Trace, uh, I think is, is, is a good example. Trace Jackson Davis, you know, he played 125 games at Indiana. Um, Played in the N C.
A tournament played in the Big 10 tournament. Um, and there’s a process that I think, um, has been lost. Um, you know, just the growth that comes from going to college freshman year to your senior year. You think back to, you know, your own experience. I think back to mine, and it’s like, God, You know, it’s a dramatic difference, and, um, so I think there’s a reason Trace has come in prepared to play.
Um, it’s, uh, some of it is basketball fundamentals, some of it is just experience, some of it is life experience. Um, so all of that factors in, but, um, you know, we have to make sure we continue to, to, uh, do a good job of, um, adapting to that. And, uh, you know, teaching our young guys, um, The fundamentals and the feel and every possible way we can do that, we have to explore.
Will you, uh, be aware of the scores in the Lakers and Kings game while the game is going on today? And if so, maybe it’s at halftime. If the results are trending in a way that, opens the eight seed for you. Do you like throttle up in the second half or potentially back if it’s not going? I mean, I think we’ll be aware of the scores, but I mean, you know, Today in today’s N B.
A. You know, somebody says, Well, Lakers are up 15 and there’s five minutes left. It’s not over. You know that today’s N B. A. The game flips like that. So it would almost have to be a 30 point game one direction or the other to even start thinking about that. And since the games are at the same time, which is by design, of course, I don’t anticipate that that will be a factor.
Thank you.
0:00 what LGW is about, ManningCast, embody the 19th man
5:15 refs tonight: Kevin Scott (crew chief, 13th season, No. 24), Kevin Cutler (14th, No. 34), Dedric Taylor (10th No. 21); replay: James Capers, Matt Boland, Brandon Adair, Jenna Schroeder, Intae Hwang — I have Cutler in my Top 10
6:00 on Kerr saying he should’ve played Trayce more vs NOP
11:40 TJD loses tipoff, btw will mark POA D by three asterisk
11m50 Q1 TJD doubles off Yurtseven
11m30 Q1 Wiggs J via TJD pick
11m00 Q1 TJD nice pick but Wiggins misses
10m45 Q1 Wiggs bad POA ***
10m17 Q1 JK blocks Omer but CP fouls him on oreb
10m12 Q1 CP classic drop off to TJD P&R
9m40 Q1 Wiggs TTBTTOT
9m30 Q1 Klay good phys vs Samanic
9m00 Q1 Wiggs good close on Luka
8m10 Q1 JK handoff Klay 3 late nice
7m55 Q1 JK takes charge bad attack good POA ***
7m23 Q1 JK reach-in foul
20:30 Bruce: “I hope we keep CP” — As long as we get some regular season POA help, but our Draft guy Eric G. says keep a lookout of Jaylen Wells of Wazu!
6m44 Q1 BP gets caught looking
6m18 Q1 JK nice cut, BP 3
5m55 Q1 BP J via TJD P&R
5m31 Q1 Hendricks 3x in a row, should’ve called timeout
5m00 Q1 KG 3, no timeout, CP answers though pick TJD
3m37 Q1 BP P&R Loon roll good
2m52 Q1 Klay bad 3, Gui good hustle fouled
2m42 Q1 Gui nice cut 2, feed by Loon — good cutting gets you far
2m26 Q1 Gui good deflect
1m25 Q1 Klay kick to Mo 3
1m10 Q1 Klay turns the corner on a youngster (Bazley) wut!!!!
0m17 Q1 Klay turns the corner again! vs Lofton!!!
0m05 Q1 Klay deflection!
0m01 Q1 Gui close out!
39:00 on Steph not being 100%, basketball gods, and then again resting him vs a team that would play better against him
11m55 Q2 Saric in, scores reverse
11m30 Q2 Klay bad POA *** layup good
11m15 Q2 Dario bad pass argh
10m57 Q2 Mo pivot foot travel
10m37 Q2 Klay again baseline drive to TJD dunk
10m20 Q2 TJD POA *** bad vs P&R layup
10m05 Q2 BP good drive but blocked
9m13 Q2 Klay 3 trans BP ast
8m37 Q2 Klay 3 splash trans, stares at Collin Sexton
8m06 Q2 BP steal then TJD finally finds Klay
7m18 Q2 Klay another deflect
7m10 Q2 Mo good tag to Dario but he’s too slow to stop Brice
6m49 Q2 Dario 3!!!!!
