1 00:00:03,789 --> 00:00:06,668 Speaker 1: Dubbed Dynasty as a production of iHeartMedia and the NBA. 2 00:00:07,469 --> 00:00:20,229 Speaker 2: Good vision was always in my repertoire, my repertoire, my repertoire, 3 00:00:20,429 --> 00:00:21,069 Speaker 2: my repertoire. 4 00:00:27,629 --> 00:00:29,749 Speaker 3: The internet was so worldwide. 5 00:00:29,869 --> 00:00:33,229 Speaker 4: You congratulations, missus Principessa. 6 00:00:33,309 --> 00:00:34,868 Speaker 5: I love seeing those engagements here. 7 00:00:34,949 --> 00:00:35,829 Speaker 6: That's always special. 8 00:00:37,789 --> 00:00:40,469 Speaker 4: I'm tired, Jared, I want to go eat a sandwich 9 00:00:40,709 --> 00:00:42,029 Speaker 4: and this will be in the past. 10 00:00:42,109 --> 00:00:43,029 Speaker 7: I could call me tail. 11 00:00:44,109 --> 00:00:45,709 Speaker 4: I don't know if I was born for it, but 12 00:00:45,829 --> 00:00:47,949 Speaker 4: I definitely worked my butt off to get to this point. 13 00:00:50,469 --> 00:00:53,389 Speaker 4: And I mean, I guess you could say I was 14 00:00:53,429 --> 00:00:57,429 Speaker 4: born for it. I might go see the swamps or something. 15 00:00:57,429 --> 00:00:58,789 Speaker 4: I'm trying to catch an alligator. 16 00:00:58,829 --> 00:01:05,109 Speaker 8: I don't know, man, I'm not gonna lack a lot. 17 00:01:05,149 --> 00:01:07,389 Speaker 6: I just blanked out ball. 18 00:01:08,309 --> 00:01:09,348 Speaker 3: To see it in real time. 19 00:01:10,068 --> 00:01:11,709 Speaker 8: Oh it's crazy. 20 00:01:14,428 --> 00:01:17,109 Speaker 1: That was a collection of quirk from none other than 21 00:01:17,188 --> 00:01:20,988 Speaker 1: Clay Thompson, the far more eccentric half of the Splash Brothers. 22 00:01:21,949 --> 00:01:27,429 Speaker 1: I'm Israel Gutierrez and this is dubb Dynasty. Clay's is 23 00:01:27,509 --> 00:01:31,868 Speaker 1: a unique NBA existence. His jump shot is one to envy, 24 00:01:32,469 --> 00:01:36,549 Speaker 1: not just for casuals, but even for NBA greats. But 25 00:01:36,669 --> 00:01:39,228 Speaker 1: it's the second most discussed jump shot on his own 26 00:01:39,268 --> 00:01:43,109 Speaker 1: Warriors team. He's considered one of the best two way 27 00:01:43,188 --> 00:01:46,828 Speaker 1: players of his time because his defensive efforts often matched 28 00:01:46,988 --> 00:01:50,669 Speaker 1: or surpassed his offensive output, but he'd make just one 29 00:01:50,949 --> 00:01:54,549 Speaker 1: NBA All Defensive Second Team in his Golden State tenure. 30 00:01:55,109 --> 00:01:58,429 Speaker 1: He's largely considered to have been snugged left off the 31 00:01:58,629 --> 00:02:02,269 Speaker 1: NBA's Greatest seventy five Players of All Time list, Yet 32 00:02:02,309 --> 00:02:05,669 Speaker 1: he was also fortunate to have played alongside teammates who'd 33 00:02:05,709 --> 00:02:10,228 Speaker 1: be considered possibly top ten all time, rarely requiring him 34 00:02:10,389 --> 00:02:12,428 Speaker 1: to carry his team for extended stretches. 35 00:02:13,788 --> 00:02:15,549 Speaker 6: If I could do it all over again, I would 36 00:02:15,589 --> 00:02:19,269 Speaker 6: be Clay. I mean that I want to be Clay. 37 00:02:20,269 --> 00:02:24,029 Speaker 6: He's got it figured out, just wants to play hoop 38 00:02:24,108 --> 00:02:27,629 Speaker 6: and have fun and play with his dog. The most 39 00:02:27,709 --> 00:02:28,948 Speaker 6: low maintenance guy on Earth. 40 00:02:30,029 --> 00:02:32,668 Speaker 1: And while he has saved his Warriors team at times 41 00:02:33,228 --> 00:02:36,228 Speaker 1: and put together some of the more impressive scoring performances 42 00:02:36,269 --> 00:02:40,428 Speaker 1: basketball has ever seen, Clay has always been arguably the 43 00:02:40,549 --> 00:02:44,268 Speaker 1: greatest luxury there's ever been in the NBA. He's the 44 00:02:44,589 --> 00:02:46,829 Speaker 1: second yacht that rarely makes it out of the marine. 45 00:02:47,309 --> 00:02:50,108 Speaker 1: He's the Rolls Royce Phantom that only rolls out of 46 00:02:50,149 --> 00:02:54,029 Speaker 1: the garage when family visits. He's a game six. Savor 47 00:02:54,589 --> 00:02:58,469 Speaker 1: a postgame interview, Jim, He's sixty points in three quarters. 48 00:02:59,309 --> 00:03:03,228 Speaker 1: More on that momentary. But when Clay Thompson wasn't even 49 00:03:03,549 --> 00:03:08,629 Speaker 1: through a championship and another run to the finals was enough, 50 00:03:21,269 --> 00:03:24,268 Speaker 1: last week left you. The Warriors were still experiencing the 51 00:03:24,388 --> 00:03:26,788 Speaker 1: rebound effect of losing a three to one lead in 52 00:03:26,869 --> 00:03:30,508 Speaker 1: the finals to Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It 53 00:03:30,788 --> 00:03:33,189 Speaker 1: was as much as it could be for a team 54 00:03:33,228 --> 00:03:36,469 Speaker 1: that had just set their regular season winsmark a moment 55 00:03:36,589 --> 00:03:41,349 Speaker 1: of international embarrassment. As a result, the Warriors would attempt 56 00:03:41,429 --> 00:03:48,669 Speaker 1: to woo the biggest free agent available, Kevin Durant, and 57 00:03:48,869 --> 00:03:51,629 Speaker 1: so far, through a series of sales pitches in the 58 00:03:51,789 --> 00:03:55,708 Speaker 1: high Faluton Hamptons, the Warriors had at least contributed to 59 00:03:55,789 --> 00:04:00,589 Speaker 1: the possibility of Durant changing teams. Durant possibly going to 60 00:04:00,669 --> 00:04:03,909 Speaker 1: Golden State was a topic on ESPN's The Jail with 61 00:04:04,109 --> 00:04:06,629 Speaker 1: Rachel Nichols, Zach Lowe and Tracy McGrady. 