Curry, Kerr speak on Warriors’ issues as Green sits again

Stephen Curry of Golden State understands that the tension between his teammates Kevin Durant and Draymond Green could be perceived by those outside the team as a potential downfall for the Warriors this season.

To them, he has a message.

“Curry stated, “That won’t happen.”

Curry spoke publicly Saturday night for the first time about the testy exchange between Durant and Green — they went at each other late in what became an overtime loss to the LA Clippers last Monday night, and the fallout has been a major talking point around the NBA since — and lauded both players for the way they’re handing the situation.

Curry said, “I believe our team, including Draymond and KD, have managed it with nothing but professionalism.”

Green is getting the weekend off. The Warriors held him out of their game in Dallas on Saturday because of an ongoing issue with a toe on his right foot, a game Golden State lost 112-109. He also did not play as Golden State lost 104-92 on the road to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

Coaching Steve Kerr, the recent challenging times the Warriors have encountered highlight the team’s overall fortune in the last few seasons. Accumulating consecutive NBA titles and three championships in the last four seasons, Golden State has occasionally made their NBA journey appear effortless.

“Over the last four seasons, we’ve been leading a charmed life. So, it’s no surprise that this is the most challenging period we’ve ever experienced,” Kerr stated following Sunday’s defeat to San Antonio. “This is what the real NBA is like. The past few years, we’ve been living a dream, not experiencing the real NBA. Now, we’re up against genuine difficulties and it’s up to us to overcome them.”

During the recent dry spell, Curry and Green suffered injuries; however, the greatest setback was self-inflicted. Green and Durant had a heated argument at the end of the regular game, which led to a 121-116 overtime defeat to the LA Clippers last Monday. Green’s outbursts during the game and in the locker room after the game led to the team issuing a one-game suspension for the forward, who is in his seventh year.

Kerr is baffled by the flare-up and the Warriors’ spiritual inability to move past it.

“Just play with joy. It has always been about our emotion,” Durant stated, detailing Kerr’s method of motivating his team. “He has always emphasized that. He’s simply working on bringing back that joy.”

San Antonio didn’t hold much joy.

DeMar DeRozan had 20 points and nine assists and Rudy Gay added 19 points to help the Spurs snap a three-game slide.

Golden State was without Curry and Green again, and their absence led to a cold start. Three nights after being held to a season-low output in a 107-86 loss at Houston, the Warriors nearly matched that dubious mark.

In the first quarter, all six of their 3-point attempts were unsuccessful, resulting in San Antonio taking an early 33-27 lead. Rudy Gay of the Spurs contributed 12 points during this initial period. The Warriors also faced significant challenges from San Antonio’s defense throughout the match. In the third quarter, after promptly recovering a stray pass on their side of the court, Durant chose to forego a 3-pointer, instead passing the ball to Damian Jones in the lane. However, Gay thwarted Jones’ attempt at the rim.

Green has had a challenging few weeks. He injured his toe during the game against Memphis on Nov. 5 and was absent for the following two Golden State games. He returned to play against the Clippers, during which he had a conflict with Durant, leading to his suspension for the subsequent Warriors game versus Atlanta on Wednesday. Despite his injury, Green played the next night in Houston, but under a restricted number of minutes. However, he did not score any points.

“On Saturday, Kerr announced that they had decided to give him some time off. The duration of this break is uncertain due to the persistent nature of his toe injury. Both he and the training staff were of the opinion that they were not making progress by continuing to play him and that it was necessary to focus on his recovery,” Kerr stated.

On Sunday, Curry sat out his sixth consecutive game due to a strained left groin. It is anticipated that he will be out for at least another week before getting clearance to return. He was not present in Los Angeles for the game against the Clippers.

“Different and tough,” said Curry on Saturday, “Obviously, it’s disappointing not being able to play and it’s hard when you’re away from the team and something like that occurs.”

Curry was questioned about his belief that Durant and Green will make amends.

Curry commented, “Their relationship is embedded with a great deal of equity. They have jointly secured championships and have always managed to bring out each other’s best. This is the first incident of such magnitude that they’ve encountered, but I don’t believe their shared experiences and journey will be thrown off course by something like this.”

The Warriors are trying this season to join only the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls as franchises to win three consecutive NBA titles.

Curry stated that it will be the primary focus for the Warriors moving forward.

“This year presents us with the opportunity to do something exceptionally unique,” stated Curry. “There will be highs, lows, and obstacles, whether they’re self-imposed or external. Regardless, nothing should divert our attention from our ultimate goal.”

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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