Notes and quotes from pregame Game 2 below. Also views from pregame…
(Insert pregame video here)
STEVE
DISCLAIMER: These are all just notes for my main workflow of YouTube videos, tweeted by beatwriters. I used to transcribe every interview but it became too tedious and not worth the investment for the small amount of views we got on the soundbites on YouTube. The links to the tweets are not available because sometimes I don’t use the full tweet and just having a ton of tweets on this website imo isn’t aesthetically pleasing and gets away from the main goal: transferring information (not so much entertainment) asap.
• Steve Kerr says Andre Iguodala’s knee swelled up on him yesterday and is considered day to day: “His knee swelled up on him yesterday afternoon. So he’ll be out tonight. Day to day.” (Ohm Youngmisuk, Dalton Johnson, Connor Letourneau)
• On GP2: “I mentioned yesterday that I did feel comfortable playing him because it didn’t appear healthy enough to play. … It’s literally been a day to day thing. He’s made some improvement the last couple days, and I anticipate getting him out there tonight.” (me, Letourneau)
• Kerr says both the Warriors and Celtics are wearing these “End Gun Violence” shirts today, and that everyone can see there are things that should be done to curb gun violence: “There are things we can do to limit gun violence that would not violate people’s 2nd amendment rights but would save people’s lives…the majority of people in this country want sensible gun laws that would limit gun violence…The biggest thing, I think, is to vote.” Kerr confirmed he saw Spurs coach Gregg Popovich holding a speech about gun violence (Tim Bontemps, me, Keith Smith, Mark Medina)
UDOKA
• Ime Udoka on the Celtics shot quality improving throughout the season: “It’s about the right guys taking the right shots. Some guys were shooting poorly earlier this year, but we felt like we were getting good shots and that would even out. And it has.” (Keith Smith)
• Udoka said that he’s talked to the Celtics about how they’ve played desperately after losses, but that “they need to have the same mentality after wins.” (Keith Smith)
• Udoka on Damon Stoudamire: “The staff has a heavy Portland influence … Damon .. was one of the guys we all looked up to working with people you’re familiar with … I understand what he’s all about…tasked with getting with (Smart), showing him the ropes of being a point guard.” (Celtics CLNS)
• Udoka on Rob Williams: “The days off have been beneficial. Part of it is keeping him minutes in that 20-25 range. The low minutes, the days off, it’s got him feeling better and he’s got a little pop in his step.” (Keith Smith)
• Udoka just spoke to Masai’s letter, saying he hasn’t seen it because it is a game day but that he’s disappointed to see the same issues happening today that happened when he was a player (for Nigerian National Team)…a lot of unorganization and long list of issues historically with Nigeria basketball and changes are needed at the top. (Tim Bontemps, Marc Spears)
• Udoka: “The lack of experience isn’t a big factor for us … we’ve been tested well before in the playoffs…We have a ‘don’t care’ attitude about what the situation is and what we’re facing. Up, down, on the road. Whatever it is, we feel like we’re ready for it.” (Celtics CLNS, Keith Smith)
👍👍💛💙