Steve Kerr, Steph x Looney Previews Playoff Match Up vs Kings | April 12, 2023

Yeah, I mean, we've always thrived in some chaos. But we've also crossed the line occasionally. And we can't cross the line, turning chaos into turnovers, mistakes and bad shots. So it's really important that we're clean and efficient with our possessions. We still want to get up and down the floor and, you know, get our best shooters shooting, you know, double figure three point attempts and do all the things we've done for years. But against this team in particular, you can't give them any easy stuff the other way, because they're tough enough to stop already in the half court. How much of a challenge is it when you kind of look at the Kings on tape, as far as just the offense? And I know you've talked about Mike and the job that he's done there. But just compared to, I mean, offense is up everywhere, but they've kind of took it to another level with what they've done this year. How different of a challenge is that for you guys, if at all? Yeah, they've built a really efficient offensive, high powered offense. Hi guys. Let's get more people coming in. I thought you guys were just, you know, taking a little vacation. All right, we can start over. No, we're talking about the Kings offense. And, you know, they've built a really great offense, great team. You know, the way they put the puzzle together with, you know, Sabonis at the top of the key with all the shooting and the penetration of Fox and Herter and shooting all over the floor is really, really tough to handle. There's a reason they've had such a great year and we're number one in the league in offense and all that. So we know we've got a big challenge ahead. Steve, do you think it's possible that you're going to see your best version of this team starting the playoffs based on didn't have Andrew for a quarter of the season? Is that how exciting is that, that you finally get to see your team as whole as it can be? We've been trying to get to this point for a long time. We've had an interesting season, to say the least. But now that we are here and, you know, we've got both Wiggs and Gary, you know, it changes the dynamic of our team athletically and just the puzzle and how it fits together. And so it's great to at least have a shot, you know, to be where we are and have a chance. This is all we wanted. And we've did a lot of things to persevere in the regular season. I'm proud of our guys for getting to this point. And now we have our opportunities. So we've got to make the most of it. Where is Andrew just physically and, I don't know, mentally in his ability to play? I know you got a couple days before even game one. And, I mean, is there a chance that you would put him right in the starting lineup? Or would it be much more likely that he's kind of worked into this? Well, we're just going to keep an eye on him. We've been watching him, you know, this last week with the scrimmaging. You know, he scrimmaged yesterday and today. And Wiggs is one of those guys who, a little bit like Andre Godala, just doesn't seem to ever fall out of shape. You know, he never seems to get tired, just thoroughbred. You know, he's just, he's so gifted athletically and with the size and the length that, you know, he can impact the game in a lot of different ways. But he's really looked good this week. And he's ramping up, you know, the conditioning. And I talked to him today. He said he was a little sore from yesterday, but otherwise feeling good. And so a lot of good positive signs have come out of this past week. And we'll just play it by ear as we get ready for Saturday. I know they're two different things. But he was out for a significant time early in the season. And then we all saw he didn't, you know, wasn't in rhythm. He didn't look great when he started playing again. Is there a difference between what you saw then and what you see now, just in his return to action kind of thing? Well, I think the biggest difference is just the circumstances, you know. Playoffs are different. The prep time is different. The focus is different. I think it was tough for him coming back in the middle of the regular season. He had never really had to do that in his career. He never missed that many games. And it definitely took him some time to find his rhythm. But, you know, he looks really good in the scrimmages. And, you know, we'll continue to give him more each day. And then we'll get a read on it. We'll see how he looks on Saturday. But we're thrilled to get him back. Speaking of Andre, how is his wrist rehab going? Might there be a chance, depending on how far you guys go in the postseason, that he could be a part of it? Andre's a ways off. It's not even something we're thinking about right now. He's still in a brace and hasn't been able to practice or anything. So I don't know when our next update is for Andre. Was that right off the top of your head, or did you make that up? Great. Threw something random out. After the Portland game, Draymond was saying how, especially through that 73-9 season, you guys have learned you can't take everything