6m20 Q2 Dario another tov
5m05 Q2 Mo good close
4m29 Q2 BP good D then reb ***
3m48 Q2 JK too deep on post drive
3m35 Q2 Loon strips Omer
2m54 Q2 CP fouls KG 3, Kerr timeout but why? Might review for landing spot
1:00:00 my apologies to the statue makers of Allen Iverson, all those Legends statues are the same at that location which has really very little to do with the 76ers
1m37 Q2 BP can’t stay with KG *** fb 94ft lay
1m26 Q2 Wiggs stops the bleeding downhill layup P&R
1m07 Q2 BP takes another charge
0m30 Q2 Wiggs nice inside out and change of pace lay foul
0m16 Q2 Wiggs strip but JK can’t hold it argh *** aww Wiggs
0m06 Q2 BP 94ft layup finally made one!
1:08:45 BP AUDIO
1:10:15 JD JOHN DICKINSON JOINS US, says GSW will play on Tuesday no matter what due to Flyers occupying Sixers at Wells Fargo Center, taking a bus to SAC is better than any plane, and LAL might have to play NOP again
11m55 Q3 Klay fly by 3 splash via TJD Klay flare for CP, nice play design Steve!
10m57 Q3 Klay bad pass to TJD, JK hustles back to disrupt fb oob
10m40 Q3 Klay strips again, early O CP bounce pass drop off to Klay for 3
10m00 Q3 Klay gravity lob to TJD
9m12 Q3 KG 3 that’s 3 in a row, should’ve called timeout on 2 in a row argh
1:28:15 my diatribe on burning timeouts in the regular season (maybe adopt some philosophies for playoffs, idk yet): https://www.letsgowarriors.com/p/unacceptable-knicks-timeout-draymond-jekyll-hyde
8m39 Q3 bad P&R D, either JK or Klay didn’t shade over
8m21 Q3 Klay no physicality on KG, kick to Juzang 3 corner ***
7m39 Q3 Omer and1, Kerr coaches up TJD to grab ball two hands, Gui good box out on FT, Wiggs 3
6m48 Q3 CP classic fake pass J
6m22 Q3 Gui gives it up to Mo for 2 good sacrifice, BP oreb
6m04 Q3 Mo good close on JJ, then CP late to next close
5m30 Q3 Gui sneaks base ast CP
5m17 Q3 Gui has a mustache, not quite Zorro though
4m39 Q3 BP oreb amazing
4m30 Q3 Gui switches to lefty lay why?
4m29 Q3 Mo dribble pop off BLOB
3m14 Q3 Gui hustle oreb
3m06 Q3 Loon midrange!!! Drink!!!
2m47 Q3 Moses steal!
2m20 Q3 Loon block! (Spencer in)
0m20 Q3 Gui great POA ***
0m13 Q3 JK to Gui flare 3
11m46 Q4 JK steal btb save, JK to Gui dunk
11m30 Q4 JK another steal and btb
11m24 Q4 Dario finds Les for dunk as Jazz fall asleep
10m52 Q4 Les loses Kira but at least good intentions
10m30 Q4 Gui sidestep 3 miss but nice move
10m17 Q4 Pat good POA vs Kira then ast to Les 94ft***
9m14 Q4 JK nice ast to Dario (Jazz not playing D tho)
8m52 Q4 Gui nice post D on Potter but maybe let up on the putback
1:56:45 Percy: NOP just playing bad — theory: the return of BI may have disrupted their rhythm
1:58:00 the 10th seed has never gotten into the playoffs, they’re 0-6, user “idk” says GSW can be the first
7m32 Q4 Hendricks left wide open 3, Dario too slow with JK gotta be more aware of Saric
7m00 Q4 Spencer oreb tap, Les absorbs foul by Lofton wow, Saric physical 2 nice — UNSUNG PLAY
6m05 Q4 Lofton turns corner on JK wow (bad POA?)***
5m35 Q4 JK Dario argue about bad P&R — bright side: at least they care UNSUNG PLAY?