62 00:04:08,629 --> 00:04:11,749 Speaker 9: I think he's talented enough to bet on a team 63 00:04:12,189 --> 00:04:15,189 Speaker 9: to win a championship, to carry our team to a championship. 64 00:04:15,229 --> 00:04:18,149 Speaker 9: That's the type of talent that he has. Go team 65 00:04:18,229 --> 00:04:21,909 Speaker 9: up with Chris Paul and Los Angeles, Go team up 66 00:04:21,949 --> 00:04:23,509 Speaker 9: with you know, Melo and New York. 67 00:04:23,589 --> 00:04:24,749 Speaker 10: So I go somewhere where at no. 68 00:04:25,149 --> 00:04:27,109 Speaker 8: You team up here, but don't team up there, team 69 00:04:27,189 --> 00:04:27,868 Speaker 8: up in some places. 70 00:04:27,909 --> 00:04:29,589 Speaker 9: And I go to say, team up with a team 71 00:04:29,669 --> 00:04:31,909 Speaker 9: that hasn't won a championship. I mean that will be 72 00:04:32,069 --> 00:04:34,029 Speaker 9: more gratifying for filling. 73 00:04:35,269 --> 00:04:40,189 Speaker 1: And On our nation's Independence Day twenty sixteen, Durant announced 74 00:04:40,269 --> 00:04:43,789 Speaker 1: via The Player's Tribune in an article titled My Next Chapter, 75 00:04:44,269 --> 00:04:47,469 Speaker 1: that he would sign with the Warriors. The article featured 76 00:04:47,469 --> 00:04:50,269 Speaker 1: a photo of Durant in a white sleeveless T shirt 77 00:04:50,669 --> 00:04:54,549 Speaker 1: looking off to the right at nothing in particular. It's 78 00:04:54,589 --> 00:04:57,389 Speaker 1: an image and headline combo that still gets the mean 79 00:04:57,469 --> 00:05:01,509 Speaker 1: treatment to this day. In the article, Durant announced his 80 00:05:01,629 --> 00:05:05,429 Speaker 1: decision to join the Warriors given the level of hatred 81 00:05:05,509 --> 00:05:08,509 Speaker 1: spewed at Lebron James after he chose to leave his 82 00:05:08,709 --> 00:05:12,868 Speaker 1: first organization in free agency in twenty ten. Durant made 83 00:05:12,949 --> 00:05:16,229 Speaker 1: sure to mention his appreciation for the Thunder organization and 84 00:05:16,349 --> 00:05:20,589 Speaker 1: its fans. Durant wrote, quote, it really pains me to 85 00:05:20,709 --> 00:05:23,388 Speaker 1: know that I will disappoint so many people with this choice, 86 00:05:24,149 --> 00:05:26,229 Speaker 1: but I believe I'm doing what I feel is the 87 00:05:26,349 --> 00:05:28,389 Speaker 1: right thing at this point in my life and my 88 00:05:28,509 --> 00:05:32,988 Speaker 1: playing career. It wasn't just thunder fans would feel disappointment. 89 00:05:33,308 --> 00:05:36,789 Speaker 1: Fans of competition would also the idea that a team 90 00:05:36,949 --> 00:05:39,189 Speaker 1: that just set the all time wins record for a 91 00:05:39,269 --> 00:05:42,469 Speaker 1: single season and was just one more win away from 92 00:05:42,549 --> 00:05:46,428 Speaker 1: also winning the championship just added a player who might 93 00:05:46,509 --> 00:05:49,709 Speaker 1: be better than anyone else on the roster. It just 94 00:05:49,789 --> 00:05:54,669 Speaker 1: didn't sit well in the eyes of many. In twenty ten, 95 00:05:55,109 --> 00:05:58,509 Speaker 1: after Lebron signed with the Heat, Jeff Van Gundy predicted 96 00:05:58,589 --> 00:06:01,389 Speaker 1: that Heat team that also had Dwayne Wade and Chris 97 00:06:01,469 --> 00:06:05,909 Speaker 1: Bosch would break the wins record. The Warriors had already 98 00:06:05,949 --> 00:06:10,149 Speaker 1: done that and now added an MVP in his absolute pride. 99 00:06:10,748 --> 00:06:14,109 Speaker 1: The immediate backlash was so strong it felt as if 100 00:06:14,229 --> 00:06:17,309 Speaker 1: Durant was getting attached from all angles, not just his 101 00:06:17,469 --> 00:06:18,669 Speaker 1: former teammates. 102 00:06:19,909 --> 00:06:22,669 Speaker 10: Team and a the news again coming in moments ago, 103 00:06:22,949 --> 00:06:25,509 Speaker 10: Kevin Durant heading two the Golden State Warriors. 104 00:06:25,829 --> 00:06:27,909 Speaker 6: How are you viewing this move from Durant? 105 00:06:28,389 --> 00:06:30,229 Speaker 11: Well, I'm viewing it as the weakest move I've ever 106 00:06:30,269 --> 00:06:31,988 Speaker 11: seen from a superstar playing as simple. 107 00:06:32,069 --> 00:06:33,109 Speaker 3: That's just how I look at it. 108 00:06:33,269 --> 00:06:36,429 Speaker 11: It's not that he's leaving Oklahoma City. If you're not happy, 109 00:06:36,509 --> 00:06:37,989 Speaker 11: then you want to move on and you want to 110 00:06:38,029 --> 00:06:40,549 Speaker 11: grow as a player, or you know, there's nothing wrong 111 00:06:40,629 --> 00:06:42,589 Speaker 11: with that. He's one of the top three players in 112 00:06:42,669 --> 00:06:45,308 Speaker 11: the world. He's a quit essential superstar. He deserves all 113 00:06:45,349 --> 00:06:48,309 Speaker 11: the credits in the world, but the talent that he possesses. 