We’re so excited for tonight’s matchup between the league’s two best teams that we’ve grown something close to nervous. You’d think that first-year coach Steve Kerr, then, might be a bit on edge just hours before his 39-8 Golden State Warriors take on the 41-9 Atlanta Hawks. Nah. As ESPN’s Marc Stein reported live on “SportsCenter” from Phillips Arena, Kerr executed a perfect tongue-wagging video bomb that embodies his relaxed overall coaching demeanor.
https://platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js
So much for nerves.
The Warriors play with a free-flowing and unceasing confidence on both sides of the ball that’s a direct reflection of their rookie coach. Golden State keeps shooting when it misses shots; stays creative after turnovers; and knows its run is coming when falling behind early in games.
For everything schematic Kerr has implemented this season to improve the Warriors’ previously lackluster offense, his calm and cool is nearly as influential. Golden State is talented, dedicated, and relentless, already boasting the all-encompassing identity it sometimes takes title teams months to form.
And fortunately for basketball fans across the globe, so are and do Mike Budenholzer’s Hawks.
Golden State and Atlanta tip-off at 7:30 EST. We can’t wait.
What do you think?
Follow Dime on Twitter at @DimeMag.
Become a fan of Dime Magazine on Facebook HERE.
