Moody: “I always got that stay-ready mentality”

[+super-long catch up on notes & quotes!]

I’m going to do something crazy. I’m going to copy and paste all the notes & quotes since the last time I did that on this website. So, no, I still haven’t figured out how to put my work on here without cannibalizing my hours spent making sure the YouTube channel has a steady pipeline, and that includes trying to budget in the time to create game breakdowns (aka Xs and Os).

So this will be the longest Substack post ever (probably), but I also wanted to document — other than in the Description and Comments of each video upload, which can’t be found via Google search anyways — that I am actually still transcribing and aggregating pertinent Golden State Warriors information. And again, as you can see below, it’s all in “technical manual” format and therefore not so much entertainment. Defying all the journalism mantras, haha.

Obviously all you have to do is not scroll and scroll if you want to skip all the updates since, what, the Chicago Bulls game at the beginning of December? No biggie. I’m going to leave out all the previous video links other than today’s and the wonderful Christmas Game behind-the-scenes one, because you can simply find them on our YouTube channel. Here we go, starting with this morning at shootaround before the Charlotte Hornets game, all in reverse chronological order…

WARRIORS MORNING SHOOTAROUND

MOODY AT SHOOTAROUND

DISCLAIMER: These are all just notes for my main workflow of YouTube videos, tweeted by beatwriters, as listed, or transcribed by me (listed as such or credit left blank). 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) to the brains of DubNation asap.

• Moses Moody after morning shootaround on anything new since last time he was on the podium: “Nothing much...Christmas has passed...last time I was on the podium was on the road trip...trials and tribulations...Christmas Game...figure everything out and we're solid.”

• On what playing on Christmas was like: “Last year I was out with COVID...it felt like I played on Christmas before just watching my guys...being in the spotlight, it was my first time.”

• On what his day was like for the Christmas Game: “Got up in the morning...had my Joga session me and Looney got on there...watched a game or two (at my brother’s house with mom)...went back over to their house after the game.”

• On what his favorite Christmas present was: “Probably some shoes that haven't came in yet but they told me they ordered them on Christmas.”

• On if he follows the NBA rumor mill: “That's the community that I'm in...I don't necessarily pay attention to the rumors...but yeah when it goes down.”

• On the keys for the Warriors right now: “We play pretty well at home...our quote-unquote comfort zone...build back together and get that foundation right, this is the best place to do it.”

• On if he knows when Andrew Wiggins is coming back: “Nah, I don't.”

• On approaching the game differently when he knows he has an opportunity: “I wouldn’t necessarily say I approach it differently, just because I always got that stay-ready mentality, but definitely — well, I guess I will say that I approach it differently — knowing that I’m probably gonna play in the game rather than I might, might not. So it’s just being prepared, being ready, but it’s just that same mentality.”

• On what it’s like being back in the rotation: “I feel more comfortable out there. Once you get in a groove, get in a rotation then you know what you’re doing with, those guys on the floor, you know where they're gonna be at, you know who wants to switch. Just building that comfort level.”

• On Ty Jerome: “You guys can see it, just the way that he plays. Calm.

• On what changed from the losses in New York to the win on Christmas: “Each game kinda has its own obstacles...we had different guys in and out of the rotation. Donte...Klay...J-Mike...sometimes the ball bounces different ways...I don't necessarily have a direct answer on what it is.”

• On if it's mentality tough: “We’re missing guys, but anytime I'm going out on the floor I'm trying to win. Just knowing that’s the situation you gotta deal with, just like anything else in life.”

CHRISTMAS GAME BEHIND-THE-SCENES

WARRIORS-GRIZZLIES

• Steve Kerr praises Ty Jerome’s performance. (me, ABC7 News Bay Area)

• Ty Jerome on his hot streak: “A lot of those are created by the ball movement.” (me, ABC7 News Bay Area)

• Anthony Lamb: “You can see what we can really do when we’re super-locked in.” (me, ABC7 News Bay Area)

• Taylor Jenkins postgame recap; “They had better energy than we did. It’s as simple as that.”

• On JJJ and Brooks’ foul trouble: “their physicality/pace/ball movement was phenomenal.”

• On the many missed threes: “Trust the looks that we’re getting.”

• On the chirping vs focus: “That’s part of our focus and our edge, our swag and competitiveness.”

• On the difficult road trip: “We’re 1-3 and three of them we didn’t have the competitiveness.”

• Donte DiVincenzo postgame recap: “play our brand of basketball. Play with our energy.”

• On Klay’s tech after taunting Dillon Brooks: “Klay is crazy, man. He’s a funny guy. Plays with a lot of emotion. I love it.” (95.7 The Game)

• On the bench play: “Everybody that came off the bench tonight played very well..can’t be happy that we won one game…string some together.” (me)

• On this game similar to the blueprint of the Celtics game: “We were just playing the right way…When we’re locked in and playing for each other, we’re a damn good team…good job of responding…common denominator between those two games.” (me, 95.7 The Game)

• On the chirping between the teams: “A little bit of whatever went on last year…I love to see Klay’s emotions…celebrating his teammates.” (me)

• On Draymond: “Draymond’s doing what Draymond does. That’s night in and night out…anchor defensively…dialed in.” (me)

• On the threes: “Just getting comfortable, that’s all…certain sets, certain actions…just playing with a clear head.” (me)

• Klay Thompson postgame on taunting Grizzlies' Dillon Brooks: "Just some good old-fashioned trash talk. I don't think it warranted a technical but I forgot about the taunting rule. It's always fun to talk trash. We've been doing that since we were in middle school." (Ben Golliver)

• Klay says Jordan Poole deserves a lot of credit for tonight's win: “He’s doing his best Steph impression and it’s so wonderful to see.” (95.7 The Game)

• On Ty Jerome: “you’re not sure when you’re gonna get minutes…We would not have won the game without him.” (me)

• On Draymond: “When the lights are the brightest he’s gonna show up…we would not have the banners we do without Draymond Green.” (me)

• On the Grizzlies: “Ja…he’s their leader…they’re talented, we’re talented. We’re seasoned…We’re trying to hold these young bucks off as long as we can. We know it’s a tall task. It’s a long season. And it was a good night to send a message because you never know what (teams) you’re going to see down the road…whenever we play them there’s always fireworks.” (KNBR, me)

• On his performance: “Near double-double, no turnovers…never happy shooting 8-for-25…all good shots…huge milestone for me. I haven’t done this in four years…play in front of my mother, my brother…couldn’t have had a better Christmas.” (me)

• Ty Jerome postgame recap: “Big for everyone individually…scattered performances…now we have to build on it.”

• On calling everything down: “but not interrupting the flow…easiest buckets we can find are in transition…JK who can get out in the open floor and is a special athlete…coaching staff.”

• On having a big impact in Q4 when he came in: “It was awesome…important to get a win off the road trip…yes, Christmas Day…but we needed this win.”

• On being a vet and when he thought that: “Idk, I had this argument with Donte and he said he’s not a vet…if he’s not a vet I’m not a vet.”

• On extra something vs the Grizzlies: “tried to remind myself of what the game was gonna be like tonight…what dynamic you’re walking into…definitely a war tonight.”

• On the importance of this eight-game homestand: “I mean, we need wins. Simple as that.”

• Steve Kerr postgame recap: “It was an encouraging win...I just challenged the guys to build on it. We've got seven straight home games coming up. We've been great at home but we haven't really built a lot of momentum this year…It feels like it's time to turn it up. We gotta build on this.” (CJ Holmes, Madeline Kenney, 95.7 The Game)

• On the dynamic of the budding Warriors-Grizzlies rivalry: “There’s been a lot of chirping back and forth. It’s healthy. It’s good stuff.”

• On the bench play: “I thought that was the key to the game; every single guy who came off the bench played fantastic.” (me, CJ Holmes)

• On the Warriors' six technical fouls: "We have to be more poised, myself included. I can't get a tech right there." (Dalton Johnson)

• On JordanPoole: “He still has a level or two to go…reaching his ceiling…playing with poise, whether it’s the referees or turnovers.” (me)

• On DiVincenzo: “Donte was brilliant…take some of the pressure off the other guys (when guarding Ja)…scrappy…game-changer…found himself here in our system.” (me)

• On the Grizzlies: “It’s good for our guys to feel that threat…that confidence…Marc Gasol and Mike Conley and Zach (Randolph)…they way they’ve drafted and coached…they’ve got something special…both sides chirp back and forth.”

• On Klay Thompson’s taunt: "What has endeared him to his teammates is he just wants to win. He's such a competitor and doesn't often show emotions but the guy has always known, regardless of what's happening, Klay wants to win." (me, Madeline Kenney)

• On James Wiseman’s minutes vs Memphis: “He was great defensively. Great. Just patrolling the paint, staying in between the ball and the basket but still being able to cover the roll man, playing the cat and mouse game. He had several plays where he just went vertical, he’s in the right spot…that’s a big obstacle in your way if you’re a guard coming down. You’ve gotta score over the top of James. His ability to do that without fouling is crucial to his place in our rotation, on our team. That’s the beauty of his three weeks in Santa Cruz. They worked on that every single day. As I told you recently, you go to Santa Cruz, you get three or four great practices in a week. You play here and we got a game the next night. We got film and a walkthrough and you move on to the next one. He needs the reps…7 or 8 games. He’s made big strides.”(Anthony Slater, me)

• Anthony Lamb postgame on-court: “I love the energy from the fans…my teammates…got to see my mom and my brother.”

• On prepping for the Christmas Game: “The biggest thing is just locking into the game plan…didn’t have Steph or Wiggs…play a different way…Warriors way.”

• Steve Kerr at Warriors-Grizzlies pregame offered condolences to the family of his “good friend” and former NBA executive and UNLV assistant coach Mark Warkentein. (Marc Spears)

• Draymond Green (questionable with right foot soreness) should be ready to play, according to Steve Kerr. He went through the team’s walk through fine: “should be ready to play.” (Madeline Kenney, Dalton Johnson)

• On Wiggins: adductor strain has “lingered longer than we expected. With groin injuries, you have to be careful. Rick (Celebrini) told me if we brought him back too soon and he re-tweaked it, it could put him out a month. So we're just trying to be cautious...We're just trying to be cautious and give him an extra day or a couple of days, whatever it's going to take to get him back. So hopefully he'll play soon, but I can't tell you exactly when that is.” This will be his 10th straight missed game. The Warriors had this game as a target date for Andrew Wiggins’ return. Live action work is a must before returning. (KNBR, Dalton Johnson, Anthony Slater, Madeline Kenney, Kendra Andrews)

PRACTICE, DAY BEFORE GRIZZLIES (12/24)

• Donte DiVincenzo on his recent illness: “idk what it was but it was not fun. Still kind of have a little pressure, congestion’s…I’m ready to play…what we get paid the big bucks.” (me)

• On if there will be a minutes restriction for him during the Christmas Game: “I don’t think so. I haven’t been told anything…whenever I get called I go in.”

• On improvements the Warriors need to make: “that back-to-back was tough at the end of the road trip…everybody is battling something…we have to play hard…some of the errors we can make up by competing harder…execution, taking care of the ball…we have to play harder.” (me)

• On the drama of the Grizzlies WCS last season and if he saw it: “I watched it all…Mike Brown was coaching a good portion of the series…my energy is I’m rocking with the guys I’m rocking with…I’m getting thrown in the fire…have each other’s back. They’re gonna come out swinging…I know how those games get.” (me)

• Kevon Looney on the homestand: “Just get some wins…build good habits.” (me)

• On the challenges of the Grizzlies: “Their style of play is kinda completely different than ours…can’t turn the ball over. That’s what they thrive at. Great clash of styles…free-flowing offense…stick to our game plan and execute.” (me)

• On the budding rivalry between the Warriors and Grizzlies: "I wouldn't call it a rivalry yet, like Draymond says...But it's getting there. It's a lot of fun playing against those guys, history continues to build and it's a lot of fun playing against them.” (me, Madeline Kenney)

• On Ja’s confidence and saying there isn’t anyone in the West they’re worried about: “Good for him…we ain’t really worried about nobody else. We gotta get it on track before we start talking.” (me)

• On the Grizzlies being a test for Kuminga: “See where his development is from last year…we’re asking a lot from him. Pretty sure he’s gonna step up to the plate.” (me)

• Steve Kerr says Steph Curry has returned to the weight room and was able to get some shots up this morning. He’s still a ways away from returning to live action, though, Kerr says: “Everything seems to be going pretty smoothly.” (Kendra Andrews)

• On how he tells individuals about turnovers: “We talk to the whole team and we show film…you just can’t give away possessions in this league…passing and decision-making.” (me)

• On the importance of this eight-game homestand: “Because we’re hammered with injuries, this is not a case of where we gotta win a certain number of games…internal/incremental improvement…will lead to better habits…more wins…(gotta get through this) injury bug, illness bug.” (me)

• Donte DiVincenzo will play tomorrow against the Grizzlies, per Kerr. Andrew Wiggins and JaMychal Green are out. (Kendra Andrews)

PRACTICE, TWO DAYS BEFORE GRIZZLIES

• James Wiseman on having that run vs Brooklyn: “I was able to play through my mistakes...get some reps in.” (me)

• On the dip in spirit around the team: “Just pick each other up...hard times...don’t got all of our pieces.” (me)

• On the Memphis Grizzlies: “I'm super excited just playing against Memphis (hometown).” (me)

• On the Grizzlies frontcourt matchup: “Make sure that I match the intensity...physicality...it's gonna be a rebounding game for sure.“ (me)

• Draymond Green after practice on still being favored by Caesars Sportsbook to win the West: “No, that doesn’t surprise me at all. I think Caesars is probably tired of losing money, so I think it makes total sense.” (CJ Holmes)

• On the Warriors' road struggles: “You start going through these things and then you start believing them. Once you start believing them, it becomes who you are. The only way you can break that is to be mentally tough. And right now I think we're very fragile…I think this is a team that has struggled from the spirit perspective since then. It's a bit more frustrating. You can make what you want out of it being the whole road and home thing, but it’s mental. I think what I’ve seen from (us) is just a team struggling mentally. And when you struggle mentally, that makes it hard to overcome anything else…It's not something that's going to be fixed with the snap of a finger. You've got to work through these issues to get that confidence. It's just not showing up. As much as you'd like to think, 'Oh, we'll be fine and this guy will come back. ...' No, no, no. You've got to work (for) positive outcomes, positive feelings, that ultimately give you that boost of confidence.” (Kendra Andrews, CJ Holmes, Shayna Rubin)

• On the win over the Celtics being the blueprint: “Felt like a year ago…That game was really a blueprint game for us. When you look back at that win, it was one where you feel like you can build some momentum now and it's time to start turning the page. We did turn the page. It just went the wrong way as opposed to the right way.” (me, CJ Holmes, Kendra Andrews)

• On the points off turnovers against them: “Our defense has been awful…I was out there with a team I’ve never played with before…5 of your 9 rotation guys (out).” (me)

• On last year’s team rolling: “Last year you just kinda knew.” (me)

• On how to bounce back: “Positive outcomes…once you do…build last confidence.” (me)

• On the Memphis Grizzlies: “They have the same team for the most part. So you can pull some things from there. In saying that, that’s the same team that, a year later, there’s more confidence, more know how. Ja is way better. Saying that is crazy. Desmond Bane, when he was playing was much better than he was last year. You start to look at that team, there’s things you pull from because there’s similarities. But you still have to go out there and do it.” (me, Shayna Rubin)

• On how he feels about the possibility of the Warriors being a play-in team: “I feel bad for whoever the one or two seed is if we’re in that situation. I feel sorry who is the one or two seed…if we’re in a play-in situation. That would suck. That would suck a lot.…Is Steph Curry still on this team? Klay? Me? Wiggs? Loon? JP? I think we’ll be fine. Quite frankly if I was sitting in the one or two seed with those guys coming into my building, I don’t want to be there.” (Monte Poole, CJ Holmes, Kendra Andrews, me)

• Andrew Wiggins participated in Warriors practice today, per Draymond Green, who added with a smile that he didn’t know if he was supposed to share that info. (Monte Poole)

• Steve Kerr confirms that Andrew Wiggins participated in Warriors practice, as did Donte DiVincenzo. DiVincenzo should be available to play on Christmas. Wiggins is questionable. JaMychal Green did not practice. (CJ Holmes, Monte Poole)

• On the team’s struggles: “We lost nine of 11 last year in March. We were reeling quite a bit at that stage, and we bounced back…No. 1, you just have to stay the course, and No. 2, you rely on your recent history, you rely on the vets who have been there, who have been through these journeys…It’s really important the vibe in the room remains positive…culture…our vets understand that and our young guys are learning it”.” (CJ Holmes, me)

• On how important the homestand is: “Right now is about improving our play, improving the detail, taking care of the ball, transition defense, all the basic stuff that we know you have to be good at in order to win consistently. And then hopefully get healthy during the second half of the season, and lots of time to still accomplish what we want to accomplish…It’s very important, but the next 40 games after that are really important, too. I don’t think this is a make-or-break moment in the season or anything like that. We’re not too far away from the rest of the pack in the West. We know that we’re eventually going to have to kick it into gear and get on a run. But with Steph out, that’s a big challenge.” (CJ Holmes)

• On being 11th in the West: “I don’t think about any of that right now. We still have so many games left. And everybody is sort of bunched together. The biggest thing for us is just to start playing better, to put some consistency into our game and be able to rely on some things. As we do that, the picture will become clearer.” (Monte Poole)

• On the Christmas Game: “Anytime you play a team in the playoffs, a rivalry starts to form. If you want to talk historic rivalry, Lakers, Celtics, whoever else, has multiple playoff series. There’s a lot of respect, and with respect comes the chirping. It’s great for the fans and both franchises to be in the position that we’re in. They’re on the rise the last few years and we’re hoping to keep our run going and it’s an exciting matchup.” (Shayna Rubin)

WARRIORS-NETS (12/21)

0:00 • Kevin Durant postgame on 21-0 off turnovers in first half: “They play so fast…good position to get steals and deflections…made them rush a little bit, get turnovers.”

4:57 • On if he talked to Kerr about playing for Team USA: “I’m definitely not gonna make it now…I love my Team USA family…go on that platform in front of the world…definitely gotta think about it…it’s too early right now…in constant communication…I’ll have that conversation when it’s time.”

7:20 • [Nets Zoom call had technical issues] Ben Simmons on the 21-0 first half disparity in points off turnovers: “obviously they had some guys out…knowing Poole was gonna come out and get his.”

9:03 • Jacque Vaughn on calling a timeout after Draymond’s assist to Looney’s dunk: “take those opportunities to teach…all looked at the iPad together…we didn’t want to give up layups that way.”

• Patrick Baldwin Jr postgame recap: “They put 91 points on our head early…making an impact whenever you do get the opportunity…a lot of us did that tonight…started out well.”

• On the player development aspect of the game: “Playing time is nice but winning is better.”

• On guarding Durant: “Draymond said you got KD…a lot of guys stepped up

• On feeling hot: you’d like y to say its every shot…basketball is a game of rhythm…pretty easy to run with it

• On gelling: “Becoming more comfortable with each other…it’s gonna take time…we competed.”

• James Wiseman postgame recap: “We turned the ball over too much…lost on defense because we weren’t communicating…way better than last game.”

• On if he’ll go back to G League: “Idk about that yet.”

• On how it felt to get NBA reps: “I was in the G for a whole month…blessed…great feeling to have even though we got beat.”

• On development from Coach Milojevic: “Still working on a lot of stuff…most definitely…going to dinner, talking about basketball.”

• On what he did tonight: “Just being aggressive. Being demanding…I’m the post calling for the ball.”

• On PBJ: “He can most definitely shoot it.”

• On the team chemistry: “It’s hard not having Steph…execution.”

