The Warriors did not hear a fiery speech. They did not hear a sob story, either.
When Warriors coach Steve Kerr addressed the team about Draymond Green's recent spat with Kevin Durant, Kerr offered an honest, pragmatic and optimistic message.
" 'One incident in November can't taint the next six months and what we're trying to accomplish,' " Warriors guard Stephen Curry recalled Kerr saying. "He spoke about that clearly."
The Warriors (12-5) were off Monday, punctuating a week in which Kerr handled something more serious than a winless three-game trip, overlapping injuries and fluid rotations. Then, the Warriors conveyed optimism they can heal their tired and injured bodies. They also expressed hope they could further distance themselves from the drama that stemmed from Green and Durant arguing.
So, Kerr spent the last week ensuring the fallout between Green and Durant did not worsen. Then, Kerr emphasized something that distinguishes the Warriors beyond their All-Star talent.
"Just play with joy. It's always been about our emotion," Durant said. "He's always been big about that and making sure everybody feels good. He tries to put everybody in a position to be successful. So he's trying to get that joy back."
Durant has hardly been joyful since last week. He barked at Green for not passing him the ball on the final play of regulation in an overtime loss last week to the Los Angeles Clippers. In the ensuing huddle, Green attacked Durant with vulgarities and references to his pending free agency next summer. The Warriors then suspended Green the following game against Atlanta. After playing with Green again in Thursday's loss to Houston, Durant snapped at a reporter for inquiring about his relationship with Green.
Green will likely sit out when the Warriors (12-5) play the Oklahoma City Thunder (10-5) on Wednesday at Oracle Arena, marking the third consecutive game he missed with the Warriors citing reoccurring pain in his right foot. Still, the setting only provides another reminder of Durant's sensitivity. When he left the Thunder two years ago for the Warriors, details emerged on the tension Durant and Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook had before and after his departure. The Warriors believe, though, their head coach can calm the current issue down.
"Steve is always great," Warriors guard Klay Thompson said. "He has a great outlook on life and basketball. He's one of our leaders. We always lean on him during turbulent times."
