Head coach Steve Kerr made his season debut after missing the first 43 games while recovering from multiple back surgeries.
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Before the Warriors hosted the Indiana Pacers Friday night, Curry invited Cutler to join him on the court as he went through his pregame routine.
They lost the quarter 33-32, but they went into the half with momentum. But Kerr’s return renders moot any speculation about Walton’s eligibility to serve as coach of the Western Conference All-Stars.
Getting serious, Kerr added, “Stef hits half-court shots all the time in practice, so when he hits one (in a game)… the coaches don’t even blink”.
Spurs 108, Lakers 95: LOS ANGELES – Manu Ginobili scored a season-high 20 points, Kawhi Leonard added 18 and San Antonio won its 13th straight.
Walton oversaw Golden State’s 24-game unbeaten streak to start the season and was named NBA Coach of the Month for October/November.
“It’s a huge honor and something I’m very appreciative of, because it’s 100 percent because of (the fans)”, Curry said. “It feels like the first game of the season, which it is for me. Needed a little glass to help but it went in”.
Curry was on triple-double alert early, totaling seven points, five assists, and seven rebounds.
When introduced just before tipoff, an emotional Kerr waved and said, “Thank you”, to a rousing ovation.
The Golden State Warriors, if they continue this pace of play for the remainder of the regular season, and through the playoffs will cement themselves in the conversation for best single season teams of all time.
And despite the Warriors’ awesome 39-4 run under interim coach Luke Walton – who happily moved aside one seat for Kerr’s rearrival – the Warriors missed their coach. Rather than just fixate on how quickly he’s jumping up off the bench, it’s easier to gauge the mental health of someone who just came back from an extended leave of absence.
Monta Ellis led the Pacers with 18 points in his return to Oracle to face his former team. IN was just 19-27 at the free throw line, shot 3-17 from three point range, allowed 30 fast break points, and allowed 14 offensive rebounds, but time and time again, they in position to threaten the Warriors. The Warriors put up a 79-point first half – most in a first half in the National Basketball Association this season – on the way to a 131-123 road win at in on December 8.
Speaking of coaches, it’s ironic that Kerr is back at the helm on the same day as another coach that got the ax! “I’m hoping to keep him around longer”. Per NBA rules, the All-Star coaches are taken from the teams with the conferences’ best records as of January 31, and the Warriors lead the Spurs by two games atop the West.
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“So proud of him”. The second-year head coach returned to full duties to see the MVP favorite and newly named All-Star starter in top form.
