Golden State Warriors head Coach Steve Kerr argues a call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
MANILA, Philippines—While some are skeptical about the NBA holding an In-Season Tournament, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is all in on the competition.
“We’re very excited about it. I think it’s a great idea. Tomorrow will be fun, with a different atmosphere, different courts and different uniforms. The league is really putting in something that will be very unique and I think I give the league a lot of credit for that,” said Kerr during a recent NBA Global Media Zoom interview on the eve of the Warriors’ tournament opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I’m a football fan and I follow Premier League, Champions League and La Liga, I understand the different cups that are played for. It’s an interesting concept that the NBA is obviously taking from. It’s a great idea and we have to give it a try and see how it goes. The format makes sense, to have to advance out of the pool is a great way to try to create the competition.”
Kerr’s excitement seemed to have rubbed off on the rest of the Warriors after a thrilling 141-139 victory over the Thunder on the road on Saturday (Manila time).
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) prepares to shoot, scoring the winning basket in the final second, as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3), forward Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Luguentz Dort, back right, defend during an NBA in-season tournament basketball game Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
The champion coach sees the In-Season Tournament the same way as the Play-In, which was introduced by the league in the NBA bubble back in 2020 and has been a staple since.
“The Play-In was a great success and I think it’s important to be progressive and forward-thinking with the NBA Cup,” said Kerr.
“Like with anything, I think we’ll learn a lot in the first year and who knows, maybe there will be tweaks but we have to go through with it first and see how it plays out.”
The Warriors (5-2), who lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 115-104, on Monday (Manila time), are currently third in the Western Conference behind the defending champions Denver Nuggets (6-1) and the Dallas Mavericks (5-1).