Steve Kerr and Klay Thompson both spoke with confidence about the Golden State Warriors’ prospects this season after they recorded a big win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Golden State won 127-104 on Wednesday for its second-largest victory of the NBA season.
The Warriors have now won four in five, helped by Draymond Green returning from suspension last month, with the only loss in that span being a double overtime defeat against the Atlanta Hawks, in which Stephen Curry poured in 60 points.
Despite that improvement, Kerr’s squad remain outside the playoff standings and have been subject to huge trade speculation ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
But Kerr was optimistic and watched his side move to 23-25 with a road win against a 76ers team struggling without Joel Embiid.
"If we don't do anything [before the deadline], I feel like we have got a good group that we can push through with," Kerr said, per ESPN.
"The guys who are here, they are an incredibly accomplished group and we have got some exciting young players.
"Every guy on our team has really overcome a lot, individually, this year. Taken out of the starting lineup, to injuries, young players have emerged through hard work and patience.
"I enjoy coaching this team. It is a long haul, but I feel like this team could be something special."
Andrew Wiggins had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Warriors to victory.
Jonathan Kuminga scored 18 points and Thompson also had 18 two nights after being benched for the final seven minutes against the Brooklyn Nets. The four-time NBA champion has been mentioned in trade talk but wants to stay with the Warriors, as does Wiggins.
"You see Steph Curry, you see Draymond," Thompson said. "Go home and check our playoff record of our trio.
"We are champions and I believe [in us]. It is a long season and I will always believe we can always make a run, especially when we are all suited up.
"That is correct [that I want to stay with the Warriors]. I don't partake in NBA discourse. I think it's such a waste of energy.
"At the end of the day, whether I'm wearing a Dubs uniform or another uniform, I'm going to be myself. I'm going to be KT."
Wiggins added: "I love it here – the organization, the coaches, all of my teammates.
"I feel like we've been finding something good and it's been working for us. As long everyone buys into what we've got going on and always makes it about the team, we'll be good."
The Warriors are back in action on the road against the Indiana Pacers (29-23) on Thursday.
Clippers forward Leonard out indefinitely
Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard is out indefinitely, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank said before Game 4 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
Leonard missed Los Angeles’ final eight regular-season games due to inflammation in his right knee and then sat out the series opener before returning to action.
However, he's clearly not at full strength after combining for 24 points in Games 2 and 3.
A three-time First-Team All-NBA selection, Leonard played in 68 games during the regular season – his most since 2016-17 - and averaged a team-high 23.7 points to go along with 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.63 steals per contest.
Dallas leads the series 2-1, with Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday in Los Angeles.
GK One gives Community Basketball League a financial boost
The GraceKennedy Financial Group (GKFG) has announced that GK One is the official title sponsor of the GK One Howard McCatty Community Basketball League for the 2024 season. The partnership builds upon GKFG's ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and promoting youth development through sports, following another successful staging of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Track & Field Championships (Champs) last month.
"GK recognizes the importance of investing in initiatives that empower and inspire our youth," said Rickardo Ebanks, Chief Digital Officer, GKFG. "GK One is thrilled to be a part of the Community Basketball League 2024 Season and contribute to the continued success of the competition."
The Howard McCatty Community Basketball League has been a cornerstone for young Jamaican athletes providing opportunities for growth, mentorship, and teamwork. With a rich history of nurturing talent and fostering a love for the game, the league serves as a vital platform for aspiring players to showcase and develop their skills on a path to the National Basketball league.
GK One is GraceKennedy’s all-in-one app which offers a suite of GKFG services, allowing users to receive Western Union remittances to their mobile wallet, make bill payments, apply for a First Global Bank Visa Credit Card, and purchase insurance, anytime and anywhere. The app’s companion prepaid Visa debit card also allows customers to pay for goods and services wherever Visa is accepted.
Through the sponsorship, GK One will support the league's mission of promoting sportsmanship, leadership, and academic achievement among participants. The partnership will enable the league to deliver over 100 games throughout the season, provide resources for coaching and player development, and expand its reach within the community.
"We are grateful for the generous support of GK One," expressed Calvin Martin, Vice President and League organizer. "Their commitment to our league will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our players, helping us to further our impact and grow the game of basketball in Kingston and St Catherine. I encourage other corporate entities to follow the lead of GK One and invest in our communities – especially through sports.”
Beyond financial support, GK One will also engage with participating communities by hosting youth basketball clinics, fan engagement events, and supporting mentorship programmes led by the league. Players and fans will also benefit from access to financial services offered by GKFG.
GK One and the Howard McCatty Community Basketball League look forward to a successful 2024 season and partnership focused on empowering young athletes, fostering community connections, and inspiring the next generation of basketball stars.
Bucks star Lillard to miss Game 4 against the Pacers with Achilles injury
Already without two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks won’t have Damian Lillard in the lineup for Game 4 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.
Lillard played nearly 45 minutes in Milwaukee's 121-118 overtime loss in Game 3 on Friday but was ineffective down the stretch after aggravating a lingering Achilles issue.
The defeat was the second straight in the series for the third-seeded Bucks after defeating No. 6 seed Indiana in Game 1.
Antetokounmpo has not played since straining his left calf on April 9 and remains out Sunday, meaning Milwaukee will be without its two leading scorers as it tries to avoid a 3-1 deficit in the series.
Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points this season with Lillard adding 24.3 per game. But with Antetokounmpo sidelined, Lillard averaged 32.3 points in the first three contests against the Pacers to pace Milwaukee.
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday.
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