114 00:06:48,469 --> 00:06:49,509 Speaker 5: But the flip side is this. 115 00:06:49,949 --> 00:06:52,309 Speaker 11: They were up three to one in the Western Conference finals, 116 00:06:52,549 --> 00:06:54,749 Speaker 11: not one, not two, but three different times. He was 117 00:06:54,789 --> 00:06:57,949 Speaker 11: forty eight minutes removed from getting to the NBA Finals 118 00:06:57,988 --> 00:07:01,669 Speaker 11: by winning the Western Conference three times. He failed, particularly 119 00:07:01,829 --> 00:07:04,189 Speaker 11: in Game six. And you depart for the team that 120 00:07:04,308 --> 00:07:06,989 Speaker 11: beat you when you're on the cusp of getting to 121 00:07:07,029 --> 00:07:10,029 Speaker 11: the finals yourself ultimately winning the championship with a franchise 122 00:07:10,309 --> 00:07:12,789 Speaker 11: that you've been with since you've come into the NBA, 123 00:07:13,229 --> 00:07:14,469 Speaker 11: I think it's incredibly weak. 124 00:07:16,389 --> 00:07:20,549 Speaker 1: His most famous teammate, Russell Westbrook, did post a response 125 00:07:20,629 --> 00:07:24,109 Speaker 1: on Instagram that would consolidate the nation's thoughts on Durant 126 00:07:24,469 --> 00:07:29,269 Speaker 1: into one sweet, patriotic image. Westbrook posted an image of 127 00:07:29,349 --> 00:07:33,829 Speaker 1: cupcakes decorated for the holiday with the caption Happy Fourth y'all. 128 00:07:34,549 --> 00:07:38,389 Speaker 1: It turns out another former Durant teammate, Kendrick Perkins, used 129 00:07:38,429 --> 00:07:41,829 Speaker 1: to call teammates cupcakes if they were playing soft. The 130 00:07:41,909 --> 00:07:45,268 Speaker 1: cupcake response from Westbrook would be the one Thunder fans 131 00:07:45,269 --> 00:07:49,029 Speaker 1: would cling to. From the outside looking in, it was 132 00:07:49,109 --> 00:07:52,429 Speaker 1: easy to pick sides here. Westbrook was the teammate left 133 00:07:52,469 --> 00:07:56,349 Speaker 1: behind as Durant left to join the big bad favorites. 134 00:07:57,149 --> 00:08:00,029 Speaker 1: Even Slater felt the venom from the Thunder fans after 135 00:08:00,149 --> 00:08:02,589 Speaker 1: he left the Oklahoma to cover the Warriors. 136 00:08:03,469 --> 00:08:07,549 Speaker 12: So much of the Durant backlash felt like you're going 137 00:08:07,589 --> 00:08:11,029 Speaker 12: to the enemy, like the team that really, you know, 138 00:08:11,229 --> 00:08:13,069 Speaker 12: just kind of slayed you. I think there was a 139 00:08:13,109 --> 00:08:14,789 Speaker 12: lot of people at the time that really wanted to 140 00:08:14,869 --> 00:08:17,309 Speaker 12: see Thunder Warriors again the next year. Right, it was 141 00:08:17,349 --> 00:08:20,669 Speaker 12: like but it also I mean, people in the league 142 00:08:20,749 --> 00:08:22,389 Speaker 12: viewed it, and I guess you would say the same 143 00:08:22,429 --> 00:08:24,349 Speaker 12: about the Miami one. But people in the league viewed 144 00:08:24,349 --> 00:08:25,949 Speaker 12: it like, man, you just ruined the league for the 145 00:08:25,989 --> 00:08:27,909 Speaker 12: next four years. We know who's gonna win the title. 146 00:08:27,949 --> 00:08:30,789 Speaker 12: You're gonna be massive favors. In some ways, they were 147 00:08:30,869 --> 00:08:31,829 Speaker 12: kind of proven correct. 148 00:08:32,469 --> 00:08:35,348 Speaker 1: At this point in our NBA experience, the media and 149 00:08:35,469 --> 00:08:38,389 Speaker 1: the public had already learned their lesson about critiquing a 150 00:08:38,469 --> 00:08:44,189 Speaker 1: player's free agency choice too vigorously. The hyperbolic reactions to 151 00:08:44,309 --> 00:08:47,709 Speaker 1: Lebron James leaving Cleveland for Miami taught us to calm 152 00:08:47,829 --> 00:08:50,149 Speaker 1: down a little bit when a player simply exerts his 153 00:08:50,269 --> 00:08:52,829 Speaker 1: own free will and chooses where he wants to work. 154 00:08:53,589 --> 00:08:57,469 Speaker 1: But there was something especially off put about Durant joining 155 00:08:57,549 --> 00:09:00,189 Speaker 1: the enemy that defeated him in the most recent playoffs. 156 00:09:00,949 --> 00:09:04,709 Speaker 1: Forget about an unfair talent advantage for the Warrior. Amateur 157 00:09:04,789 --> 00:09:09,149 Speaker 1: psychiatrists everywhere, we're trying to examine Durant's mentality. Why not 158 00:09:09,269 --> 00:09:11,349 Speaker 1: run it back and try to beat the Warriors after 159 00:09:11,469 --> 00:09:15,389 Speaker 1: being so close in the conference finals? Was Russell Westbrook 160 00:09:15,469 --> 00:09:18,909 Speaker 1: really that difficult to play with? What it really satisfied 161 00:09:18,989 --> 00:09:22,709 Speaker 1: Durant to win a title with this turnkey championship ready team. 162 00:09:23,509 --> 00:09:26,749 Speaker 1: Rachel Nichols has examined the Durant conversation from every angle. 163 00:09:27,589 --> 00:09:31,829 Speaker 1: Upon reflection, she believes Durant's decision isn't a shocking when 164 00:09:31,829 --> 00:09:34,069 Speaker 1: you look back at the circumstances. 165 00:09:35,469 --> 00:09:37,389 Speaker 13: And we all acknowledge it now. And by the way, 166 00:09:37,469 --> 00:09:39,789 Speaker 13: I happen to like Russell Westbrook. I think he'said a 167 00:09:39,829 --> 00:09:41,709 Speaker 13: lot of community stuff people don't give him credit for. 168 00:09:42,029 --> 00:09:44,229 Speaker 13: And I also think the way that he uplifted that 169 00:09:44,349 --> 00:09:47,869 Speaker 13: Thunder team after Kevin left really reset the course of 170 00:09:47,909 --> 00:09:50,789 Speaker 13: the franchise and enabled what is happening now, because without 171 00:09:50,829 --> 00:09:53,229 Speaker 13: that belief he provided for them, I'm not sure that 172 00:09:53,309 --> 00:09:55,349 Speaker 13: they are what is this in our Year of Our 173 00:09:55,389 --> 00:09:57,629 Speaker 13: Lord twenty twenty four to twenty five the title contender. 