The Warriors are back in the NBA Playoffs and look like their old, dominant selves after stealing Game 1 of their second-round matchup with the Grizzlies. For many, Golden State’s impressive play has provided memories of the franchise’s recent dynasty, which garnered three NBA titles.
Count Warriors coach Steve Kerr among them. Though Kerr isn’t saying this year’s Golden State team can win it all, as his previous teams did, he’s got that playoff feeling, one he hasn’t enjoyed since the Warriors’ last dynasty came to a close in the 2019 NBA Finals.
“We’re just so thrilled to be back in the playoffs, back in the hunt, back in the mix,” Steve Kerr said. “Feeling the energy and the nerves and juice and the noise from the crowd on the road. This is what it’s all about. The last three years have been really boring. So it’s great to be back in the mix. It means there’s a lot of work and a lot of preparation and a lot of stress when you lose and excitement when you win, but this is what we do this for. I think our guys are just excited for the opportunity.”
The Athletic
Now if you asked Kerr the question: Seriously, you’ve been bored for three years? he’d say no, not really. But comparing two seasons without the NBA Playoffs to the emotions he felt after Game 1 in Memphis, especially after winning? Well, almost anything is probably boring compared to that.
This is the time of year Kerr and the Warriors live for. Finally, they’re back and appear to mean business. They know what it takes. Kerr has won eight championship rings, five as a player and three as Warriors coach. Superstars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are as battle-tested as it gets in the NBA.
All they needed was a battle. Now, they have one with the impressive, young Grizzlies. Golden State is off to a fantastic start after Game 1. But with all their experience, they know the quest for yet another NBA Title, and potentially, another dynasty, is just getting started.
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