• Steve Kerr postgame recap: “Their first three buckets all came off turnovers…trying too hard to create plays…they made everything…13-for-19 from three, 2 turnovers…you lose by thirty.”

• On where they are: “As Bill Parcells says, you are what your record says.”

• On Jordan Poole forcing it: “he got in a rush. We’re gonna live with Jordan’s mistakes. He’s a young player…great talent and a great kid, really proud of his development…part of that development is having the best guy on him…Ben Simmons…game plan…different level that you have to reach…Jordan and Klay both, the simpler they play the easier the shots…been an issue for us…in Toronto they both were under control and relaxed…both guys trying to make up for the absence of Steph and Wiggs.”

• On Wiseman: “James did a great job tonight…let loose…Patrick Baldwin got hot…James was really efficient. Ty Jerome kind of connected everybody during that second half run…lose by thirty is a small consolation.”

• On the upcoming homestand: “Our spirit is fine…we have great guys. Right now we’re at that point where pretty much everyone goes through…hit rock-bottom…schedule…injuries…I have no doubt we’ll clean up our execution…turnovers.”

• Not really. He’s got a beautiful shooting stroke…there’s a reason we drafted him.”

• Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn at pregame says Kyrie is dealing with some calf tightness. He’s going to get checked out by the training staff and then the Nets will make a decision whether he’ll play or not vs. Warriors. (Nick Friedell)

• Reminder: No Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, JaMychal Green, Donte DiVincenzo or Andrew Wiggins tonight for the Warriors in Brooklyn. James Wiseman, who was questionable, has been upgraded to available. No update on when JaMychal Green and Donte DiVincenzo (non-COVID illness) will return to the lineup. (CJ Holmes)

• Starters tonight in Brooklyn: Jordan Poole, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney. Warriors have 10 available players (One over the minimum) tonight vs. Nets. The bench: Wiseman, Baldwin Jr, Jerome, Lamb and Rollins. (Madeline Kenney, Monte Poole)

• Steve Kerr says he might pull Kevin Durant aside tonight in hopes he plays for Team USA. (Dalton Johnson)

• On being 15-17: “Our margin for error gets slimmer as the season goes on…we’ve got to make a run here at some point. And we're confident that we can do that but with this kind of start…you're really vulnerable later on if you get another injury or something.” The Warriors are 12-2 at home, with an eight-game home stand coming up. (Kerith Burke)

hhh On the Nets under Jacque Vaughn: “It’s not a surprise to me that he’s doing well and that the team is doing well because it’s really a matter of health." (Kris Winfield)

• Nets rule Kyrie Irving out tonight with right calf tightness. (Alex Schiffer)

WARRIORS-KNICKS (12/20)

2:45 • Tom Thibodeau postgame recap: “Rebounding really stood out.”

4:11 • Game recap and what he thought went well: “Effort plays, the defense. Poole is a tough cover. The thing that makes them hard is they don’t stop moving. Draymond is so unique in the way that he can facilitate an offense. You can get the initial part right and there’s gonna be a second and third thing that are coming. And so you can’t relax, you gotta keep going. You gotta communicate and you have to make sure that you’re challenging shots and then you’re getting back to bodies and they’re quick to the ball. Klay puts a lot of pressure on you. Their young guys are tough and I thought that, when the ball is up on the board, Looney’s a problem. Lamb came in and he hit some threes. Moody hit some threes. Jerome came in off the bench, he caused some problems. That’s a team that plays real hard. It’s an championship-caliber team, a lot of pedigree there, so we knew we had to keep playing.”

7:14 • On the Knicks being prepared: “You’re faced with a challenge every night…To know Moody’s a guy you can’t give airspace to. Lamb is a guy you can’t give airspace to. Ty Jerome is very good in pick-and-roll and gonna get you on the hip and can shoot the ball; if you pressure him he’s gonna make you pay. So we gotta know those guys. I had the opportunity to coach Draymond and Klay and Steph with Team USA. I know how unique Draymond is. He’s an offense unto himself. His passing, screening, his vision is special. And they do a great job — don’t stop moving. I felt like, okay, this is our challenge and we gotta make sure everyone understands it. I love our team. I love the way they practice. I love the way the prepare, but we gotta know it keeps coming. We can’t exhale…improvement and how we can get better.”

8:36 • Julius Randle game recap: “It was a good win for us.”

13:36 • Jalen Brunson: “Talking more on the defensive end…Offensively, being unselfish off the ball.”

• Jordan Poole postgame recap: “They were hitting a lot of threes…hard to stop a team once they get going.”

• On tomorrow’s game at Brooklyn: “The best thing about the league is we got another game tomorrow…find a way to get a win.”

• On what to tell the youngsters after a tough game: “My first time playing here was in college…maybe there were a little jitters but we ended up winning the championship that year…work your entire life getting into the NBA…embrace it, it’s an amazing experience…always something positive you can take out of it.”

• On his message to the youngsters: “Work hard…whether you get two minutes in a game…there’s a challenge in everything that you do.”

• On concerns that key players are out: “We’re fine…connected…guys are gonna step up…long season…we’ll be fine.”

• Kevon Looney postgame recap: “A little too comfortable in the first half…gotta play better.”

• On what happened: “we had to match their physicality at the start and we didn’t do that.”

• On facing Brooklyn tomorrow on the back-to-back: “The last one on the road is always tough…learn…be better tomorrow…after a tough one we usually play be…play angry.”

• Steve Kerr postgame recap: “19 more free throws and 13 more field goal attempts, that’s virtually impossible…you’ve got to shoot about 75% to win.”

• On if they’re treading water: “Yeah we sank tonight…another game tomorrow.”

• On what they struggled with: “We weren’t physical enough in the first half…loose balls and offensive rebounds…three-point shots were really clean looks…but just couldn’t make a shot (in Q3)…we lost our spirit…if we could’ve converted a few times then it’s an eight-point game (not eighteen).”

• On if Klay is hurting from his sore knee: “You need to ask him.”

• On if he was disappointed with the young guys’ play: “These young guys are working their butts off every day…tough to see when things don’t get go well. At the same time, we gotta keep our energy and spirit up…they’re all so raw…not ready yet to figure out how to get each other shots…things will get better.”

0:00 • On what could’ve been improved: “We got a little loose the first half…both guys got a little bit out of control…they knew the scoring burden…less is more for those guys…if they can just get off the ball, things will open up…but you can’t fault the effort.”

0:59 • On calibrating during Steph’s absence: “We missed Donte and JaMychal…you need vets…let’s wait and see…maybe we get Wiggs back…rally the troops…this is one we can just forget about.”

• On Wiggins returning: “I was thinking the next home game…Christmas game…keep him to give him a few more days…Klay won’t play tomorrow.”

• Steve Kerr pregame on Warriors starters tonight: Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson, Moses Moody, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney. (all beatwriters)

• Kerr expects Jonathan Kuminga to be available if all goes well after warmups. Just watched him finish his warmup with the most nonchalant 360-dunk imaginable, so yes, I’d expect him to play. (Dalton Johnson)

• On keys to beating the Knicks: “We gotta get stops…find the combination that clicks when Jordan is off the floor…a few guys who can knock down a shots.” (me)

• On injuries: “Continuity is important. We have been really lucky to have long-term continuity…if you’re lucky enough to stay healthy during a season with your core guys then it’s easier to kind of get through the rough patches.” (me)

• Patty Mills is back at practice and will be available again against the Warriors. He missed the last two games because of a non-Covid illness. (Nick Friedell)

• Donte DiVincenzo is doubtful for the Warriors tonight. Non-COVID illness. He’s been playing well as a spot starter. Jonathan Kuminga and Klay Thompson are probable with left knee soreness. Andrew Wiggins remains out with a strained adductor. (Anthony Slater, Madeline Kenney)

• JaMychal Green is also unlikely to play tonight for the Warriors with a non-COVID illness, I’m told. Donte DiVincenzo already listed as doubtful with the same. Thinning rotation. Could open extra opportunity for Moody and Wiseman. (Anthony Slater)

• Donte DiVincenzo downgraded to out with non-COVID illness. JaMychal Green is also out (health and safety protocols). Klay Thompson will be available tonight. (Madeline Kenney)

NETS-PISTONS (12/18)

0:00 • Kyrie Irving on Durant from Nets postgame 12/18 at Detroit: “I don’t take it for granted…performances like this on a continual basis.”

6:15 • On seeing Steph and Klay: “Hey Steph, please get healthy brother…Anytime we get a guy back in our league that has been through a journey that a lot of people don’t necessarily know about behind-the-scenes, how much it takes, how much sacrifice it takes to put your body, your mind, your spirit through all the rigors he had. Sitting on the sidelines, going through every emotion with something that you love to do as a living. It’s a job for us, it’s work, but we love to do it, especially the ones that separate themselves. Klay’s one of those who always wanted to separate themselves from the league. He’s a great winner. He’s a team player and he has an edge about him that pushes his opponents. For us and this brotherhood that we have, as well as the sisterhood, we believe that anybody that’s coming back from an injury and they haven’t been back for two years, we gotta give them grace, we give them patience. And we give them a lot of confidence, whether we’re going against him or not. So I’m always appreciative when we can go against guys that have been through bottom of the mountain to the top of the mountain. He has, winning a championship the way he did. And as you can tell, just how long-winded this answer is, I love him and just want to see him do well. So for him to come back to Brooklyn and play against us and me going against him, a fellow number 11 as well, it feels good. But when we step on that court, you know it’s all competition.”

12:20 • Kevin Durant on if this is the best stretch he’s had in his career: “Mentally I understand the game a little bit more. I’m not too surprised by anything that’s thrown at me. I could say I’m on a different level mentality-wise than I was as a younger player…I’m having fun, I’m knocking down some shots right now…I try not to compare.”

WARRIORS-RAPTORS (12/18)

• Nick Nurse postgame recap: “Our schemes were to protect the paint off Draymond…(his threes) gave them juice and confidence…cutting and passing…moving faster than we were.”