174 00:09:58,069 --> 00:10:01,149 Speaker 3: But he can wear on you, man, He can be 175 00:10:01,229 --> 00:10:01,829 Speaker 3: hard to play with. 176 00:10:02,269 --> 00:10:06,709 Speaker 13: And also Kevin in a small market that wasn't maybe 177 00:10:06,789 --> 00:10:09,589 Speaker 13: naturally the sus from Texas, but maybe wasn't naturally aware 178 00:10:09,629 --> 00:10:11,709 Speaker 13: and who he saw himself at that stage of being 179 00:10:11,749 --> 00:10:13,949 Speaker 13: an adult year a lot different at that age seven 180 00:10:14,029 --> 00:10:15,989 Speaker 13: years into your career than you are when you first 181 00:10:16,029 --> 00:10:17,949 Speaker 13: came in. And by the way, he started in Seattle 182 00:10:17,989 --> 00:10:19,709 Speaker 13: and then they go to Oklahoma City and all of 183 00:10:19,749 --> 00:10:23,309 Speaker 13: that stuff, So I think his decision to leave Oklahoma 184 00:10:23,389 --> 00:10:24,869 Speaker 13: City is a little separate. 185 00:10:27,389 --> 00:10:30,349 Speaker 1: There was one financial detail that allowed for this to 186 00:10:30,469 --> 00:10:33,869 Speaker 1: even be a conversation. After the NBA signed a new 187 00:10:33,909 --> 00:10:37,189 Speaker 1: television deal in twenty fourteen, the league was set to 188 00:10:37,309 --> 00:10:41,069 Speaker 1: experience a spike in revenue beginning in the twenty sixteen offseason, 189 00:10:41,709 --> 00:10:44,669 Speaker 1: setting up for the largest salary cap increase the league 190 00:10:44,709 --> 00:10:47,189 Speaker 1: had ever seen. There was an attempt by the league 191 00:10:47,269 --> 00:10:50,309 Speaker 1: to avoid the big spike and spread out the revenue 192 00:10:50,389 --> 00:10:53,749 Speaker 1: over multiple years so that more free agents benefit, not 193 00:10:53,989 --> 00:10:57,749 Speaker 1: just the twenty sixteen group. That attempt was rejected by 194 00:10:57,789 --> 00:11:01,509 Speaker 1: the players Association, setting up the possibility of Durant signing 195 00:11:01,549 --> 00:11:05,229 Speaker 1: with Golden State and setting up seemingly endless debate of 196 00:11:05,949 --> 00:11:08,309 Speaker 1: should Durant have even considered the Warriors. 197 00:11:09,469 --> 00:11:12,509 Speaker 13: Here's Nicholas, I think he was ready to be somewhere fun. 198 00:11:12,789 --> 00:11:15,709 Speaker 13: Kevin Durant loves basketball. I think if you know Kevin 199 00:11:15,749 --> 00:11:17,829 Speaker 13: at all, if you followed his career at all, you 200 00:11:17,869 --> 00:11:19,269 Speaker 13: know he says a lot of the time, I just 201 00:11:19,349 --> 00:11:21,269 Speaker 13: want a hoop man. And it's easy to take that 202 00:11:21,469 --> 00:11:24,269 Speaker 13: is a cliche or casually it is the building block 203 00:11:24,349 --> 00:11:26,429 Speaker 13: of who he is. He will get out there with 204 00:11:26,549 --> 00:11:30,189 Speaker 13: a basketball and annette wherever he is, he wants to play. 205 00:11:30,429 --> 00:11:33,589 Speaker 13: He's most comfortable with himself and who he is on 206 00:11:33,709 --> 00:11:37,349 Speaker 13: the court. He just wants to play ball man. And 207 00:11:37,709 --> 00:11:40,389 Speaker 13: it's a little reductive but it's also true, and I 208 00:11:40,429 --> 00:11:42,429 Speaker 13: think the fact that this team was able to offer 209 00:11:42,509 --> 00:11:44,229 Speaker 13: him not only a chance at a title and a 210 00:11:44,309 --> 00:11:46,469 Speaker 13: ring and all the things the public focused on, but 211 00:11:46,629 --> 00:11:50,069 Speaker 13: the chance to have this sort of environment where basketball 212 00:11:50,229 --> 00:11:51,949 Speaker 13: was the main thing and it was supposed to be fun. 213 00:11:52,309 --> 00:11:54,549 Speaker 13: I think that was really appealing for him. On top 214 00:11:54,589 --> 00:11:56,789 Speaker 13: of oh yeah, I could finally win a title, Oh yeah, 215 00:11:56,869 --> 00:11:58,909 Speaker 13: I get to play with Steph, and the fact that 216 00:11:58,989 --> 00:12:01,869 Speaker 13: Steph behaved in a way that, frankly, we just haven't 217 00:12:01,909 --> 00:12:06,069 Speaker 13: seen modern superstar and any sport behave. Willing to say 218 00:12:06,309 --> 00:12:09,869 Speaker 13: to someone who maybe was in some ways, in some ways, 219 00:12:10,589 --> 00:12:14,069 Speaker 13: in some ways better than him in certain areas, to 220 00:12:14,189 --> 00:12:16,229 Speaker 13: come onto the team and be at the very least 221 00:12:16,269 --> 00:12:19,149 Speaker 13: a Coh headliner, I think was remarkable. 222 00:12:20,749 --> 00:12:23,789 Speaker 1: This just didn't fit the story arc that we all projected. 223 00:12:23,869 --> 00:12:28,749 Speaker 1: After the phenomenal twenty sixteen playoffs, the thunder were supposed 224 00:12:28,749 --> 00:12:32,309 Speaker 1: to get another shot at the Warriors. Lebron was supposed 225 00:12:32,309 --> 00:12:34,389 Speaker 1: to have ended the Warriors run the same way he 226 00:12:34,469 --> 00:12:40,189 Speaker 1: stopped Eastern Conference teams from ever starting THEIRS. Teams like 227 00:12:40,229 --> 00:12:43,269 Speaker 1: the Rockets and Grizzlies were supposed to emerge as true 228 00:12:43,349 --> 00:12:47,549 Speaker 1: challengers o West, Durant's choice would eliminate all those as 229 00:12:47,629 --> 00:12:51,109 Speaker 1: possibilities and we would all have to accept the inevitable 230 00:12:51,509 --> 00:12:57,069 Speaker 1: Avengers endgame type finale that was to come. Despite the 231 00:12:57,189 --> 00:13:01,229 Speaker 1: cinematic setup, people hated on Durant for creating leading this 232 00:13:01,429 --> 00:13:05,269 Speaker 1: offensive genius to be on the defense from the start 233 00:13:05,349 --> 00:13:06,629 Speaker 1: of his time in Bothen State. 234 00:13:07,869 --> 00:13:10,109 Speaker 5: Nothing in this league is easy, and I know it's 235 00:13:10,109 --> 00:13:11,709 Speaker 5: going to be ups and down throughout a season. 