5m00 Q4 Pat finds Les open again — UNSUNG PLAY, then Usman 2nd reb
3m53 Q4 Gui manufactures a trip to the line late clock
3m32 Q4 Les jump passes no look FTW, BP celly on bench for JRob step lay — UNSUNG PLAY
1m34 Q4 JRob reverse lay and1 now up by 5 — UNSUNG PLAY
1m11 Q4 Pat oreb putback Usman crazy — UNSUNG PLAY
0m49 Q4 Usman non-gimme block clean — UNSUNG PLAY
0m00 Q4 Kerr high five Will Hardy didn’t know they were like that
2:19:00 UNSUNG PLAYLIST: List of unsung plays, need to narrow this to 4 for the poll: 1) Pat oreb tap-out becomes Saric 2, 2) JK Dario arguing, 3) Pat finds Les open, 4) JRob slow-mo steps + BP celly, 5) JRob reverse and1, 6) Pat oreb putback, 7) Usman clean block
2:21:45 KLAY POSTGAME AUDIO
2:33:00 Nicky lets us know that Brian Mahoney of AP reported Silver referenced Kerr saying offensive players using themselves as projectiles to improve the reffing: https://apnews.com/article/nba-adam-silver-a387fd2c3cac928f9cea1c36e4ec4b66?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=share
2:40:45 STEVE POSTGAME AUDIO
2:43:00 ironing out that we def want NOP to beat LAL therefore LAL hosts the winner of 9vs10 which is GSW-SAC
2:51:00 we were really 31-17 this year with “full Draymond” or 53 wins based pct, we would’ve been 4th seed, Dunleavy has no choice but to try and win more regular season games
2:56:30 pinky lou Raquidan: Warriors needs to act as the underdog against Kings and not take them likely. — it’s a moebius, a snake eating its tail from Loki season 2 (ouroboros)
2:58:30 Bruce Maro: Draymond gonna do a podcast today and show arrogance
3:02:00 Trey Murphy III is 20/39 in his last 4 games SHEESH (thanks Dean Agan)
3:03:45 DRAYMOND POSTGAME AUDIO
3:10:00 comedy from Bruce and Pinky as Nicky says Giannis is available because MIL finished 3rd in East, Pinky adds that we’d have to get his brother among trading everyone lol
3:20:00 we are rooting for Indy (6th) and Suns (to pry KAT loose)
3:21:30 BP wins charges taken race (38), Brunson had 35 entering Sunday
3:22:30 SOME KERR PREGAME AUDIO on 2021 play-in feeling wiped out from Lakers loss
3:25:15 SOME DRAYMOND POSTGAME AUDIO: when this team’s back is against the wall I like how this group shows up
3:35:00 I put up another poll for unsung play
3:38:15 Are we rooting for PHX or MIN?
Go Suns! (Because KAT my pry loose) (57%)
Go Wolves! (Because ____) (42%)
Poll complete: 19 votes
3:38:45 Dean Chambers: Well as big as it is its only two basketball games too. Not to take it lightly, just not to take it too seriously as well — Be grateful for what we have, regardless
3:43:45 BP POSTGAME AUDIO
3:52:15 ENTIRE DRAY POSTGAME VIDEO
4:09:45 STEVE PREGAME AUDIO
4:23:45 BP POSTGAME RADIO
4:46:00 CP3’s IG of riding on the boat
5:05:00 gratitude is not measurable, not sensed
5:12:45 Daxesh reminds us about Wiseman on Klay’s boat, I find it on our channel:
5:21:00 Another Klay livestream:
“I’m sober as a gopher”
5:41:15 ENTIRE BP POSTGAME VIDEO
5:44:30 ENTIRE WIGGS POSTGAME VIDEO
5:48:30 ENTIRE STEVE POSTGAME VIDEO: it was Chris Paul who interrupts the video
5:56:30 Vote for UNSUNG PLAY OF THE GAME!
JK-Dario arguing abt defending P&R (42%)
Usman clean block (37%)
JRob slow-mo steps, BP bench celly (13%)
Pat oreb putback in traffic (6%)
Poll complete: 45 votes
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