Memphis Grizzlies 117, Golden State Warriors 112 (OT)
STEVE KERR: Firstly, I just want to say congrats to Memphis and their team, their organization. They have put together a really, really good organization, good team the last few years, drafting well, player development. You know, Taylor's done a really good job with the team. That's a good, young team and a well-run organization, and congrats to them. I know this has been a long time coming for the Grizzlies.
For us, couldn't be prouder of the group. Justin credible effort, determination. They stuck together. They made this season really meaningful over the last couple of months, and that's -- that's important. I think our young guys really grew. I think our vets had great years. So fun to see can a value Looney healthy again. Steph and Draymond had just fantastic years. I think we made a lot of strides this year and I'm really, really excited about what's next for this group.
But for now, really disappointed that they are not going to get the chance to play in the playoffs. It would have been a lot of fun.
I'll take any questions.
Q. I know we've asked you so many times about Jordan Poole, but just to see him in those last seconds of that game, what he was able to do, I know there was a turnover there, but some of the shots he made and the passing, what can you say about just his growth and what he did on this stage tonight?
STEVE KERR: Yeah, he played so well, not only tonight but the last couple games. They have all been basically playoff games the last three and he's played well in all three games. Just really fun to see how far Jordan has come since his rookie year.
A season ago, he was lost. He was lost in the woods and like most rookies are, and it's just confirmation that hard work and perseverance pays off. Jordan was in the gym more than any other player during the pandemic, and he's earned this.
So thrilled for him. I think he's got a really bright future, and obviously will play a big role for us going forward.
Q. What did you tell your team postgame after they emptied the tank?
STEVE KERR: That's private. That's, you know, that's for us. But you know, needless to say, it was all positive. I'm very, very proud of the effort and everything they put forth.
Q. Do you view this season's wider scope as a success, and what do you feel like you learned about this team?
STEVE KERR: I think this season was absolutely a success. You know, we would have loved to have gotten into the playoffs and tried to make a run. You know, we were really a good team over the last 22 games, I guess. You know, to put together a stretch like that over an entire quarter of a season, that's not a fluke. We're the number one defense in the league during that span, and to watch Jordan, Juan, Mychal Mulder, these young guys, grow and develop, that makes this a successful season because of what it sets up for next year.
I'm also thrilled for, I mentioned Kevon, Damion Lee. Some of our younger vets who put together really good seasons and kind of solidified their own individual careers. That's crucial. As coaches, obviously we're trying to win games, but we want to help these guys get better. That's a big part of our job is to help them improve and that's why the training staff did such a great job with Loon, getting him healthy, and the whole coaching staff working every day with these guys, it's very gratifying.
Obviously a crushing way to go out, two straight games that were basically gut-punches. We felt like we had the control of the game the other night, and lost, and then really didn't have the control of this one but could have won. We had the last shot in regulation. So the ball just didn't go our way. But we've had a lot of great breaks over the years, and a lot of bad ones the last couple years with injuries, especially. All in all, you have to look at this season as a success and something to build on.
Q. What do you think were the factors behind the turnovers that basically kept you guys from getting to the playoffs?
STEVE KERR: I think fatigue was a factor tonight. This was about as wild as we have looked over the last six weeks, and we've basically been playing an eight-man rotation. I thought both teams got tired. They really struggled to make shots in the second half.
Our defense picked up big time, but offensively, we turned the ball over a ton and we really weren't poised enough at key times of the game. That's why I kept burning time-outs. I was trying to get the guys settled but we were just trailing the whole game and it felt like everybody was trying a little too hard.
Sometimes fatigue makes you play a little bit beyond what you should be doing, and so the turnovers, some wild possessions in the middle of the game, I thought that's what really hurt us because we had plenty of time to get back in it as we showed.
And the effort is what got us back, and the amazing skill of Steph and his shooting. But we weren't sharp tonight.
Q. You talked a lot about how this would be a playoff-like atmosphere for guys like Jordan and Juan and how important it would be for them to experience that, now that it's over, how do you feel they responded to that and how valuable will this be going forward for them?
STEVE KERR: Yeah, they both were great, as I mentioned, you know, the last three games have been playoff games basically both those guys played big minutes and big roles and did a fantastic job.
Q. I know how proud you have been especially in these last few weeks about the way the group has come together, but specific to Steph, how much disappointment is there organizationally that you guys couldn't get over the hump and into the postseason given how dominant and well he played this season?
STEVE KERR: It's a hard question to answer, you know, half an hour after the game ends. Of course, we're all disappointed that we didn't get in. Of course Steph had a spectacular season. You can make whatever you want of that, but we're really proud of our group and disappointed for them because we would have loved to have gotten in.
So however you want to frame it, you can frame it.
Q. Just to be clear, did you have a time-out at the end of regulation? Could you have called time-out? Did you choose not to?
STEVE KERR: Chose not to. You know, we had our shooters on the floor. We had them on their heels a little bit and you know, we knew we were going to run our high drag with Steph and Draymond, and at that point, I didn't want to disrupt the momentum. We had the last shot and so we chose to go ahead and play.
Q. Following along the lines of what you're talking about, the big picture and this setting you guys up for next year what do you envision what this group can be with what kind of growth you've seen, knowing you have Wiseman back and some draft picks?
STEVE KERR: It's exciting. We're going to have some guys come back who are so much further along than they were in training camp this year. So our depth is going to improve and we've got some assets with possibly a couple of first-round picks. You know, some great, great veteran players like Steph and Draymond and obviously Klay coming back will change a lot about our team.
Very exciting. We have a lot of work to do this summer but we're all excited about it.
Q. It seemed like every time you guys got on a run, Ja Morant had an answer. During overtime I saw Juan looking frustrated after he made that big bucket. Can you talk about what he was able to do and his future in this league?
STEVE KERR: He was great. He had a huge night and had big shots and made five threes. They made 15 threes. They shot the ball really well, and that's why they won the game. You know, they are not a great shooting steam, and a lot of our defense was really to protect the paint and protect against Valanciunas and Jaren Jackson.
So sometimes you give up shots, and you -- just know going in that they are probably due to make some. And that's what had to happen. Obviously Ja made five and Tillman made the big one. He's not a guy you expect to make a three, and so we are up two I think at that point with a couple minutes to go. He hits that corner three. That was a big shot and then Grayson Allen made a couple as well. Give them credit. They made the shots that they had to.
Q. Obviously not the outcome you wanted but the future is bright when we look at the Warriors, and a lot of the players you bring back and what you guys have to offer going forward. Just talk about moving forward, and again, it's going to be a bright future.
STEVE KERR: Yeah, I mean, I think I've already answered that. You know, a couple of draft picks and hopefully some free agents and Klay Thompson coming back and James Wiseman coming back, so a lot to look forward to.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports