Initially, Steve Kerr kept it short Thursday when discussing Dillon Brooks’ suspension for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Warriors and Grizzlies. After a little more prodding from reporters, the Warriors coach let his feelings known on the topic.
At one point, Kerr was asked how the Warriors plan to play aggressively without getting out of control.
“Just play hard,” Kerr said. “Battle for every loose ball, battle for every rebound, compete every possession. And, you know, don’t risk a guy’s career if he’s ahead of the play in transition. That’s our mantra.”
Kerr said the Warriors are only concerned about the health and well-being of Gary Payton II, who was at Thursday’s practice with a brace on his left arm after fracturing his elbow with ligament and muscle damage in Game 2, following a harsh foul by Brooks that sent him to the floor.
After earning the 15th and final Warriors roster spot on opening night, Payton carved out a rotation role early in the season. He starred in the series-clinching Game 5 win over the Nuggets in the first round before finding himself in the starting five. Golden State will re-evaluate Payton in two weeks and reportedly is hoping he would be available if the team makes it to the NBA Finals.
For now, there’s an air of uncertainty as he prepares to enter free agency this summer.
“He’s bummed,” Kerr said. “He’s got a huge brace on his arm and he’s gonna be out for a long time. He’s crushed. Six years toiling away in the league as I said the other night. In the spotlight, in the playoffs, playing a huge role, playing well. That’s all been taken away from him. We all feel terrible for Gary. He deserves better.”
Even though Payton can’t practice with his teammates, they still appreciated his presence at the facility Thursday.
“We’re gonna miss not having him on the court, but his energy is always contagious,” Kevon Looney said.
Payton’s absence has already been magnified against Memphis, as superstar Ja Morant exploded for 47 points in Game 2. Kerr said the Warriors don’t have a single player who can bottle up Morant. He noted how Nikola Jokic still put up big numbers in the first round but the Warriors found ways to overcome the Nuggets.
“If you think you’re gonna take away Jokic or Morant, you’re living in a dream world,” Kerr said. “You’re not taking those guys away.”
Going forward, Kerr said that players like Jonathan Kuminga and Damion Lee could get more minutes, while the coaching staff could also tinker with Looney’s playing time. Expect the Warriors to continue to mix up defensive coverages from man to zone as well.
“We know that they’re going to him at the end of the game,” Warriors forward Otto Porter Jr. said. “We just gotta key in on him a little bit better.”