away from just the regular season, right? Things are really made and built in the playoffs. So as you enter this, how much are you taking kind of what happened in the regular season, all the ups and downs, and then also saying, but again, that doesn't mean that that's who we are in the playoffs. Yeah, I mean, the way I always look at it is every season is incredibly unique. And that 73-win season was, you know, there was no way we were slowing down at any point during that regular season. This time around, you know, I guess, what is it, seven years later, you know, we've been on this journey for a long time. We've been through an awful lot since that time. Our players are older. So it's a different vibe. And the vibe this year is we're defending champs, but it's taken us a while to get to this point where, you know, we have things kind of falling into place. And so I think everybody is in a really good, positive mindset. Steve, between last year in the playoffs and then looking at like the landscape right now, there's so many dynamic guards when you guys traded for Gary. You know, how much was that in play as well with somebody like a Darren Fox, with his quickness, especially with somebody like GP2? Yeah, I mean, I think when I look at Gary, I just think, you know, the playoffs last year, we started him against Ja Morant and then he got injured and then he was out and missed game one of the finals. And then, you know, when he came back in game two, you know, I think we won four out of five from that point. And he guarded Jalen Brown quite a bit. And in this series, obviously he'll be on Fox some and Herter some. And he's a weapon. He's one of the best defenders in the league. And winning in the playoffs is all about two-way basketball. Gary's a really unique offensive threat too, just with his ability to play the dunker spot and finish around the basket, knock down a three. He's got a really good feel for playing off of Draymond and Steph. So his addition to the team has just been massive for us. And I think especially going into the postseason where those guys are worth so much. Steve, you once called Clay's 37-point quarter against the Kings your favorite moment in basketball. And I think you described it as a religious experience. Can you reflect a little bit on what about that atmosphere that night was so electric and sort of bring it to the current day where you think Clay is and how much of a factor he could be in this series? Well, that night was so unique and special. I mean, nobody had ever done what he did that night in terms of not only scoring that many points, but the way he did it and just how hot he was. And just the crowd's involvement and the crowd's emotion is what made it so special. The team's emotion, the staff running up and down the sidelines and Clay just seemingly, you know, out of his own body. Just it's incredible to watch. So that'll always be one of my favorite moments in basketball. Fast forward to now, Clay's had a great year. You know, he's just put together an amazing Hall of Fame career. He's come back from, you know, two devastating injuries to become a really, really consistent two-way performer night after night again. So testament to Clay and his resilience and work ethic and talent. And I'm lucky to coach him. Steve, JK really broke through with Andrew out over these last couple of weeks. Even with Andrew back, how important is he when you look at what you guys are trying to do defensively with Sacramento's movement, which is obviously fairly similar to what you guys like to do? Yeah, JK is a key player for us. Just his defense and, you know, on-ball defense in particular. His ability to run the floor and create easy baskets, you know, around the rim with his athleticism. And, you know, the playoffs are always very interesting because everything can change from one night to the next. You know, last year I don't think he played in game one of the Memphis series. And then he started, you know, the next few games. And, you know, things just change dramatically depending on matchups, depending on injuries. So we're going to need everybody. And we've just got to stay ready for whatever comes our way. But JK will be a big, big part of that. Steve, Steph seems to just be getting better and better as he gets older. What have you noticed both mentally and physically from him that has allowed him to just keep improving year after year and maintaining this incredibly elite level? Well, I think he's such a competitor and so conscientious in terms of his workout routines year-round. He understands he's got to continue to look for ways to improve and at the same time recognize that his body is aging and he may have to streamline his workouts somewhat. And so he's always looking for new information, for new knowledge, anything that can help him get an edge. That's how he's wired. He just wants to be the greatest ever. And on top of that, he loves the process. He loves training. He loves preparing. And he's great as a collaborator, whether it's with his trainer, Brandon, or Rick Celebrini, or our coaching staff, or his