• Fred Van Vleet game recap: “Draymond hit three threes in a row to start the game…They’re a championship team…I’m not sure we’re built to outscore 126.”

• Draymond Green postgame on Jordan Poole: “His effort on the defensive end carried over to the offensive end.”

• Game recap: “Good to get that first one…we have the blueprint…usually when you play good basketball, the shots will reward you.”

• On blocking out the noise, Raptors struggling: “you just gotta stay committed to each other. You’ll hear noise about this guy should be getting traded…attitude to your teammates…re-center your focus…the game rewards you, the talk stops…enjoy basketball.”

• On what they’re doing right: “when you move the ball, you get great shots.”

• Jordan Poole postgame on Steph’s absence: “Everybody needs to step up when a leader goes down…overall a really good team effort.”

• On if it’s a challenge with Curry out: “I look at everything as being a challenge…gotta play a little bit different when Steph’s out…play team ball.”

• On surpassing the 40-point mark: “It feels good. We were talking about that on the bench…39…getting over the hump…giving me crap about it…hopefully this gives us a push to keep it going.”

• On how he gives and gets advice: “I’m just an outlet if everyone wants to asks questions…at the same time I’m also asking these older guys questions…middle child.”

• Kevon Looney postgame recap: “Games just get tougher as we go…needed the win for confidence/morale…momentum.”

• On if he’ll shoot a three: “Seems like it’s coming soon.”

• On his double-double: “more aggressive…especially with Steph being out.”

• On keys to the game: “defense and not turning the ball over…get our defense set…really good transition team. We know what it takes to win…put a whole game together.”

• On Jordan Poole: “He was awesome…didn’t force anything…he’s a special player.”

• On winning without Steph: “It just shows how good we can be…People gotta step up.”

• On being older than the younger guys: “In the locker room the role is just to being everybody together…relay the culture…the older guys taught me…been through what they’ve been going through.”

• Steve Kerr postgame on Jordan Poole: “Set the tone, he just carried us.”

• On Draymond’s 3s: “You know it. You know it…Draymond’s amazing…let it fly.”

• On must win: “I don’t like the term must-win until you have three losses in a playoff series.”

• On the slip cuts: “Anytime you’re making threes…it opens up the game. The defense has to come out.”

• On the Raptors also struggling: “Your culture has to sustain when you’re losing.”

• On how tough it is to play in Toronto: “The way I always come in here is, people love basketball.”

• On Klay saying he showed them highlights of FC Barcelona: “Years ago I showed the guys some highlights of Tiki-taka…there are a lot of parallels…they tend to listen more (when it’s not about basketball).”

• On other film he’s shown the team besides FC Barcelona: “Tennis…You can tell who has control of the point.”

• On Draymond’s pass that was supposed to go to Donte: “It wasn’t a play. We play a lot out of concepts…I’m thinking about showing the guys croquet tomorrow.”

• Jordan Poole on-court postgame on not having Steph: “We were just connected…in terms of my mindset I’m playing the same way…a little more time lining things up.”

• On being a five-level scorer: “credit it to my teammates…getting these guys open…picking my spots…it’s tough once I get it going early.”

• On starting off the game well by creating: “see how they’re guarding me…with Steph out…we weren’t turning the ball over…transition on the defense…connected.”

• On Stefon Diggs: “big fan of him not only on the field…swag.”

• On his dance in the second quarter: “I’m glad you asked. S/O fo the 414…S/O Certified Trapper…2-0 in Japan and 1-0 in Toronto, so whatever foreign action we got going on.”

• “Hell yeah” Steve Kerr watched the World Cup Final today. (Madeline Kenney)

• Madeline Kenney to Steve Kerr: "Do you ever feel like a broken record talking to the team about limiting turnovers and guarding without fouling?"

Kerr to Kenney: "Yes. Do you feel like a broken record constantly asking the question?" (CJ Holmes)

• Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, both listed as probable for tonight in Toronto, are warming up. If they get through without issue, they’ll be good to go tonight, Kerr says. (Madeline Kenney)

• On how to load manage: “We have to stay disciplined…to go deep in the playoffs you gotta have a bench…with James we felt like a few weeks in the G League would be good for him…looking much sharper…and Moses is finding his way…I like all the three guys.” Kerr calls Jonathan Kuminga a "defensive stopper putting him on the best player." (me, Dalton Johnson)

• On still running the Warriors’ offense: “Play a game that suits your style…based on Steph, Klay and Dray (but now also on the young guys). (me)

PRACTICE, DAY BEFORE RAPTORS (12/17)

• Andrew Wiggins after a hard practice in Toronto: “I’m getting better. I’m taking it day-by-by and hopefully I’ll be back on the court soon.” (Madeline Kenney)

• On when might that be? “I’m not sure. I’m out here practicing, putting in a lot of work, getting better.” (Madeline Kenney)

• On Steph’s absence: “We’re out there to win. Steph is Steph. Steph is irreplaceable. But next-man up mentality and everyone’s had to step up and give it all, play their heart out, play together. Obviously not one guy can replace Steph. He is who he is… We got to do it together every game and just got to go out there win.” (Madeline Kenney)

• Steve Kerr said it’s “doubtful” Wiggins will play in either of the back-to-back games in NYC: There’s “an outside chance he plays one of those games,” but it seems more likely that Wiggins won’t get in a game until the team returns to the Bay for an eight-game homestand: “With a groin, if you reaggravate it, now you’re talking weeks, and so we’re going to be cautious. And unless we feel great about it, [he] probably wouldn’t play until we get home.” (Madeline Kenney)

• On Klay: “When you get older and you’ve had injuries, you’re more prone to pain. And then when you get to 57, everything hurts but fortunately Klay’s only 32. So he’s 25 years away from where I am right now. He was a little sore last night, he played through it, he’s feeling better today. And should be good to go [Sunday.]” (Madeline Kenney)

WARRIORS-SIXERS (12/16)

12:50 • PJ Tucker postgame recap: “our energy and effort…like Coach Spo (Erik Spoelstra) says, ‘Enjoy somebody else’s success’…good karma…our spirit has gotten better.”

13:40 • On adjustments made; “We came out kinda sleepy…big fella just turned into an All-Star.”

14:00 • On Harden: “Being able to orchestrate and getting everybody involved…big fella gets going..,James really dictating.”

14:30 • On Embiid: “literally dominate a game at all levels…pushing the ball in the open court.”

15:15 • Embiid rejoins the podium with Tucker, jokes about a song Joel chose.

0:00 • Doc Rivers postgame: “They came out and they wanted to prove a lot and they did that. DiVincenzo, I kept seeing a Villanova jersey. He was phenomenal…I didn’t think we played with great life tonight, but we won the game so we’ll take it.”

• On the game changing in Q3: “We played a swipe game overall.”

• On the rotations and absences: “We got the late scratch for Tobias (Harris)…Shake (Milton) played the entire quarter…Matisse at the 4.”

2:10 • On Harden not being trapped: “He can go downhill…Golden State starting switching some…Kuminga (on Embiid), but you throw the ball to Joel, you’re in trouble.”

• On injuries, Danuel House: “I actually wanted to start him for shooting…on the floor literally for conditioning.”

• On Harden: “He’s an elite passer. We forget how good he is…we forget, this guy is one of the greatest players that ever played…to do that you have to pass.”

• On De’Anthony Melton: freaky long arms.

5:00 • On the injuries for both teams: “They had a ton of guys out (but we did too).”

7:40 • Joel Embiid on what they’re doing better: “play fast…go from the first action to the second action, even to the third action…we still got a lot to improve on.”

8:22 • On pace: “You wanna be able to push…it really starts with James (Harden)…the ball is not sticking.”

9:10 • On (someone influential in his life who attended the game): “I’d probably be playing volleyball somewhere…somewhere in Europe…just a great human being.”

10:25 • On having to mix and match people due to injuries: “Obviously we’re missing our best player in Tyrese (Maxey)…(laughs at his own sarcasm)…we’ve got enough talent…Shake…’Tise…D-House…George…everybody just knows how to play…doing their job.”

11:00 • On adjustments: “Just trying to be more physical…they were on fire…at some point you kinda knew they weren’t gonna do that all night…I was coming up a little too high…then again that’s what they’re good at. Looney and Kuminga making plays…we just became more physical.”

• Jordan Poole postgame on Wiseman: “gives us an extra option…having a target above the rim, it’s huge.”

• On his role: “play my game, try to lead these guys to a couple wins…rhythm…if we can get some good mojo going home…fight…down the stretch.”

• On what he liked about the game: “we were moving the ball…Donte had some big threes, Anthony (Lamb) had some big threes.”

• On pace: “definitely a point of emphasis, personally…bring the ball up and kinda see the offense…different coverages…use these games as reps as trying to put my teammates in good situations.”

• On looking back at Steph’s missed three months: “lock in, stay together…different lineups…more than confident with the guys we have…it’s only a matter of time…we’ll get on a run.”

• On De’Anthony Melton: “We saw him on Memphis last year…he’s been playing real good this season…more minutes…battle throughout the night…you’re from Philly so you know he’s a good defender…competitive edge…always a challenge.”

• On being 4/9 on threes, getting rhythm back: “just keep shooting the same shots that I’ve been shooting…I practice…I shot seven threes last game. It felt the same.”

• On the fewer free throws this season: “You’re asking the wrong person, bro…politically correct answer.”

• Donte DiVincenzo on returning to Philadelphia and the Villanova championship banners: “I always point it out to my teammates when I come back here.” (me)

• On his hot shooting: “I’m not thinking of, ‘I need to get five threes tonight because I’m home.’” (me)

• On Wiseman: “When you’re watching Loon, Loon sets such hard screens. I told him…he’s always telling me, ‘Just throw it up, I’ll go get it.’”

• On Wiseman’s development: “If he’s just getting 1% better, he’s doing his job…talking on defense. The points, we’re not too worried about…communicating on that back line.”

