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Kendra AndrewsESPN
SAN FRANCISCO Golden State WarriorsMike Brown, associate head coach, was going through his pregame preparations when Steve Kerr called.
Kerr said to Brown that he was feeling unwell and suggested that Brown might be needed to coach Game 4. Memphis Grizzlies. Thirty-five minutes later Kerr received a positive COVID-19 testing and officially handed Brown the reins of the pivotal game.
It was the latest in an already emotional day of the Warriors. The Warriors had won the previous day’s championship. Sacramento KingsBrown was named the next team head coach. A few hours prior, the news broke that Brown would be the next team head coach. Draymond GreenAdreian Payne was Adreian’s college friend and best friend. He had been killed in Florida. Kerr was then positive for COVID-19.
Brown described it as an “up and down, emotionally charged day”.
“It was a difficult night for us, however, at this point in time of the year, you can win ballgames.” No matter how difficult it is, you win ballgames.
The Warriors beat the Grizzlies 101 – 98 to win the series 3-1.
It wasn’t pretty. Chris DeMarco, Warriors assistant coach, said it was like a football match. He noted that the Warriors kept giving the ball to their fullback in order to get them into the red zone. Finally, they kicked a field-goal to win the game.
Again, the Warriors started slow and sloppy. In the first quarter, they coughed up the ball six times. The Grizzlies quickly took a 15-8 lead. Golden State was unsuccessful in their 15 first 3-point attempts. Otto Porter Jr. With 3:23 remaining in the first period, they finally scored one. They were able to maintain a close distance.
Brown stated that “We have been quite frantic to begin the ball games.” “The only thing that I worried about was when they forced the issue turnover-wise. This drove into their lengths and athleticism. But once we figured this part out, we had good looks.”
“When there is no offensive flow in a fourth quarter and you are still within three to four possessions, that’s a sign you have some motivation.” Stephen Curry said.
The Warriors trailed by eight points with just nine and a quarter minutes remaining in the game. Golden State outscored Memphis by 12-4 in the following three minutes. Curry scored 18 of his 32 points, eight of them from the free-throw line.
Curry was the leader in scoring, but Curry’s night couldn’t be called “good”, as he only shot 10-of-25 shots from the floor, and 4 of 14 from three. Curry didn’t receive much help. Klay ThompsonShooting 6-of-20 in the field Jordan PooleGoing 4-of-12. Thompson and Poole failed to make a 3 pointer. In reality, the Warriors have struggled all series to find an offensive rhythm other than their Game 3 shooting rampage.
“Because [Curry]Brown said that Brown doesn’t dwell on the past or think too much about it. Instead, he thinks about the next positive thing that will happen for him, regardless of whether it’s a shot made or the right pass. Brown said, “He is confident because he always thinks of the next play.”
Curry was the winner, but Brown gave credit to Green. Andre Iguodala• Who hasn’t played since Game 4 in their first-round series against each other? Denver NuggetsDue to a neck injury, for being the team’s emotional leader.
“I said, I need to be with you guys tonight. Brown stated, “I’m going to depend on you guys,” “Those guys held their ground throughout the entire game. Andre was on the bench, Draymond on court, but we found a way.
Brown claimed that there was not one piece of advice or pep talk that Iguodala, Green or Green gave. However, it was their calmness and general calmness that settled the Warriors “frantic” start.
Brown stated, “Having veterans like Andre or Draymond, who’ve been through many playoff series highs, lows, and all that, when they are reassuring everyone else of that, it gave everyone else confidence.” Their presence, their voice and calmness, as well as their reassurance are all very important to our group, especially since Steve is out.
Green said that channeling his emotions towards the Warriors’ gritty win was the best thing that he could do.
Green said that he was able to “lose myself” in the game for 48 minutes. He shared a long embrace and hug with his family. Adreian Penny, Rest in Peace. My little brother, college roommate, and teammate. It was a very emotional day. But the win is a blessing. It’s a pain.
His adrenaline from the game, which included tipping the ball away — was a great source of his adrenaline. Jaren Jackson Jr. As he attempted a 3-pointer to tie the game, Green was overcome by his raw emotions.
He didn’t want to speak at a press conference after the game. He stated that he did not want to cry in public so he would record a podcast at home. But Green did announce that he and his fiancé Hazel would be donating $100,000 to a fund in Payne’s name to honor his legacy.
The Warriors will not be traveling to Memphis on Tuesday, and Brown will serve as acting head coach while they attempt to end their series against the Grizzlies on Wednesday in Game 5.