teammates. Steph is an amazing collaborator and he just is constantly looking for ways to get better. Steve, given the way that the season started for Draymond, what do you think about the way that he's been able to maybe compartmentalize his emotions and his competitive drive as the season's gone on to now? Draymond's had a great season. He's proven, I think, why he's one of the best players in the league, why he impacts winning as much as almost anybody out there. He's just so unique as a player. There's nobody like him out there. But what he does defensively, what he does with his brain, the way he attacks defenses when he's playing the pick and roll game with Steph, or handling the ball in transition, he's just an incredibly unique, powerful player. He's had a great season. Steve, since you found out that you were playing the Kings, have you had a chance to speak with Mike Brown about what this means to both of you just in how long of the journey that you guys have been on together? Yeah, we texted when the matchups came out. I think everybody on our building just feels so happy for Mike and strongly about what he did for us while he was here, how much he contributed to our championships here and our culture. I learned so much from Mike. It was just a great, great partnership. We miss him, but we're thrilled that he's had this amazing season. As I said the other day, I'd be shocked if he didn't win the Coach of the Year Award. He deserves it. He and his staff have been incredible. And now here we are going against each other. So you express your love for each other and then the gloves come off and you wait until after the series ends to communicate again. So that's how it works. Steve, how are the playoffs officiated differently? And are those differences welcome? What kind of room is there to play better defense and have a competitive spirit? I think, you know, number one, you're getting the best officials in the playoffs. And so I think the best officials are going to understand that players are gonna try to trick them. And in my experience, in the regular season, the players are kind of allowed to trick the refs a little bit more. Some of that is maybe the inexperienced officials aren't ready for that. In the playoffs, you get more experienced refs who are more prepared for that. So there's less of the phantom calls that sometimes you see in the regular season, frankly. And I think, you know, I like it. I think the game is, it's a little more physical, but it just feels like you gotta earn everything. Steve, you guys are 13th in fast break points. Sacramento's number one in transition defense. How do you see that battle in transition impacting this series? We just have to be sharper with our decision-making against these guys than we were in the regular season against everybody. We turned it over and took bad shots quite often this year in transition. And that's gonna be a point of emphasis for us. Just keeping it simple and getting good shots because they're gonna come right back at us. Have you seen immediate improvement in this team's transition offense since Gary's been healthy and back on the floor? Yeah, yeah. Gary gives us another lob threat, another, you know, sprinting threat, getting out ahead of the play and finishing. One more Mike Brown question, though. Two games ago when you're up there, you probably could, if you won that, you knew you were likely to play or, you know, that was the big possibility it'd be you two guys, Kings and Warriors. Was there any comments about that or kind of like understanding that this is likely to happen pretty soon? Mike texted me the night before the game to alert me as to what his plans were, excuse me, as far as sitting guys. And it was a classy gesture. I would do the same thing for him. You know, I think his thinking at that time he's got to worry about his own team. That's exactly what I would have done is, you know, gauged my own group. What do they need? And don't worry about the opponent. You know, you can't worry about any of that stuff. That last game of the regular season, the last two games are always really interesting. I think I read that 30 different players in the NBA had their career high on Sunday. And so, you know, last couple of games, it's every man for himself. Like whatever you have to do to prepare your team for the playoffs, that's what you do. And Mike texted me and said, hey, this is what we're going to do because, you know, I got to protect my guys. And he was, you know, nice enough to give us the heads up. And then we talked again before the game. And so he shared that. I would have shared it with him. And that's kind of, I think, how it works, especially when you've got a good friend on the other side. Steph, how did Wiggins look last few days? I don't know how much of the scrimmage you were in or were watching, but in your mind, what's Wiggins looking like these days? He looked good. He, for the most part, played most of the action that we had. I just didn't really like he lost a step. I know it's just, you know, scrimmage and getting back into the pace of live basketball. But