NBA
What next for the Warriors? Steph Curry and Steve Kerr open up after loss
The Warriors point guard was honest after their loss to the Sacramento Kings in the Play-In.
Steph Curry insisted that he is looking to the future after the Golden State Warriors’ loss to the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors have been the most dominant team in the NBA over the past decade, but changes must be necessary to bring in new talent to complement the action, in a sort of marriage of youth and experience.
They suffered a resounding 118-94 loss to the Kings at the Golden 1 Center in the Play-In game, outplayed by a team that proved to be very dynamic.
“It’s so emotional. It’s, you know, the highs and lows of this business are incredible. That’s why we’re all kind of addicted to it. You can’t find this anywhere else in in life. I know I can’t,” he admitted to the media after the game.
“And you have to absorb the the lows. We’ve been really blessed here with some amazing players and you know, multiple championships and finals appearances and the highest of highs. And this is the flip side. This is life. This is how it works. You don’t get to stay on top forever.”
He wasn’t the only one in the squad to suggest that the team needs a revamp if they want to compete for the title again next season.
What did Steph Curry say about the Warriors?
Few players in basketball history have had as profound an impact on the game as Stephen Curry. He, along with fellow Warriors stalwarts Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, has won four championships with the Warriors. Now, in his 30s, Curry acknowledged that changes are needed to compete at the highest level.
“Obviously we understand that the league has changed and we’re getting deeper into our careers and we have to continue to evolve and make the necessary adjustments to win games,” Curry said after the Play-in loss. “But we put a lot of time into it. I think I worked harder than I ever have to be ready for the season and be able to perform at the level I expect, and [Thompson and Green] have gone through that with me.”
“Sacramento played unbelievable” he added, “tonight they played aggressive and Keegan’s making shots. De’Aaron Fox is creating. It seemed like they got every 50/50 loose ball, offensive rebound, and it was a a tough way to end our year for sure, because obviously been through so much all year,” Curry reflected.
“But we’re going home, so definitely frustrating, frustrating and disappointing to say the least.”
Could Steph Curry leave the Warriors?
Kerr has insisted that he hopes to keep the championship-winning trio (Curry, Thompson and Green) together as the organisation looks to plan for the future. Curry also seems determined to be part of the rebuild as they look to bounce back from Tuesday’s tough loss.
‘Over the summer there will be a lot of conversations’
Curry noted, “At the end of the day, I know I want to win. I know over the summer there will be a lot of conversations and we’ll try to prepare to win, whatever that means. I hope that’s the outcome.”
Another key storyline following the loss to the Kings was Klay Thompson’s impending free agency as the 34-year-old reaches the end of his five-year, $189.9 million contract and $189.9 million signing. Tuesday was a forgettable night for Thompson, who recorded 0-for-10 in terms of shooting.
The Athletic reports that the Dallas Mavericks are interested in acquiring Thompson, while the Orlando Magic could try to sign him for about $60 million available in salary cap space to bring an experienced winner to the team.
However, indications from the Warriors suggest they are eager to keep Thompson on the team. On Thursday, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. told reporters, “Certainly, we want Klay back.... I expressed that to him yesterday.” Kerr has also made clear his desire to see Thompson, along with Curry and Green, finish their illustrious careers with the Warriors, the team they helped transform and, in turn, change the sport of basketball.
The Warriors coach said, “I think there’s a lot of value in all three of our guys being Warriors for life. I think there’s a lot of value in finishing with dignity..... So, for those three I really want to see them finish their careers here, but also finish their careers with a sense of pride and dignity for what they’re doing”.