236 00:13:11,789 --> 00:13:13,989 Speaker 14: I know we expected to be perfect every single day, 237 00:13:14,029 --> 00:13:15,189 Speaker 14: but I know that's not realistic. 238 00:13:15,509 --> 00:13:18,029 Speaker 13: I think the Warriors were so dominant throughout the twenty 239 00:13:18,109 --> 00:13:22,749 Speaker 13: sixteen season. I think the fact that Steph Curry felt 240 00:13:22,829 --> 00:13:26,469 Speaker 13: like a little bit unbreakable and unbeatable, and we just 241 00:13:26,709 --> 00:13:29,389 Speaker 13: as if you're a fan of any other team, you're thinking, 242 00:13:29,629 --> 00:13:31,909 Speaker 13: we just went through a decade of Lebron James doing 243 00:13:31,949 --> 00:13:36,269 Speaker 13: whatever he wanted. I mean, Lebron dismantled what three different 244 00:13:36,349 --> 00:13:39,749 Speaker 13: organizations in the Eastern Conference in the time that he 245 00:13:39,909 --> 00:13:41,789 Speaker 13: was in Cleveland. I mean, you look at the rise 246 00:13:41,829 --> 00:13:43,709 Speaker 13: and ball of the Boston Celtics at that time, or 247 00:13:43,749 --> 00:13:45,589 Speaker 13: the Pacers, or we could talk about the Bulls that 248 00:13:45,629 --> 00:13:49,389 Speaker 13: there's so many teams that the Rafters that he just destroyed, 249 00:13:49,789 --> 00:13:52,269 Speaker 13: and that the feeling among fans was, way, We're about 250 00:13:52,269 --> 00:13:55,149 Speaker 13: to go through this all over again, You're kidding me. 251 00:13:55,589 --> 00:13:57,269 Speaker 13: I think there was a little bit of that. I 252 00:13:57,429 --> 00:14:00,829 Speaker 13: think that this sort of radio talk show host narrative 253 00:14:01,109 --> 00:14:04,549 Speaker 13: of oh wow, you lost, so you're going to go 254 00:14:04,669 --> 00:14:07,469 Speaker 13: join the winner, and it spoke to this idea of 255 00:14:07,589 --> 00:14:10,549 Speaker 13: manliness in some way that caught a lot of fire 256 00:14:10,709 --> 00:14:12,829 Speaker 13: with a lot of people. I think was an ingredient 257 00:14:12,949 --> 00:14:13,509 Speaker 13: in all of that. 258 00:14:14,629 --> 00:14:17,349 Speaker 1: The drama of the season had been removed by this decision, 259 00:14:17,909 --> 00:14:20,709 Speaker 1: so all the dramatics would be focused on Durant and 260 00:14:20,829 --> 00:14:24,349 Speaker 1: his free agency choice. The Warriors would also need to 261 00:14:24,389 --> 00:14:28,949 Speaker 1: adjust their roster to fit Durant. Goneweror Harrison Barnes, Andrew Bogitt, 262 00:14:29,229 --> 00:14:33,229 Speaker 1: Maurice Spates, and Festus A. Zili In were veteran forward 263 00:14:33,349 --> 00:14:37,469 Speaker 1: David West, rookie Patrick mccau and big man Jajah Peculia. 264 00:14:38,269 --> 00:14:41,429 Speaker 1: The veteran center had just experienced his thirteen season in 265 00:14:41,509 --> 00:14:44,189 Speaker 1: the NBA, but before he was able to join the 266 00:14:44,229 --> 00:14:47,789 Speaker 1: star studded Warriors, Peculia was just like the rest of us, 267 00:14:48,629 --> 00:14:53,149 Speaker 1: wondering why Durant made the NBA, possibly the most top 268 00:14:53,229 --> 00:14:54,389 Speaker 1: heavy it had ever been. 269 00:14:56,469 --> 00:15:00,069 Speaker 8: I can tell you how mad I was when Katie 270 00:15:00,189 --> 00:15:03,949 Speaker 8: signed with the Warriors, already amazing team. I lost to 271 00:15:04,029 --> 00:15:06,709 Speaker 8: the final in the finals to Clivement, already great team, 272 00:15:07,189 --> 00:15:12,109 Speaker 8: and guess what breaking breaking news, Katie signs, but I'm gonna. 273 00:15:12,629 --> 00:15:15,029 Speaker 8: I was so mad. I said, who is going to 274 00:15:15,069 --> 00:15:17,309 Speaker 8: beat them? I said, this is not fair. I mean 275 00:15:18,069 --> 00:15:19,909 Speaker 8: my wife, my kids said, Dad, why are you angry? 276 00:15:19,909 --> 00:15:21,749 Speaker 8: I said, it's not fair. It's not fair. I said, 277 00:15:21,749 --> 00:15:24,709 Speaker 8: what Katie just signed with? Like, because my mind is 278 00:15:24,789 --> 00:15:26,669 Speaker 8: like okay, because I was in Dallas. I just had 279 00:15:26,949 --> 00:15:30,709 Speaker 8: my career year in Dallas. I really bonded with Dirk 280 00:15:30,989 --> 00:15:33,509 Speaker 8: and you know Darren Williams and played for coach Carl. 281 00:15:33,549 --> 00:15:36,229 Speaker 8: I said it was great. I really liked it. But 282 00:15:36,349 --> 00:15:39,309 Speaker 8: I was free agent and I didn't care about free agency. 283 00:15:39,349 --> 00:15:43,309 Speaker 8: All I cared about, like why Warriors sign Kevin the 284 00:15:43,349 --> 00:15:47,869 Speaker 8: Red So two days later, so after being mad and disappointing, 285 00:15:47,989 --> 00:15:51,309 Speaker 8: frustrated for forty eight hours, my agents called me because 286 00:15:51,309 --> 00:15:55,269 Speaker 8: I was free agent, so and he goes Zaza. We've 287 00:15:55,309 --> 00:15:58,349 Speaker 8: been working together for a pretty good amount of time, 288 00:15:58,629 --> 00:16:01,389 Speaker 8: and I had a lot of offers for you during 289 00:16:01,469 --> 00:16:03,829 Speaker 8: your career, but nothing like this. 290 00:16:04,749 --> 00:16:08,389 Speaker 1: Peculia had offers from the Trailblazers, Mavericks and of course 291 00:16:08,469 --> 00:16:12,189 Speaker 1: the Warriors. Suddenly his complaint stopped. 292 00:16:13,789 --> 00:16:16,109 Speaker 8: No brainer, that was a lifetime opportunity. 