he looked pretty spry, fresh legs. And hopefully that bodes well for his return this weekend and figuring out how many minutes he'll play and all that type of stuff. He looked great. Steph, how much do you anticipate pace and transition factoring to the series? I mean, a lot. They like to get up and down. So do we. I'm sure the playoff atmosphere will, it'll be pretty chaotic at first, just feeling each other out. And then, you know, you'll settle into whatever pace it does, you know, present itself to be. And all it takes for us is just a little bit of focus on, again, taking care of the basketball and not feeding into their transition offense because they have a lot of weapons and they play with a lot of speed. And obviously, defox downhill is a problem. So kind of want to give yourself the best chance by, you know, having good offensive possessions. We want to play, you know, as fast as we normally do. But we want to make sure we take care of the ball so that we can have our defense set as much as possible and do what we do. Steph, how important is it to get game one in a series, especially when you start on the road, to set the tone and let them know you guys are there? It's always helpful, especially when you're the lower seed, start on the road to make your presence felt. You know, everybody says that try to steal game one type vibe. We just want to give ourselves a good opportunity to get off to a good start in that game. You know, first quarter, first 12 minutes is so important to establish yourself. We obviously have to win one up there to win the series. So we'd like it to be game one. And, you know, you want to just have another level of focus and intention about everything that we're doing on both ends of the floor, you know, to give ourselves the best shot to do that. So we know it's going to be tough. They've been a great team all year. They've had a great season. Mike B knows us well. We know him well. So the adjustments and all that stuff will be interesting throughout the series, but we want to get off to a good start. Steph, Kavon said that a lot of people don't know what he does for a team behind the scenes. You know, whether we go back months ago when he kind of helped keep the group together, the two of you to playing all 82. I mean, we see that part, but he has to communicate with every guy on the team. And how have you seen him evolve to be able to be that kind of, I don't know if peacemaker is the word, but just steadying force when necessary? I think coach called him the moral compass of the team earlier this year, which is pretty accurate in the sense of he's like a true veteran, but, you know, closer in age to some of the younger guys. And, you know, it's kind of seen all different types of roles on our team from, you know, as early in his career, back and forth at G League to playing spot minutes, playing in the finals to dealing with some injuries to now being, you know, Ironman Loon playing, you know, two seasons in a row, all 82 and leading the league in offensive rebounds and what he did for us in the playoffs last year. So like you named the list of contributions he has, but he has an amazing perspective on all those different kind of parts to our team and organization and can communicate pretty well to everybody in the locker room and his voice, it matters when he speaks up and he just brings great energy, you know, pretty much every day, even, you know, game days, making sure everybody's locked in, you know, even pregame before we even take court for two-line layups, like just making sure everybody's excited to go play. He does it in a very unique way. So all of it matters, contributions on the court, off the court, and he's as important to the fabric of our, you know, team culture as anybody. Steph, you've seen so many of these playoff matchups. Do you go in anticipating what a team might do, or do you kind of see what they do and then adjust as they go? And how fun is the strategy of how teams are going to guard you? You have to assume that they're going to stay true to their DNA that's made them successful. It's what we do going into a playoff series and then those adjustments happen based on, you know, how each game kind of unfolds, even in-game adjustments based on certain momentum waves and all that. You know, there's an idea that you are who you are and you try to be the best version of that going into a series to get off to a good start and then hope you have the, you know, IQ and the ability to make adjustments that are necessary. And we love the playoff atmosphere of that, but you don't really try to outsmart yourself going into the series. Just be prepared, be knowledgeable about what they do well, you know, what our game plan is on both ends of the floor and just execute it. Because there's an element of, you know, you're not going to play your A-plus game every night, but you want to get as close to that as possible and then the adjustments can hopefully help you get over the edge. Do you ever get surprised anymore or was like, maybe game three of the finals was the last time? 2019. Oh, the boxing one? You