• On Wiseman’s impact on the floor: “It changes on that weak side…it’s a different look from Loon…with James because he’s so big and athletic…they need to help.”

• On his integration with the team: “I’m just settling in, if you will. Still trying to fully get there…it’s a process…new guys.”

• On Curry’s slap on the butt: “I didn’t even know he did that…Steph’s my guy. He’s an amazing leader, an amazing person…builds a lot of confidence in not only JP but also myself…he also knows I’m very hard on myself.”

• On the next few weeks being vital: “just keep things stable. We’ll get Dray, we’ll get Wiggs back…stay solid, stay stable…once he gets back he’ll take us to the next level…we’ll have a rhythm together.”

• On his return to Philadelphia and seeing family: “Too many…my aunt and uncle I saw and my cousins…really good to see family.”

• Kevon Looney postgame recap: “We didn’t turn the ball over…getting guy open shots.”

• On Donte: “back in Philly came out with a level of excitement.”

• On Dejan Milojevic: “Teaching me how to finish inside…going strategic on the rebounding…become more elite at it. I’ve been pretty good in the pocket.”

• On Poole: “sometimes when he doesn’t get it going in the first half he might get down on himself…second half took over and gave us that punch…shows up in big games and big moments. With Steph out there’s gonna be a lot on his shoulders and I think he’s ready for it.”

• On if they ever advise Poole: “We mention it from time to time…he kinda knows…when he needs to stop playin’ and when he needs to lock in…got everybody involved.”

• On the near triple-double: “I thought JP was gonna make the last three…I just knew the way how much attention JP and Klay draw…JP was hitting me in the pocket.”

• On what the next month is like, holding onto a .500 record? “We just wanna hold the fort down…not having Draymond or Wiggs tonight was kinda big…we still have a lot of firepower…figure out how to win on the road…is the biggest hurdle.”

• On Donte: “He was happy to go back to Milwaukee…Philly…all day today he was excited…he won some titles here…just couldn’t get the win for him.”

• Steve Kerr postgame: “didn’t like the fouling…Harden and Niang (three pointers)…there’s your game (FGA).” (me)

• On Poole: “much better…poised…better job of not getting frustrated…the game turned for him. He obviously carried us for much of the game.” (me)

• On Klay: “Tough night…his knee was bothering him at shootaround…maybe rushed a couple…he’ll bounce back.” (me)

• On the DiVincenzo to Wiseman alley-oop: “the ball movement, the action. James did a really nice job on both ends…made himself available…they just stayed back with them and…we got three or four open threes…cat and mouse on pick and roll…picked up a lot over the last few weeks with all the practice in Santa Cruz and…reps…he’ll be with us the rest of the trip for sure and we’ll re-evaluate at that point…he gives us something that we otherwise don’t have…I like being able to play him and have him impacting games that are meaningful. That’s an important part of his development.” (me)

• On Donte’s hot shooting: “Coming home is always fun. You knew Donte would come out with energy…bringing life to the game…moved the ball.” (me)

• On bench, on the Finals, on Klay playing b2b: “We have about ten people who work full-time in the performance group…when they tell me they should play the first game we play them the first game…you always want to talk about the Finals in the middle of the season. We’re trying to win a road game, so I’m not talking about the Finals. We know what we have to do to get better…young guys develop…we’re gonna have to be healthy…get better defensively. At some point we have to play without fouling.” (me)

• On what Donte has progressed the most in: “It’s always difficult going to a new team…terminology, tendencies of teammates…love how hard he plays. I love the passion…guys really love playing with him.” (me)

• On Andrew Wiggins’ injury: "I think there's a chance" Andrew Wiggins returns on Sunday against the Raptors. Wiggins was hopeful in a conversation with Kerr today. He's missed the last six games with an adductor strain. (Anthony Slater)

• On Wiseman seeing Looney’s assists and picking up some of those responsibilities: With James, we’re just trying to keep things simple…Loon was not really much of a passer his first few years…keeping James as a dive-man, lob threat…working hard, keep moving forward, he’s gonna be great.” (me)

• No Klay Thompson update. Steve Kerr at pregame presser says they’ll know if he can go after warmups. (Dalton Johnson)

• On playing without Stephen Curry: "When people get injured, it always opens up opportunities for other players and sometimes you discover something you otherwise wouldn't. So hopefully, that's the case and a couple guys surprise us and give us a lift." (me, Kendra Andrews)

• On when he heard Steph Curry did not need surgery: “Basically the next day. I got a call from Rick (Celebrini)…try to tread water and keep it together until he’s back.” (me)

• On Draymond Green’s right quad contusion: “minor.” Warriors expect Draymond to play in Toronto on Sunday. (Dalton Johnson, CJ Holmes)

• On Wiseman’s availability: “I’ll get James Wiseman out there tonight.” (Dalton Johnson)

• Doc Rivers pregame on the Warriors: “We don’t worry about them. We worry about ourselves. They run a lot of the same things. They’re still gonna have a lot of movement…dribble handoffs…the difference is they don’t have Steph.” (me)

• On preparing for the Warriors: “We just had a practice run the other day because Sacramento does a lot of the same stuff…taking away the back cuts…but that’s, like, a team that’s good at it, now you go to the teacher. They’re great at it. They have these abilities when they get it going — and it doesn’t matter if Steph’s on the floor or not…they can run off twenty points on you in a second and that’s why you have to be disciplined.” (me)

• Klay Thompson added to the Warriors’ injury report this morning with right knee soreness. He has thin pre-wrap on it at shootaround and going through normal drills. Questionable vs Sixers. He’s getting work after shootaround this morning in Philadelphia. Draymond Green is, too. He’s also questionable. (Anthony Slater, Dalton Johnson)

• Stephen Curry after morning shootaround: “From what I know about shoulder injuries, any time you can avoid surgery, it’s great news.” Says he needs to “Trust the process — no pun intended on where we are” — in terms of getting back. (Tim Bontemps, Dalton Johnson)

• Curry says there was a sense of relief about not having to have surgery on his shoulder. Said it “changed the whole conversation” about the situation with everyone involved, knowing he’d be back sooner rather than later. Has to wait out the pain before more extensive rehab. Front end of this healing process will be slower than back end: “Surgery would’ve been 4-6 months. Nobody was trying to deal with that right now.” He said surgery was ruled out after MRI. (Tim Bontemps, Anthony Slater)

• The first 7-10 days are generally about pain control and resting the soft tissues around the shoulder. Then progressive work can begin on restoring motion, strength, and then functional work on the court. Surgery for shoulder instability typically involves arthroscopic repair of the capsule/labrum that is injured when the shoulder comes out of the joint. On MRI extensive tearing of the labrum and bony injury usually will dictate surgery. The goal is to have a shoulder which is pain-free and stable. Multiple factors usually go into the decision about surgery versus non-surgery taking that overall goal into consideration; especially in-season. (Nirav Pandya)

• Curry says the Warriors have a sense of urgency to figure themselves out, which doesn’t change while he’s sidelined. (Tim Bontemps)

• Curry says he doesn’t think his off-arm won’t allow him to get back any sooner, but will help his feel when he does come back as he won’t have to reacclimate himself to anything. He said he will have to deal with managing the injury even once he returns. Mentioned there will always be a level of instability. Compared it to his hand injury a couple years ago. (Tim Bontemps, Anthony Slater)

• Is surgery something Steph Curry might consider after the season? “Not right now. (The shoulder) will let me know if it’s necessary or not (after returning).” (Anthony Slater)

• Is it the goal for the Warriors to maintain a .500 record for when Steph Curry returns? “That’s always a good soundbite because it gives you something to key on. But where we’re at, we just want to win a road game.” (Anthony Slater)

• Draymond Green is out tonight against the Sixers. Right quad contusion. Golden State will also be without Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins. (Anthony Slater, CJ Holmes)

KERR ON 95.7, DAY BEFORE 76ERS (12/15)

• Steve Kerr on weekly radio interview, on Draymond’s ejection: “It's frustrating, but I'm okay with it...Draymond is who he is. You can't embrace the passion, desire, and competitiveness that leads to championships and then separate that from the ejections... It doesn't work that way. It's all a part of the package. I love Draymond. He's the ultimate champion, the ultimate winner. He lives on the edge in this league: sometimes he goes over and he always comes back. I'm good with it. I will ride with Draymond forever.” (95.7 The Game)

• On Steph Curry’s injury: “I have no idea how long [Steph] will be out. I'm just relieved it's not more serious and that he will be back. That was good news today…The good news is that Steph will be back with lots of season left and it doesn't feel like anybody's running away with the West. As long as we can stay within striking range, we feel good about our team when we're healthy.” (95.7 The Game)

• On the young guys stepping up: “This isn't a case where you can just say, 'Steph's out, let's just play all of our young guys.' You have to find the right combinations...that's what we have to figure out…When guys go down, there’s always opportunity for other players and that will be the case here. We’re gonna have to hold down the fort. It’s not going to be easy. It's been a rough go anyway, even with Steph.” (95.7 The Game)

• On calling up Ryan Rollins and James Wiseman: “They're taking the red eye tonight, which is not easy, so hopefully they'll get some sleep on the plane. They will be suited up for tomorrow night.” (95.7 The Game)

• Kerr says he loves what Brock Purdy is doing, but there’s something to be said for players who come in with 4 years of collegiate experience. Kerr says it’s comparable to the NBA/other sports, players without that experience come in and struggle, need more reps. (Kylen Mills)

WARRIORS-PACERS (12/14)

• Moses Moody postgame on if he takes pride in taking charges and staying ready: “it’s just an instinct for me.”

• On what was discussed at halftime: “Times like this is a test for your team and your resilience…you could either start pointing fingers and get down or you could have what it takes to fight back.”

• On if he talked to Steph Curry yet: “Nah I didn’t.”

• On what he works on: “Aren’t necessarily things that I use right now…do what I need to do to run the system.”

• On his role: “Try to guard and move my feet.”

• On the team’s resiliency: “Sends a message knowing we can be down at half time…we’re willing to fight back.”

• Donte DiVincenzo recap: “We needed more energies…there’s a standard playing for the Golden State Warriors…we should be playing like Warriors.”

• On Stephen Curry’s injury: “Haven’t talked to him.”

• On his rhythm on the shots: “Just trying to pick my spots…it’s gonna be an all-year thing.”

• On Moses Moody: “Moses is the youngest professional…he’s mature as hell…damn good defense…he shoots that thing…poised.”

• On the rotations: “it was more that spirit thing…energy.”

• On what to do in Steph’s absence: “that movement I talked about, swinging the ball…stay aggressive, not just look to pass the whole time and look for Klay, look for Jordan. Everybody be aggressive, but move that thing as much as possible to keep the defense scrambling.”

• Steve Kerr postgame on Steph Curry’s injury: “He’s gonna get an MRI…we’ll see how it is tomorrow…just trusted their judgment (performance staff)…haven’t had a chance to go into detail with them…Steph’s always a guy with a great outlook on life so he’s in good spirits.” (me)

• On Steph’s performance: “He just basically put us on his shoulders…generating so much offense…getting the ball to other people…guys did a great job of fighting…we couldn’t get stops but our guys were battling…I didn’t like the first half…we were feeling sorry for ourselves.”

• On what he told the team at halftime: “My message to the team was this is about competing…weathering the storm…you just gotta persevere…it’s a long season…confident…if we’re healthy we can beat anybody…we’ve proven that…our job is to get there…navigate this season…JK and Moses did a great job…so fun to see them grow…find rotations that make sense…just keep fighting…feel good about our team long-term…rocky.”

• On starting Kuminga in the second half: “We had to change the feel, the vibe of the game. JK gave us a really good boost.”

• On Moody: “I’m really pleased with his play over the last couple weeks…what’s made this year tricky is that you’ve got different guys out, different combinations and a lot of new people so we’re trying to find the right combinations.”

• On Moody taking a lot of charges: “It takes a toughness and it takes some teaching…shoulders square and you gotta have your feet set…good feel for the game.”

• On Jordan Poole struggling: “just to slow down…sometimes it’s the guys with the most ability…make the most mistakes…he’s so fast and shifty that he’s frequently getting himself into trouble…all gonna come with experience, he’s still a young player…wasn’t the best shooting night, but he kept playing…everybody’s energy and body language, it just fuels the rest of the guys…bring that juice…can’t let mistakes or results affect you.”

• Steve Kerr pregame says Stephen Curry (knee) and Draymond Green (ankle) will play tonight, as long as there are no issues in warmups. We don't know who will start in place of Klay Thompson tonight just yet, Kerr won't reveal his starters. Keep in mind, Jordan Poole has already been starting in place of Andrew Wiggins. (CJ Holmes)

• On the Draymond Green fan incident last night in Milwaukee: "There has to be a line that people can't cross, and that line is fairly obvious.” Kerr hasn’t spoken with Draymond about last night’s incident. (CJ Holmes, Dalton Johnson)

WARRIORS-BUCKS (12/12)

• Steph Curry on his technical tonight after a non-call: “Any time the defender is asking ‘are you alright?’ and the ref says ‘I didn’t see anything,’ that’s a funny situation.” (Anthony Slater)

• On being .500: “We’re not that far off. Game 10 I probably said something different: ‘We’ve got a long way to go. We’re not a good team at all.’ I won’t say that now. We’re right there. We just have to do it.” (Anthony Slater)

• Draymond Green claims the fan in Milwaukee said "threatening stuff to my life" before getting ejected. (95.7 The Game)

• Steve Kerr postgame recap: “not a good showcase for the league.” (me)

• On the free throw disparity: “Ifs not only free points for the other team, it means we have to go against a set defense…been an issue all season.” (me)

• On what the Bucks were doing successfully: “Jevon Carter set a great tone…all over the ball…good scheme…drop their bigs…fight real hard on the pick and roll…they force you into a lot of midrange stuff.” (me)

• On Brook Lopez: “always a good rim protector…camped in the lane.” (me)

• On the physicality and scheme: “That’s a big strong team, that’s kind of their identity…we came into this game last in free throws and…allowed…with that kind of size at the rim it’s gonna be tough for us…gotta bounce back quickly.” (me)

• O lm what happened with the technical: “I was already mad at several calls in the paint..,officials already admitted that…we were on the bad end of things to start the game…Steph Curry gets hit on the head…that needs to be called. That’s Steph Curry. You can’t miss that…if Steph gets a technical, he definitely got fouled.” (me)

• On the problems on the road: “Our defense is good at home and bad on the road.” (me)

• On if anyone will rest on the back-to-back tomorrow: “No, I haven’t thought about it.” (me)

• Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer tells reporters Khris Middleton is going to be able to play tonight, but the Bucks will be without Jrue Holiday, who is out with a non-COVID illness. (Eric Nehm)

• Steve Kerr starts his pregame press conference sending his thoughts and condolences to the Silas family. (Dalton Johnson)

• Draymond Green (ankle) is available to play tonight after being probable on the injury report. The Warriors will start Green, Stephen Curry, Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney. (Dalton Johnson, Kendra Andrews)

• On Looney and the Milwaukee connection: “He gets loose every once in a while, he'll have a really fun play where he'll show his ball-handling skills and spin dribble around somebody and everybody will be yelling Milwaukee Loon.” (Kerith Burke)

• On the Giannis/Curry matchup: “I hope Giannis is here his whole career and I hope Steph is with us his whole career.” (Dalton Johnson)

WARRIORS-CELTICS (12/10)

• Kevon Looney on-court postgame recap: “Defense and our energy on that end…we didn’t turn the ball over.”

• On Klay’s defense: “He’s a competitor. He looks forward to those types of matchups.”

• On his 15 rebounds and 2 blocks: “I just wanted to go out there and set the tone. I knew it was gonna be a physical game…be the anchor on the defensive end.”

• On Steph’s look-away bomb: “Steph is gonna be Steph. He amazes me every day and I’m glad he’s my teammate.”

• Jaylen Brown: “Klay was just flying around.” (me)

• Jayson Tatum on loss to Warriors: "Tonight was more meaningful to you [media] guys than it was to us. It was one game ... It's not going to dictate our season." (Ben Golliver)

• Steph Curry on a necessary game: “All things considered yeah. Great team coming in…haven’t had a solid 48 minutes…knowing we can still get to that level. The challenge is obviously to sustain it.” (me)

• On Klay: “I know he’s motivated coming out of the game in Utah…Tatum, trying to make it difficult on him…the game was connected. When you’re locked in defensively…usually you’re rewarded with looks and a good rhythm and flow.” (me)

• On Draymond saying it was a statement win in the tunnel: “Just gives you the recipe on the intensity and focus you have to have to beat a team like that….how hard it is to win on the road. We haven’t done that all season…give ourselves a chance knowing we haven’t been able to sustain that level…wanna feel good about ourselves getting on that plane.” (me)

• On if Klay’s pin-block surprised him: “showing he’s capable on that end…you could tell there was a little different energy about him…scored 34 points in the process too.” (me)

• On why it’s been a challenge to lock in for 48 minutes: “A lot of reasons…temperature check…subtle adjustments…takes awhile…meanwhile you’re trying to win games…since that 3-7 start…the stars are playing well and everybody that’s coming off the bench understands their role…interesting…preseason…different weapons…as of late, eight-plus deep and that’s how we’re trying to right the ship.” (me)

• On if he’ll change to the purple shoes again: “(Long pause)…probably won’t see (those) again…since you said it that’s why I changed into them at halftime of Game 5 and they stayed undefeated.” (me)

• On Kuminga improvement: “A focus on defense…energy…out working people…things you can control on the court…he can pick and choose his spots…spacing…decisive…there’s a lot of confidence that comes with that…and then you’re rewarded for that…he’s showing that he’s trustworthy…he didn’t get any minutes in the Finals…he belonged out there.” (me)

• On this game being necessary to see to bolster the confidence: “The competitor in you says these games obviously matter…you’re a force to be reckoned with…if you lose it’s not the end of the world but it does matter…for what playoff basketball is like…build as much of a presence…assess the team as it stands…foreshadow what a playoff series would kind of look like.” (me)

• On remembering when Klay last had a pin-block and his importance on defense: “Well, he said four years…I don’t remember…connecting both sides of the floor…for him to have a defensive energy and presence…pretty loud 34-point night, that’s the Klay Thompson that helps us get to the next level.”

• Jonathan Kuminga postgame on comfort over the last 8-10 games: “the team wanted me to be more comfortable…helping the team to even get better as long as I’m growing as a player.” (me)

• On Draymond going over stuff with him: “He was telling me I was playing good defense but I gotta learn certain tricks…don’t gotta do a lot of jumping…a mental thing…know how to think…end up getting steals.” (me)

• On the dunk on Tatum: “I wasn’t going for the dunk…coach drew a play for me…make things happen…especially as a young player…you got Steph and Klay and Draymond on the floor…make something happen.” (me)

• On being excited about that: “It’s the game of basketball…I don’t really think about what they do or who they are.” (me)

• On defending JT and JB: “Taking stuff away…knowing what they like to do on the floor…they like to go left or right…when I go back to watch film.” (me)

• On Wiggins’ absence: “I was playing when Wiggs was still there…didn’t have nothing to do with me playing better…especially with Wiggs out gotta put more pressure on helping the team win.” (me)

• On his defense: “I’m confident of guarding anybody in the league. I’m not saying I’m going to stop him for 48 minutes…end up stopping him from getting 30 and him getting 25 (vs someone who averages 30, for example).” (me)

• On picking up 94 feet: “nobody ever told me to pick up…just a mentality…don’t matter if I get embarrassed…slow them down.” (me)

• On what Andre said: “He said I was literally right by the rim…I saw JaMychal first…but I was by the rim.” (me)

• On if that play translated to the next: “I’m not perfect, I’ll mess up some things…the coaches are gonna remember the play that I messed up.” (me)

• Jordan Poole on heading into the road trip tonight's win: “Big win against a really good team…execute.” (me)

• On shaking off the Utah loss: “energy…back at home..:scouting report.” (me)

• On his game: “I liked the shots that I got today…hockey assists…getting guys open looks…and we won.” (me)

• On Kuminga: “Fantastic to watch…trusting the guys that he’s out there with and he’s making big-time plays…amazing for our team.” (me)

• On Klay pinning a block: “He got up for sure.” (me)

• Game recap: “Guys were just locked in today. The whole 48 from the jump ball.” (95.7 The Game)

• On Klay paper airplanes and locking in: “I told him he needs to teach me. He told me to look it up on YouTube, though…he’s gonna get his shots…When he moves the ball it’s gonna come back to him.” (me)

• Klay Thompson postgame on rising to the challenge of guarding Jayson Tatum: “I cherish being able to move out there and play defense and compete, more than I ever have before. When you face the best, your game usually reflects that.” (95.7 The Game)

• On bouncing back vs. Boston: “We were able to flush that one in Salt Lake. It’s always great to respond with a great performance and we did that tonight.” (95.7 The Game)

• On scaling back on the social media: “I’ve learned that if you lurk, you’re gonna get hurt.” (95.7 The Game)

• On pinning the block on the backboard: “Amazing feeling…gonna rewatch that one…I did one against the Sacramento Kings in 2016, 2015.” (me)

• On him and not Draymond guarding Jaylen: “It’s not easy when you’re tasked with chasing those guys but it’s what you cherish as a competitor.” (me)

• On playing back-to-backs on the upcoming road trip? “Possibly. That’s up to the training staff though. I would love that.” (95.7 The Game)

• On Kuminga: “Jon is such an incredible athlete…sinking on Tatum, that was incredibly impressive for a twenty year-old.” (Dalton Johnson)

• On DiVincenzo: “Love Donte…heady…love Donte” (me)

• On the bench: “You could name anyone on the roster, you throw them out there in a Warriors uni, I’m gonna love that group…Just us for a reason.” (KNBR, me)

• Steve Kerr postgame recap: “It wasn't their best night, for sure, but it was a great night for us.” (CJ Holmes)

• On Kuminga: JK’s growth has been exponential in the last month: “JK has really helped solidify our defense and given us another weapon that we can put on the best players.” (Kylen Mills, KNBR)

• On the energy in the arena: “I like where we’re heading, because the guys off the bench are starting to play and really assume their roles. And our defense seems to be getting better. All that points in a good direction…This win should give us a little confidence and hopefully it carries over…We were excited, just the feeling of going against the team the team that you just played in the finals, especially the way they've played this year, they've just been so good, so dominant. I thought we needed a game like that. We've been a little bit stuck in the mud.” (95.7 The Game, Anthony Slater, KNBR, Janie McCauley)

• On Klay guarding Jaylen Brown: “Klay loves taking the best guys. He takes great pride in that.” (me)

• On Looney: “I took the timeout and we got Looney got back in the game. He just has a way of calming the game down…you could feel the change.” (me)

• On Donte DiVincenzo: “He’s such a great rebounder, a little bit like Steph…he’s the first guy there.” (me)

• On the upcoming road trip: “You always wanna leave home with a win…tough trip. A lot of good teams…this win should give us a little confidence” (me)

• Jonathan Kuminga on-court postgame on the dunk over Tatum: “if the coach calls the play for you…with Steph Klay Dray on the floor…you gotta make sure you finish it

• On the role of the bench: “Bring everything you got. We’re gonna make mistakes but as long as we bring everything we got.”

• On what it feels like to beat the Celtics: “I’m super-confident…Same play gonna keep happening over and over…focus on playing hard.”

• On Steph’s look-away from the logo: “I didn’t know he looked away.”

• Draymond Green on-court pregame with ABC: “If we play our A-game nobody’s beating us.” (me)

• Steve Kerr pregame on if JP will start for Wiggs: “Yeah, we’ll start Jordan for Wiggs and otherwise the same way. Steph, Klay, Loon, and Draymond.” (GSW PR)

• On Kuminga’s defense w/o Wiggs: “Yeah, JK will spend a lot of time on (Jayson) Tatum and (Jaylen) Brown. He’s been doing a really good job defensively over the last few weeks and this will be his biggest test yet. The way Tatum and Brown have been playing - they are both playing at a really high level. That’s why we like JK. He has the physical attributes to be able to guard the best players in the league, but it’s all part of his experience now as he gets more and more reps. It gets harder when you play the best players, so tonight will be a good test for him.” (GSW PR)

• On what he’s from JK’s growth this season: “I think just the discipline area. Not falling for tricks, pump fakes, staying down, making guys hit tough shots, and not worrying when they do hit tough shots. I think that’s one of the biggest lessons all young players need to learn. It’s just, especially against great players, you are just trying to make them work and not bail them out. If they make a tough shot, then you’ve actually done your job.” (GSW PR)

• On JK’s attention to detail: “There are lots of things. There are so many details. Knowing personnel, knowing who you are closing out strong to, closing out short to, if you are the weakside rotation guy and how early are you getting to that rotation or are you a step late, are you boxing out, and are you running the floor. There’s a lot of stuff that we are looking at. That’s the point of his improvement over recent weeks. He’s starting to check a lot of those boxes. What I like about it is, his play has matched his approach. He’s been very attentive, very thoughtful, very coachable and he’s doing a good job just every single day of doing his homework and getting his work in and the fact that he’s getting rewarded for it is how the process should look.” (GSW PR)

• On the team’s biggest virtue and flaw: “Our biggest virtue is our championship experience. We have a core group of guys that have won multiple championships. The biggest flaw, right now, is our defense I would say. We have always been a very good defensive team, and this year we have not been to this point. So we have to continue to improve defensively.” (Warriors PR)

• On the defensive challenges vs Boston with a Curry/Poole/Klay starting lineup: “Do the math. Look at their lineup and one of our small guys will have to guard someone who is a lot bigger than he is…But that means they have to guard us, too.” (Anthony Slater)

• On Bill Russell, who will get his jersey officially retired by Warriors tonight: “I remember being on stage with him in 2015 when we won our first championship. I was nervous to even say anything to him." (95.7 The Game)

G LEAGUE WARRIORS AT SOUTH BAY (12/9)

4:00 • Seth Cooper postgame SBL on Wiseman: “his confidence…awareness…motor…happiness…competitiveness…put yourself in position to do what you do well: dive to the room…like Ryan Rollins…get yourself in transition every time you can…like Steph, you want Steph flying out of pin-downs anytime you can…(Wiseman’s) energy and effectiveness on the game and impact was huge.”

5:15 • On how many offensive rebounds Wiseman should aim for: “He could average one every 8-10 minutes at any level…could bring to the Warriors right away that could impact winning…kicked out to Anthony Lamb, shoots a wide-open three…those are the plays where coaches are like, ‘I want to get him on the floor. We’re not shooting well, he can create offense, he can get you second chances and stuff.’ Steph and Jordan and Klay, those guys are gonna shoot a lot of shots, a lot of threes…he can’t get better at and add a lot of value.”

8:00 • On (Wiseman) limiting Jay Huff to 5/16: “He’s in every team’s radar…7-feet, mobile, can catch the ball, rim-roll, really good footwork, can shoot the ball…we did a good job of not fouling him.”

0:00 • James Wiseman on what his plus-minus was: “I’d say it was like +20.” (It was a +29)… On what Jay Huff’s was: “Like minus-32?” (Huff was a -30)

0:55 • On what he would like the fans to know: “I’m just getting better. I’m improving. Especially on the defensive end, I’m more vocal. I’m just being more effective on both ends of the floor. It’s just Really just me putting in work.”

1:08 • On stuff affecting his mental game: “I haven't been on social media in two months, so I don’t even remember. I don’t pay attention to it. I've been meditating, reading books, playing 2K, that’s what I do.”

1:35 • On transitioning to a long stint with G League: “I don’t get the fact that everybody’s trying to put a lot of pressure on me. I’m only 21. I’m a human being. I’ma make mistakes but I’m getting better. But I don’t really care what people say. I care about what I think. I feel like I played good but I’d I didn’t then I just fix it. So it’s based on me.”

2:30 • On diving all over the floor: “Coach Noel (Hightower) just told me, what he’s gonna be on me most is effort…if I make a mistake I just go hard, try to make a block…turn around the game in a positive way.”

3:00 • On going against four consecutive centers who have been on an NBA contract: “Idc about that. I’m only trying to win…I care about me. I'm improving. That's what I care about.”

3:25 • On if shutting down Jay Huff was on his mind: “No. I’m a competitor. Idc who I play against. I’m trying to win. I’m trying to compete. I’m trying to outwork them, so that’s my mindset.”

3:45 • On how he’s getting better defensively: “Just write it down in my journal…I also write down my improvements, my pros and cons…I just try to do it out there when I’m playing.”

4:15 • On what he would like to improve after this game: “Just deciding if I’m gonna commit to the ball, like if the guard is gonna lay the ball up or if I’ma just crack back. I kinda be stuck in the middle.”

4:35 • On his connection with Ryan Rollins: “Me and him talk about basketball every day. We watch film, see what type of screens he like…comfortability.”

5:15 • On if he stays in Santa Cruz vs back at home in SF: “Yeah. I’m the type of person to where I’m so grounded and humble, I don’t think I’m better than nobody. Everybody’s the same. We’re just here to hoop.”

5:30 • On Quinones still being his roommate: “Yeah. We don’t have bunk beds (answering a reporter’s joke if they got bunk beds). We be chillin’.”

5:55 • On any preferred nicknames: “Big Ticket. J-Wise.”

1:35 • On transitioning to a long stint with G League: “I don’t get the fact that everybody’s trying to put a lot of pressure on me. I’m only 21. I’m a human being. I’ma make mistakes but I’m getting better. But I don’t really care what people say. I care about what I think. I feel like I played good but I’d I didn’t then I just fix it. So it’s based on me.”