293 00:16:16,309 --> 00:16:16,709 Speaker 9: You know, to. 294 00:16:18,389 --> 00:16:21,869 Speaker 8: Forget about winning it first, like winning is a huge part, 295 00:16:22,309 --> 00:16:26,629 Speaker 8: but just to experience, I need to play with the guys. 296 00:16:26,669 --> 00:16:31,309 Speaker 8: So I just mentioned you know, Steph clay KD Drama 297 00:16:32,069 --> 00:16:35,829 Speaker 8: and the center spot was open. And but you know, 298 00:16:35,949 --> 00:16:38,069 Speaker 8: the like they were very open about, like, you know, 299 00:16:38,229 --> 00:16:40,589 Speaker 8: we want we looking at you as your number one 300 00:16:40,629 --> 00:16:43,069 Speaker 8: option for us to be a starting center. So I 301 00:16:43,269 --> 00:16:45,829 Speaker 8: was joking with my friends. Actually I never made an 302 00:16:45,829 --> 00:16:47,909 Speaker 8: All Star, but hey, there you go. I'm playing with 303 00:16:47,989 --> 00:16:52,429 Speaker 8: the all Stars. So four all stars, I say, and 304 00:16:53,629 --> 00:16:54,789 Speaker 8: right away I told him yes. 305 00:17:00,469 --> 00:17:03,509 Speaker 1: Filling out the roster around Durant, the Splash Brothers and 306 00:17:03,629 --> 00:17:07,989 Speaker 1: Draymond would seem like a relatively easy task, But remember 307 00:17:08,709 --> 00:17:11,509 Speaker 1: the center position had been held by Andrew Boget the 308 00:17:11,549 --> 00:17:15,349 Speaker 1: previous few years, a former number one overall pick with 309 00:17:15,589 --> 00:17:18,669 Speaker 1: defensive player of the year type of ability and a 310 00:17:18,749 --> 00:17:22,509 Speaker 1: selfless approach that fit right in. Replacing him wouldn't be 311 00:17:22,589 --> 00:17:25,509 Speaker 1: as easy as taking the first free agent center available. 312 00:17:26,069 --> 00:17:29,709 Speaker 1: Peculia's role would be critical, and he recognized that early 313 00:17:29,829 --> 00:17:32,949 Speaker 1: on as he was adjusting to Golden State's faster style 314 00:17:32,989 --> 00:17:33,349 Speaker 1: of play. 315 00:17:35,029 --> 00:17:38,509 Speaker 8: I never played in this system before, so it was 316 00:17:38,629 --> 00:17:41,669 Speaker 8: quite adjustment. It took some time for me, a couple 317 00:17:41,749 --> 00:17:45,189 Speaker 8: of weeks, a couple of months to really keep out 318 00:17:45,229 --> 00:17:47,789 Speaker 8: with the pace, keep out with you know, the movements. 319 00:17:47,869 --> 00:17:50,269 Speaker 8: And you know he's not like you know you have 320 00:17:51,109 --> 00:17:55,469 Speaker 8: windows right, No, like jump ball back and forward, like 321 00:17:55,629 --> 00:17:58,549 Speaker 8: not only is north and south, also like east to west, 322 00:17:58,669 --> 00:18:01,189 Speaker 8: you know, so like ball should have been moving. You 323 00:18:01,269 --> 00:18:04,429 Speaker 8: could not hold the ball and understand, I mean, well 324 00:18:04,549 --> 00:18:07,669 Speaker 8: Staff needed a ball right where Clay like where Kad 325 00:18:07,869 --> 00:18:11,029 Speaker 8: needed the ball right. So all this smolding little things, 326 00:18:11,069 --> 00:18:14,829 Speaker 8: I think that's the differentiates good and great. And as 327 00:18:14,909 --> 00:18:17,948 Speaker 8: a starting center, I had to be good. I had 328 00:18:17,989 --> 00:18:20,029 Speaker 8: to be right on in point and I could have 329 00:18:20,149 --> 00:18:20,669 Speaker 8: messed it out. 330 00:18:22,429 --> 00:18:24,949 Speaker 1: The Warriors thought they were done building the team around 331 00:18:24,989 --> 00:18:29,509 Speaker 1: the core of Curry, Clay, Draymond Durant and Iguadala, but 332 00:18:29,629 --> 00:18:32,909 Speaker 1: Agwadala suggested one of his former teammates also be brought 333 00:18:32,949 --> 00:18:36,389 Speaker 1: on board. JaVale McGhee was on the Mavericks the previous season, 334 00:18:36,589 --> 00:18:39,469 Speaker 1: just like Jajah Paculia, but he was teammates with Iguadala 335 00:18:39,549 --> 00:18:41,749 Speaker 1: on the Nuggets team that lost to the Warriors in 336 00:18:41,829 --> 00:18:45,869 Speaker 1: the twenty fourteen playoffs. Iguadala pushed the Warriors to give 337 00:18:45,989 --> 00:18:50,789 Speaker 1: the uber athletic seven foot McGee a chance. McGee would 338 00:18:50,789 --> 00:18:53,229 Speaker 1: give Golden State a lab option. They didn't quite have 339 00:18:54,269 --> 00:18:56,709 Speaker 1: a vertical threat in the half court and a big 340 00:18:56,829 --> 00:18:59,309 Speaker 1: man who runs the floor. Well, it was the first 341 00:18:59,349 --> 00:19:02,149 Speaker 1: time McGee teamed with Curry, but it wasn't the first 342 00:19:02,189 --> 00:19:05,789 Speaker 1: impression he had of Steph. That came when Steph debuted 343 00:19:05,829 --> 00:19:09,389 Speaker 1: one of his signature celebrations against McGee and the Denver Nuggets. 344 00:19:11,149 --> 00:19:14,709 Speaker 15: I mean, the only thing that really lingered was, I 345 00:19:14,869 --> 00:19:19,069 Speaker 15: believe a game against US Denver was the first time 346 00:19:19,269 --> 00:19:22,389 Speaker 15: he had done a shoot in the corner three and 347 00:19:22,469 --> 00:19:24,429 Speaker 15: turn around to look at the bench before it goes in. 348 00:19:25,229 --> 00:19:27,989 Speaker 15: So it was like a spark for his swag to 349 00:19:28,109 --> 00:19:31,749 Speaker 15: go up one hundred x. And I hate the fact 350 00:19:31,789 --> 00:19:33,429 Speaker 15: that we were a part of that, or I guess 351 00:19:33,509 --> 00:19:34,269 Speaker 15: I was a part of that. 352 00:19:34,789 --> 00:19:38,709 Speaker 3: Curry with the whisker tree getting in back three on 353 00:19:38,829 --> 00:19:42,388 Speaker 3: the way, Yes, Sir, turned around two. That was dirty. 