seemed surprised after that one. I mean, I probably wouldn't be surprised if Mike B does it. We did it a lot when he was running the defensive show here. So there's nothing to be surprised about. It's just a matter of like, we hadn't had any experience with that up until that point. And so you're trying to figure it out, but all that's in the memory bank to go back to on in-game adjustments and being able to respond with whatever the defense is throwing at you. I think you single-handedly brought back the word janky in that occasion. I did. What do you think about the way the officiating changes in the postseason? And do you like those differences? Yeah, as long as they're consistent. I mean, we can play in any style or, you know, the way any game is called, as long as it's consistent on both sides and we can make those adjustments pretty well. So we're never really worried about that. The biggest thing is in the regular season, it's a lot easier to get consumed by the refereeing because it's changing from game to game and the style of play is changing. So, you know, from night to night based on playing different teams, I think it's less, it's frustrating when it doesn't go your way, but it's less of an issue in the terms of like consuming your energy because it's more about, again, executing and figuring out those momentum swings and trying to get ahead of that so that you can always, you know, be in control of what's happening on the floor. So I think that's kind of my perspective. Just hope that everything is consistent, whether it's physical, whether it's tic-tac, whatever it is, so that we can kind of settle into that and just play basketball. Steph, beyond the strategic stuff that Marcus asked about, how is the postseason different? What, you've been through this so many times, how does it feel different to you going into a postseason game? And how does the game feel different? And along those lines, last year when you got back for the first time in a couple of years, how eager were you to get back in that realm? I mean, last year was different because I was just trying to get back healthy and it all happened at the same time. It's kind of what Wigs is going to do now with your first game back is the playoff. So you're trying to adjust to both, but playoff basketball is physical, it's emotional, it's the craziest adrenaline rush. There is just a different energy, even on your preparation practice, going up against a scout team that is trying to act like the other team and you're trying to game play it for what our strategy is and go through those reps. And from game to game there's a lot to think about based on what you could do better, what you could try to do differently, responding to a win or a loss, the emotional roller coaster of that. So in one aspect, it is easier because you're just focused on one team and one team at a time and you know everything about them. So there's a comfort level that comes with that. Then it's just about can you execute? Can you go, do what you're supposed to do? And I think that's the fun in the experience, the competition within that. And a semi-related follow-up, your numbers against Sacramento this year were very good. Scoring average was up, but also your shooting percentages were significantly up. I think 57% from the field and 50% on threes. Given that, do you expect the Kings to try something different? Even if my numbers weren't like that, I would assume that would be the case. Yeah, absolutely. Steph, in 2009, you were tweeting out, we will figure this out. It's the last thing we do, we'll figure it out. And now you're on the precipice of the playoffs and a chance at a fifth championship here. Have you taken any time over the last couple of days to reflect on what's to come and the journey that's gotten you here? Yeah, I mean, that started in training camp when you're coming off a championship and lacing them back up. You're celebrating what you accomplished, but every time you step foot on the floor and practice and get ready for the games and everything that we've been through this year, it's all about the goal at the end of the year of having an opportunity to go chase another one. So that's always kind of the through line, but the way you get there is the way I've approached it every single time is to stay in the moment and enjoy what's right in front of you. And that's the anticipation for game one right now. Can't fast forward to the end of the race. I think that's part of human nature. And when you have experiences of getting to the mountaintop and finishing the job, you understand how hard it is to do that. And the amount of effort mentally and physically it takes to go through an 82 game season and four rounds of a playoffs. So the only way you can really repeat that is to stay right here. So pretty comfortable just locking in on game one. It sounds boring and cliche, but it really is how we accomplish greatness because otherwise you'll kind of cheapen the journey or cut corners knowing or take things for granted, knowing that it's extremely hard to do what we've done and what we're going to try to do going forward. Steph, I think from the outside, we kind of expected Gary's return to be pretty seamless. What have you thought about his return in these seven games? And has there been anything that has surprised you as far as his play? Only thing that surprised me is just how seamless it is when he's out there just to be in the right spot at the right time. You know, he's going to hawk the ball on defense and make plays. But offensively, he just feels very comfortable with what he's asked to do, where he's asked to be, how he plays within our system. So I'm glad he's healthy, feeling great and feeling, you know, stronger each game. But you don't have to tell him much. He just goes out and does what he's supposed to do. And then you obviously played with him. He was a coach here last year. What's maybe your favorite Leandro Barbosa memory? Hmm, I mean, all the videos we used to do on the plane, singing that inappropriate song. You spent that time telling us that you want to stay in the moment. I totally realize that. But I will ask you maybe to move aside a little bit on that. But we know Draymond's contractual situation. We know Bob Meyer's contractual situation. We know at some point this is going to end. Do you, and Steve, a couple of weeks ago said this is not the last dance. There's a good chance that this continues. In your mind, do you let yourself, like this could be the last time? Or are you confident that there's a strong chance that this is not the last time that this is happening? That it's not the last time, but it doesn't really matter right now. It's, we understand the implications. I think Draymond said the other day, we're measured by how we play in the playoffs. So just the fact that we got through 82 and the 60 and all that, it was an emotional roller coaster all year. But the implications on how our season finishes, we understand kind of dictates a lot of the conversation around us. And it always has. And we just had tremendous success. So we've let our plague speak for, you know, what should happen around here. So that's the same way you approach this season in this playoff run. Because this business is, it is what it is. And it's, you know, a lot that's thrown at you emotionally of what could be or what might happen or whatever the hypotheticals. But when we win, everybody gets rewarded and that's what our goal is. So I'm trying to make that happen. With the Kings being newer to the postseason, although familiar faces with Brown and HB, is there a level from the opponent side that you see them as knowing that they're a high scoring offense like your team that can take this up a notch for the postseason? I think there, I mean, there should be confidence and excitement for them because they're doing something that hasn't been done in their franchise in a long time. And they've invested a lot into that journey. But we all know playoffs are different and it's just, again, you just got to win four games and win them however you can. And, you know, we're excited about the opportunity we have in front of us. And, you know, you got to expect that they're going to come out playing extremely well because they've shown that they're a good team all season. And, you know, we want to be ready for that challenge. Yeah, non-basketball question to finish off, but Steph, I recently saw you talking with Mariah Stackhouse from the LPGA before the Masters, and you two were talking about underrated golf season two coming up with KMPG. Just what are you most excited about for this year's tour? And what can the athletes expect? Yeah, KPMG is the title sponsor of the second season of underrated golf tour and taking some very deserving kids that will be four members around the country to four different courses, PGA caliber courses, LPGA caliber courses, and giving them a first class experience to showcase their skills and their talents. And then they all come here to the Bay in August for the championship stop. Mariah has been, she will be and has continued to be an amazing ambassador for the game of golf, but also now the underrated tour and being able to connect with these young boys and girls, young men and women who she's kind of walked the walk that they're on and been blessed by the game, but wants to give back to it. So it's amazing that she believes in what we're doing on the tour and having KPMG backing us up and doing some amazing things by creating this experience for these kids. It's going to be awesome. So really excited about the fact that we're only in season two and we have some amazing momentum behind what we're doing. Kevon, congrats on two straight years of all 82. Thanks. Do you believe that this, you guys haven't seen the best version of this team yet, considering Andrew's been out a quarter of the season, Gary's kind of getting back in the fold and how exciting is that, that you kind of get to be about as fully healthy as you can start in the postseason? It's great for us seeing how the season played out and then the goal was to get to the playoffs healthy and it took a long time to get there, but we got there healthy and