2:30 • On diving all over the floor: “Coach Noel (Hightower) just told me, what he’s gonna be on me most is effort…if I make a mistake I just go hard, try to make a block…turn around the game in a positive way.”

3:00 • On going against four consecutive centers who have been on an NBA contract: “Idc about that. I’m only trying to win…I care about me. I'm improving. That's what I care about.”

3:25 • On if shutting down Jay Huff was on his mind: “No. I’m a competitor. Idc who I play against. I’m trying to win. I’m trying to compete. I’m trying to outwork them, so that’s my mindset.”

3:45 • On how he’s getting better defensively: “Just write it down in my journal…I also write down my improvements, my pros and cons…I just try to do it out there when I’m playing.”

4:15 • On what he would like to improve after this game: “Just deciding if I’m gonna commit to the ball, like if the guard is gonna lay the ball up or if I’ma just crack back. I kinda be stuck in the middle.”

4:35 • On his connection with Ryan Rollins: “Me and him talk about basketball every day. We watch film, see what type of screens he like…comfortability.”

5:15 • On if he stays in Santa Cruz vs back at home in SF: “Yeah. I’m the type of person to where I’m so grounded and humble, I don’t think I’m better than nobody. Everybody’s the same. We’re just here to hoop.”

5:30 • On Quinones still being his roommate: “Yeah. We don’t have bunk beds (answering a reporter’s joke if they got bunk beds). We be chillin’.”

5:55 • On any preferred nicknames: “Big Ticket. J-Wise.”

6:15 • On playing well when he has “swagger” and ensuring he keeps that: “Just focusing on winning, just competing…I was talking to my childhood coach literally like last night. He told me, ‘Just go out there and just remind people who you are…play with passion…that’s the only thing I focus on, going out there and playing with passion and swagger and trying to win.”

PRACTICE, DAY BEFORE CELTICS (12/9)

• Donte DiVincenzo on going back to Milwaukee and his dad being a big Bucks fan: "friends in the city...his team was the Bucks growing up...doing it as a visitor is going to be fun for me to watch." (me)

• On playing your former team: "I was like that last year (Sacramento)...this year, time has passed...different city, different organization...my focus isn't gonna go away from what we're doing as a team...bigger goals." (me)

• On the season so far: "Gotta remember these guys played in the Finals...get in the mix...it's time to take that next level as a team, Draymond talked about that...the way the West is, we're not out of it...get a couple in a row." (me)

• On if the things that have gone wrong are correctable: "look at the game at New Orleans on the back-to-back...even Utah...if we can correct those things without those two on the court...everything's in their hands and we're correcting." (me)

• On going to a certain restaurant in Milwaukee: "four years, never had them." (me)

• Steve Kerr on radio: Draymond looking good for tomorrow. (me)

• On if the Celtics have extra fuel: “Boston’s been close for a long time…conference finals three times before last year…they’re better now than ever…Malcolm Brogdon…five-out, really hard to guard with that many shooters…speaks to the complete nature of the team.” (me)

• On the keys to beating Celtics: “You have to guard Tatum and Brown…two of the toughest covers.” (me)

• On Kuminga rebounding: “We need JK to improve everyday.” (me)

• On Anthony Lamb: “As an organization we put out a statement yesterday that captures everything…leave it at that.” (me)

• On sending Wiseman back for reps: “Yes. With Draymond coming back tomorrow it made it an easy decision.” (me)

• On 2016 training camp and 73 wins compared to Boston losing the Finals: “It was different because we had just signed Kevin…rather than licking our wounds…sense of excitement…a lot of perspective…there wasn’t a whole lot to be gained by looking back…(unlike) probably for Boston…incorporate Kevin, David West, Zaza.” (me)

• On retiring Bill Russell’s number: “Bill was from Oakland, played high school ball, played at USF…feels more special here than any other city other than Boston, obviously…proud of the legacy that Bill Russell left here and Boston.” (me)

• On game film from Utah: “There we’re a lot of great things that happened during the game…last 27 seconds, I didn’t find anything encouraging…talked to my mom this morning, she said if you’re from Utah that was a wonderful game. I said, mom, I’m not from Utah so that was a disastrous game.” (me)

• Steph Curry and Draymond Green practiced today and expected to play tomorrow against the Celtics. (Madeline Kenney)

• Steve Kerr after practice on the Celtics: “I’m sure the motivation from last year is there and is driving them. They’ve been, by far, the best team in the league.” (Kendra Andrews)#l

• Anthony Lamb practiced today. When asked about the allegations against him and how it could impact his status with the Warriors going forward, Steve Kerr stood by the statement the team made Thursday: “Statement from Anthony Lamb: The allegations made against me in 2019 that have recently resurfaced are patently false. I have always been fully cooperative regarding the alleged incident, and have welcomed any investigation into the matter. Simply put, I have never committed sexual assault.” (CJ Holmes)

• Draymond Green spoke to the team today about “locking in.” Paraphrasing: It’s time to start racking up some wins and getting into form. (Jason Dumas)

• Draymond says his message was mainly directed towards Jonathan Kuminga: “His ability is really starting to show up on the defensive end.” (Jason Dumas)

• Joe Mazzulla also couldn’t hold back a a smile when asked about Rob playing vs Warriors. Certainly sounds like if there are no setbacks he’ll be on the court against Golden State. (Adam Himmelsbach)

• Celtics big man Robert Williams says he’s “day to day and their is a possibility of anything” for his return. Asked about Golden State he said, “Day to day.” (Marc Spears)

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR CEREMONY (12/8)

• Steph Curry at Sportsman of the Year Awards ceremony: “Everybody looks for the miracle moment…there is no miracle moment…results are simply one more step in a long chain of steps that led to the moment…the beauty of it all is the journey.”

CELTICS-SUNS (12/8)

• Jayson Tatum postgame PHX: “I can’t stress enough how hard that was, how much that hurt (to lose in the Finals).” (me)

WARRIORS-JAZZ (12/7)

• Steve Kerr postgame recap: “you gotta close it, you gotta be rock solid with the ball…defensively.” (me)

• On Kuminga: “tremendous. Fantastic…solid…he added the scoring…the rim…posting up…blocked Clarkson’s shot…it’s a shame we couldn’t finish it off…he and Moses both played huge minutes…gotta close the door but we didn’t close it.” (me)

• On the emotional impact: “in my experience there’s one game like this every year…you leave the building saying what just happened…home games against Denver and Indiana…you make mistakes down the stretch…leave the arena shaking your head…it’s important that we move on…watch the tape…can’t leave a three-point shooter up four…game plan was not to give up the three…if they’re coming we gotta cheat that ball…I feel terrible for the guys but…this is a tough league.” (me)

• On difficulty in closing out games: “Well, we’re a relatively new roster. We have a core group, kind of five or six guys..:rotation, it’s solidified somewhat..:until you really find that identity…the group feeling that we can do this, you’re not there yet. So we’re just not there yet.” (me)

• On the youngster’s poise: “Yeah, great fourth quarter.” (me)

• On Wiseman: “Solid…came in and did his job.” (me)

• On seeing JK Moody JP together: “young guys like them, every game is valuable. You don’t know when they’re gonna break through…we haven’t given them a runway to make mistakes and learn from their play.” (me)

• Andrew Wiggins (R adductor) will miss at least 2 more games — tonight at Utah, Saturday vs. BOS — and be reevaluated Monday, same day as Warriors go on a 10-day road trip, per coach Steve Kerr at pregame presser. (Monte Poole)

• Kerr pregame said Steph and Draymond stayed home from the Jazz game with Dr. Rick Celebrini. "Hopefully" they'll be ready for Saturday. (Kerith Burke)

• Asked about his starting lineup, Kerr asks reporters if Jazz head coach Will Hardy gave his starting lineup and they tell him he did: “Ok. Now I’ve got some to think. He’s a young coach, he’ll learn.” Also recalls Tokyo Olympics, being stuck with all of Coach Popovich’s assistants including Hardy, how Pop snuck in wine illegally for coaches meetings stuck in a pandemic/bubble environment, how Hardy was just one of the guys instead of a young guy soaking things in: “amazing time”. (me)

• On the Jazz hitting the ground running: testament to Hardy “and Danny”: “I was just blown away by their ball movement and execution. ‘The play after the play’…for the Jazz that’s when the offense starts (Olynyk, Conley, Beasley, Vanderbilt)…guys who understand moving the ball…(everyone was) focused on the Draft picks and not the actual players.” (me)

• On James Wiseman: will play tonight, but his status moving forward isn’t set in stone. If the team is fully healthy and it doesn’t look like he’d get much playing time, Kerr says they’d rather have Wiseman getting more reps in Santa Cruz. Summoning Wiseman from Santa Cruz at this time was influenced by Draymond Green's absence due to hip tightness:“He’s done a really good job of spacing…running the floor…the whole point in the G League is reps, reps, reps…seems like a process…keep moving down the road…taking it a day at a time…we need him to play. (Kendra Andrews, Monte Poole, me)

• On when the decision was made to call up Wiseman: “after the game two nights ago when Draymond and Steph were both banged up, especially with Draymond not making the trip.” (me)

• On Steph, who will miss tonight's Warriors game in Utah with left ankle soreness: “Yeah it was from the night before and then he played 37 minutes against Indiana. He obviously was not himself (Monday night). The three games in four nights caught up to him — he’s 34 now, not 24, so it takes a little longer to recover from injury or nicks. and bruises…It was an easy decision, otherwise we’re just chasing our tail. If he’s hampered by an injury and we keep playing him night after night, it’s not going to end well.” (me, Ron Kroichick)

• On the young guys getting a chance even with vets injured: “These are all great opportunities for everybody on the roster…get some experience but hopefully get a win.” (me)

• On doubling to : “It’s never been harder to play defense in the modern NBA…the number of three-point shooters…more space to cover…one of the reasons Draymond is Draymond…probably the best defender in the league…1 to 5…tag on the rotation…guys like that are really hard to find…Draymond does it better than anybody.” (me)

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