354 00:19:43,549 --> 00:19:48,069 Speaker 1: My goodness, this dude is ridiculous. 355 00:19:49,269 --> 00:19:57,829 Speaker 3: Eight unanswered curry off a drive curry for three cats. 356 00:19:57,909 --> 00:20:01,989 Speaker 16: God, Steph Curry from way downtown. There's step three pointer 357 00:20:02,069 --> 00:20:02,469 Speaker 16: of the night. 358 00:20:04,029 --> 00:20:06,109 Speaker 1: And it wouldn't take long for this center with the 359 00:20:06,189 --> 00:20:10,229 Speaker 1: reputation of being somewhat goofy, to play a very serious 360 00:20:10,349 --> 00:20:11,668 Speaker 1: role with the loaded dumps. 361 00:20:12,229 --> 00:20:15,429 Speaker 15: I feel like I realized that once I started realizing 362 00:20:15,469 --> 00:20:18,669 Speaker 15: how Draymond played and how he was more of a 363 00:20:18,829 --> 00:20:21,789 Speaker 15: pass first player but would always have the ball in 364 00:20:21,869 --> 00:20:24,989 Speaker 15: his hands. So I believe a couple of practices, a 365 00:20:25,069 --> 00:20:28,749 Speaker 15: couple of preseason games, I'm realizing, like, Okay, he's throwing 366 00:20:28,829 --> 00:20:31,949 Speaker 15: the live no matter what. So it was really helping 367 00:20:32,029 --> 00:20:35,389 Speaker 15: me just with my timing and with my role of knowing, Okay, 368 00:20:35,509 --> 00:20:37,069 Speaker 15: if he got the ball in his hand, be ready 369 00:20:37,109 --> 00:20:39,589 Speaker 15: for a live and just dunk the ball and get 370 00:20:39,629 --> 00:20:42,509 Speaker 15: back down the court and just focus on that because 371 00:20:42,509 --> 00:20:44,429 Speaker 15: they don't need you shooting breeze, and it needs you 372 00:20:44,549 --> 00:20:46,469 Speaker 15: posting enough, and it's a whole different type of team 373 00:20:46,869 --> 00:20:49,429 Speaker 15: or whatever we got going. You got to be great 374 00:20:49,549 --> 00:20:52,109 Speaker 15: at that certain roles so each person can do what 375 00:20:52,189 --> 00:20:54,109 Speaker 15: they have to do so that we win this championship. 376 00:20:56,989 --> 00:21:04,269 Speaker 1: The team was complete, and all that was left in 377 00:21:04,349 --> 00:21:07,269 Speaker 1: the regular season was to acclimate Durant to his new 378 00:21:07,309 --> 00:21:10,869 Speaker 1: teammates and for his new teammates to effectively shield him 379 00:21:11,189 --> 00:21:14,429 Speaker 1: from the hatred that was to come. That would be 380 00:21:14,509 --> 00:21:17,549 Speaker 1: at its most intense when Durant played in Oklahoma City 381 00:21:17,629 --> 00:21:20,148 Speaker 1: for the first time as an opponent, but that wouldn't 382 00:21:20,149 --> 00:21:24,549 Speaker 1: happen until February. Until then, the team's concerns were minimal. 383 00:21:25,709 --> 00:21:28,469 Speaker 1: There was perhaps no better display of just how much 384 00:21:28,549 --> 00:21:31,669 Speaker 1: scoring talent was on this team than on December fifth, 385 00:21:31,829 --> 00:21:36,869 Speaker 1: twenty sixteen, in Oracle Arena. That's when Clay Thompson did 386 00:21:36,909 --> 00:21:41,069 Speaker 1: his best Will Chamberlain impression, scoring sixty points in just 387 00:21:41,269 --> 00:21:45,189 Speaker 1: twenty nine minutes and three seconds of playing time. It 388 00:21:45,309 --> 00:21:48,029 Speaker 1: was a game against the Indiana Pacers, who happened to 389 00:21:48,069 --> 00:21:52,709 Speaker 1: be starting old friend Monte Ellis opposite Thompson. Unlike the 390 00:21:52,749 --> 00:21:55,189 Speaker 1: game in which Thompson scored thirty seven points in the 391 00:21:55,269 --> 00:21:58,429 Speaker 1: third quarter, Clay was hot from the beginning of this one. 392 00:22:12,709 --> 00:22:15,948 Speaker 1: With so much attention paid to Curry and Durant, Thompson 393 00:22:16,029 --> 00:22:19,389 Speaker 1: scored an easy seventeen in the first court, all within 394 00:22:19,469 --> 00:22:22,749 Speaker 1: the flow of the offense, all without much If any 395 00:22:23,029 --> 00:22:24,069 Speaker 1: dribble can play. 396 00:22:23,989 --> 00:22:36,509 Speaker 17: Himself twenty Thompson, your son, he's having a life. Play 397 00:22:36,589 --> 00:22:37,509 Speaker 17: want to get three quarter? 398 00:22:40,749 --> 00:22:46,509 Speaker 3: The events has gone nuts twenty seven for twenty. I'm 399 00:22:46,589 --> 00:22:47,589 Speaker 3: twelve of sixteen. 400 00:22:47,749 --> 00:22:50,669 Speaker 1: Shooting midway through the second period, with the Warriors leading 401 00:22:50,749 --> 00:22:53,829 Speaker 1: fifty six to thirty nine, Thompson caught a pass from 402 00:22:53,829 --> 00:22:56,309 Speaker 1: Sean Livigson. While crossing the floor from left to right. 403 00:22:57,069 --> 00:22:59,749 Speaker 1: He turned over his left shoulder and shot a fading 404 00:22:59,829 --> 00:23:01,989 Speaker 1: three pointer that landed him in the front of his 405 00:23:02,069 --> 00:23:04,669 Speaker 1: own bench as the ball switched through the net. 406 00:23:15,149 --> 00:23:19,069 Speaker 3: Thirteen not the Warrior run Let's they figured to play 407 00:23:19,149 --> 00:23:19,509 Speaker 3: next time. 408 00:23:21,869 --> 00:23:26,109 Speaker 1: That shot sent the Warrior's bench into a friends It 409 00:23:26,269 --> 00:23:29,469 Speaker 1: was a celebration just as jubilant as any of the 410 00:23:29,549 --> 00:23:34,709 Speaker 1: title celebrations. Steph Perry even left the bench momentarily darting 411 00:23:34,789 --> 00:23:37,389 Speaker 1: to the hallway leading to his locker room, unable to 412 00:23:37,429 --> 00:23:43,029 Speaker 1: contain his joy. This was based strictly on reaction, one 413 00:23:43,069 --> 00:23:45,989 Speaker 1: of the happiest moments of this entire Golden State run. 414 00:23:49,709 --> 00:23:53,629 Speaker 1: The Warriors were coasting and their third option offensively was 415 00:23:53,709 --> 00:23:57,829 Speaker 1: putting on a scoring display for the Ages. By halftime, 416 00:23:58,229 --> 00:24:01,309 Speaker 1: Clay had forty. His last three pointer of the half 417 00:24:01,789 --> 00:24:04,948 Speaker 1: didn't even draw much of a celebration, just three fingers 418 00:24:05,029 --> 00:24:06,229 Speaker 1: directed to the floor. 