it was a great practice today. We got to see everybody on the court, the energy was great. Fun playing with everybody again. So we're excited to get out there on the court and reach our full potential. Kevon, Coach Kerr said that Andrew looks really good in scrimmages. Just from your vantage point, how does he look and what's the one area you think that he can provide to this team immediately for you guys? He looked amazing today. Defense, rebounding, he's a guy that can guard the other guy's best player and he's a guy that when the shot clock's going low, he's just throwing the ball, he can go get a bucket. You know, that's something we've been missing all year and so to have him back for the playoffs is going to be important for our team though. You know, in the playoffs, teams start taking things away and sometimes you just got to go get a bucket and he's one of the best at that. Kevon, how much did you know about Dante before he joined the Warriors and maybe what have you learned about him and it seems like he's made obviously a significant impact. What have you learned about him since you've become a teammate? I didn't know much about him. You know, him being in Eastern Conference, I didn't get to see him play a lot but no, I know he came from Illinois and how good those guys are coached and I'm from Milwaukee so I kept a close eye on him a little bit. I knew how tough he was and how much the fans loved him out there so I didn't know what to expect but him coming in, he's been a great plus for us. I know how good of a defender he was. He's been one of the best on the ball for us all year. He comes up with all the 50-50 balls. He brings a certain level of toughness and grip that our teams have been missing so he's been a huge addition to us and I think he's going to have a big playoff run for us. You guys have faced a lot of great pick-and-roll teams in the playoffs over the years. Is there something specific, specifically unique about the Sabonis-Fox pick-and-roll? Like what's a few things that you think make that a little different? I would say both of them being left-handed is a little different. Guarding that and me and Sabonis being a lead passer like he is and that's a little bit different. Usually guys in the lead pick-and-roll, usually guys are just finishers and they don't really look to get other guys open but he's a guy that can score for himself and he can get the rest of his shooters open and he can find guys and do the DHO and different things like that. He's not just a guy that can just take one thing away. He's good at both. That makes them unique. Darren Fox has a good size for a point guard. He's pretty athletic. They play with both a lot of speed so it's going to be a challenge. We're looking forward to it. We got to figure it out and get a feel for them and draw the series. All right, Kavon. Training camp seems like so long ago but Steve and Bob Myers credited you during that tough stretch for keeping this team together in a lot of ways. And how much pride do you take in how this group just stuck together and Jordan had a great year, Draymond had a great year, you were able to play. You guys went through highs and lows, injuries and got to this point. Yeah, I take a lot of pride in that our culture was staying. All the hits it took and it could have folded but when you got guys who set the standard for such a long time, it's easy to keep things afloat when things are not going well. When we was at 500 or we losing all the games in a row, we still stayed confident and was able to keep fighting, keep fighting, get to the spot where we're healthy and everybody's whole and we got a chance to make a run is exciting. It's a testament to our team and our character and I think the best times are ahead. And last year you said that there were a handful of times where you had to sort of tell Steve, no, I'm good to go, I got this. What were those conversations like this season? Were there some nights that he was considering it or did you just say, hey, I'm in for all 82 again? I think they already knew I was all in. The talks didn't happen as much. I don't know if it was because we was fighting for our lives at the end of the season or if it was just that I got that trust. But I felt good all year. There was no time where I really thought I had to sit. There was no time I had no talks with Rick or Steve like, do you need a night? They know I felt good and we needed to win. So no, I just went out there and played. I have a few Mike Brown questions for you. How much do you still keep in touch with him? I don't talk to Mike Brown. He's opposition now, so I ain't no talking, but it's always good to see him when we play against him and get to slap with him or maybe in the summertime I might see him at a UFC fight or something, but he's not our friend right now. Is there something that he did that helped shape something important in your career? I mean, he's been here probably since my second year in the league. So, you know, everything I learned on defense has probably been mostly through him and like Ron Adams. So them guys coached me up about communication and knowing where to be. You know, he's pointing out holding everybody accountable in film and different things like that. He's real tedious in film and film sessions and different things like that. So I kind of learned just how all the terminology, you know, how to play pick and rolls and different things like that from Mike. And he's a great defensive mind and I learned a lot from him. And then finally, sorry, one more. What do you think about the way that he's led the Kings this season? He's had head coach experience, coach of the year, in fact, but this is a Kings team that has really shaped itself into something new. Uh, he's been, he's done a great job, man. I'm not surprised. Uh, he's been a great coach for us. He's been a great guy. For me, I was a young player in the league. I got to learn from him and somebody I can lean on and talk to when I had questions. And, uh, he's been doing a great job developing those guys. And, you know, he does a great job of earning, getting guys to buy in and building that trust. And so this is what I expected when he went over there. He's a, he's a great coach and, uh, he's good at, you know, establishing coaching. Kavon, what makes a good transition defense team and why do you think the Kings have thrived in that area this season? Uh, you know, they play with a lot of pace and, uh, you know, they got a lot of great shooters. They got, uh, you know, probably four or five guys who can take the ball and push it on the break. It's not just the point guard. I think that's why we used to start good in transitions because, uh, or we play so fast, Draymond's able to push it, you know, Savonage does things like that. So, uh, it's tough to stop when you never know, knows who's going to bring it up or who's going to attack. And, uh, so we got to be on our heels. Uh, we played a lot better in on our defensive end, getting back in transition as one of our keys. Uh, at the end of the season, Kenny been honest about it, uh, every game. So, uh, you know, you got no one to crash, no one to get back. Uh, there's a lot of pressure on the guards to get back and be able to sprint the floor, but we've been doing a lot, a good job with that. What about the Kings specifically though? What makes them a good transition defense team? Defense team? Uh, no, you got somebody, uh, they got a lot of speed. Uh, they got a great rebounder and Savonage and, uh, you know, they just got great athletes. You know, I know Mike Brown is probably cussing them out if they don't get back on defense. So, uh, that's probably one of their keys as well. And so he was big on us. So, uh, probably just coaching and, you know, drilling it and they got the speed to get back. Uh, Kavon is a follow-up to Janie's question. Why do you think Steve did give you that credit when the team could have fractured? And what was kind of like your mindset and your mentality during that time? And, and really your approach? Uh, you know, that's something I always meant pretty, or always did. I always had a pulse of what's going on in the locker room. I'm one of the guys that everybody can talk to. I'm one of the guys always checking in with different guys and talking. So I just kind of just upped that and made sure that guys were feeling comfortable and being that voice for, uh, you know, if guys don't feel comfortable talking out loud, being that voice to talk for them or just knowing when to check in and do different things like that. I don't know. Uh, you know, people don't think I talk different things like that. So I don't know if coaches or anybody outside of the locker room know what all I do, but, uh, you know, when it, uh, the light shine, it was time to, you know, send somebody to go talk to people. My name kept coming up. So I guess that's why I got the credit. But it's something I always did. It's something I learned from my veterans and, uh, just being that voice and making sure that everybody feel comfortable. And, uh, you know, as a big, you got to, you know, build a relationship with every player on the team because you got to talk to them on defense. So you got to do that, that certain level of communication. That's something I learned my first couple years in the league and just kind of keep building it. Kevon, I think that you were a rookie when Leandro Barbosa was here his last season. Do you have any favorite memory or, uh, story when it comes to Barbosa? Uh, I don't know. Barbosa was a great teammate and he was a great coach for us last year. Uh, I remember as a rookie, he made me, he told me I had to go pick up Bogey and, uh, cause I think Bogey was hurt or had like a headache or something and he couldn't drive or something. And Barbosa really wanted him to come to practice. So he told me to go pick him up and Bogey didn't like that. He told me, get away from me, Rooks. So that was probably my favorite Barbosa story. Cause I was kind of, I was scared. I didn't like driving. I didn't know how to, if I had to go route, pick up Bogey, I don't know if my car was big enough for him or nothing. So, but that was probably my favorite Barbosa story.