419 00:24:06,229 --> 00:24:07,429 Speaker 9: And a bit of a meaning. 420 00:24:11,269 --> 00:24:21,429 Speaker 1: And the first halt, and with twenty more points in 421 00:24:21,509 --> 00:24:25,389 Speaker 1: the third quarter, Thompson had sixty. He left the game 422 00:24:25,469 --> 00:24:27,909 Speaker 1: with one twenty two remaining in the third quarter and 423 00:24:28,029 --> 00:24:30,909 Speaker 1: the Warriors leading by thirty five place. 424 00:24:31,229 --> 00:24:41,029 Speaker 3: Ray light Top said, warners are having fun clad. 425 00:24:40,749 --> 00:24:41,549 Speaker 1: For thy. 426 00:24:45,709 --> 00:24:55,349 Speaker 3: Guy's gotta go up to sixty play quarter three sixty 427 00:24:57,909 --> 00:24:59,669 Speaker 3: sixty for play top set. 428 00:25:03,149 --> 00:25:06,429 Speaker 1: Had the Pacers managed to stay close, Clay would have 429 00:25:06,469 --> 00:25:09,029 Speaker 1: had a chance to reach Kobe's famed eighty one tote. 430 00:25:09,909 --> 00:25:14,869 Speaker 1: But fittingly, Golden State was just too done, And just 431 00:25:14,949 --> 00:25:17,229 Speaker 1: to show how much of a sixty point game can 432 00:25:17,309 --> 00:25:21,269 Speaker 1: truly be a team effort, Clay only needed eleven dribbles 433 00:25:21,309 --> 00:25:26,189 Speaker 1: for the entire game. I counted fourteen. But whatever, the 434 00:25:26,269 --> 00:25:29,909 Speaker 1: whole performance, save for one or two difficult shots, was 435 00:25:29,949 --> 00:25:33,109 Speaker 1: a display of just how well oiled this machine really was. 436 00:25:34,229 --> 00:25:35,829 Speaker 1: Here was Thompson after the game. 437 00:25:35,829 --> 00:25:37,069 Speaker 8: With ros goold On Moude. 438 00:25:37,949 --> 00:25:39,709 Speaker 3: It was fun. I was in a great rhythm, took 439 00:25:39,749 --> 00:25:41,949 Speaker 3: all good shots most part, still. 440 00:25:41,789 --> 00:25:43,629 Speaker 4: Miss a few while the threes or what she got back. 441 00:25:43,709 --> 00:25:46,989 Speaker 3: But it was a fun night, say the least at halftime. 442 00:25:47,029 --> 00:25:47,909 Speaker 6: You had forty points. 443 00:25:48,069 --> 00:25:50,429 Speaker 3: Usually at halftime people cool off. How were we able 444 00:25:50,469 --> 00:25:52,309 Speaker 3: to stay hot in the third quarters. 445 00:25:52,469 --> 00:25:54,309 Speaker 4: Not getting caught up and having forty just trying to 446 00:25:54,349 --> 00:25:57,668 Speaker 4: play every possession like it matters were Bay and. 447 00:25:59,189 --> 00:25:59,428 Speaker 10: It did. 448 00:25:59,509 --> 00:26:00,908 Speaker 3: I mean, we're trying to build great habits. 449 00:26:01,629 --> 00:26:04,429 Speaker 4: Since the turnover ratio tonight was phenomenal, we got to 450 00:26:04,509 --> 00:26:04,949 Speaker 4: keep that up. 451 00:26:05,309 --> 00:26:07,549 Speaker 3: You had sixty and three quarters. What do you think 452 00:26:07,589 --> 00:26:11,709 Speaker 3: would have happened if you played in the fourth? Who knows? Hopeyah, 453 00:26:11,709 --> 00:26:11,989 Speaker 3: I don't know. 454 00:26:12,389 --> 00:26:12,709 Speaker 9: I don't know. 455 00:26:13,109 --> 00:26:13,789 Speaker 3: That's a great question. 456 00:26:14,949 --> 00:26:15,389 Speaker 6: Who knows. 457 00:26:19,069 --> 00:26:22,989 Speaker 1: Thompson's personality, a laid back approach to life that includes 458 00:26:23,149 --> 00:26:25,589 Speaker 1: taking his boat to work as often as possible in 459 00:26:25,629 --> 00:26:28,949 Speaker 1: the Bay Area, was just what this pressure cooker of 460 00:26:29,029 --> 00:26:33,069 Speaker 1: a team needed. It wasn't just Curry's joyful demeanor that 461 00:26:33,189 --> 00:26:36,269 Speaker 1: set the tone for the Warriors. It was also Thompson's 462 00:26:36,349 --> 00:26:40,789 Speaker 1: lovable personality. At this point in the process, Captain Clay, 463 00:26:40,829 --> 00:26:43,949 Speaker 1: as he was nicknamed, wasn't affected by the extra attention. 464 00:26:44,989 --> 00:26:48,949 Speaker 1: Kareth Burke had been a Warrior's sideline reporter since twenty seventeen. 465 00:26:49,909 --> 00:26:53,629 Speaker 1: She recognized the benefit of Thompson's work life balance fairly earth. 466 00:26:56,629 --> 00:26:58,909 Speaker 7: Who could you think of that would leave his house 467 00:26:59,109 --> 00:27:02,469 Speaker 7: in Tiberan. She would drive a boat to work, park 468 00:27:02,509 --> 00:27:04,789 Speaker 7: it at this marina and then ride his bike to 469 00:27:04,869 --> 00:27:07,909 Speaker 7: the arena like he would do Instagram lives. As he 470 00:27:08,069 --> 00:27:12,469 Speaker 7: was captaining his boat listening to Bob Barley Michael Jackson, 471 00:27:12,709 --> 00:27:15,949 Speaker 7: like he really liked the old Motown stuff especially, and yeah, 472 00:27:16,029 --> 00:27:16,629 Speaker 7: he's just out there. 473 00:27:16,669 --> 00:27:18,629 Speaker 3: He was like, hey, guys, water's fine today. 474 00:27:19,109 --> 00:27:23,269 Speaker 7: Like Clay was always himself, He never changed with the spotlight. 475 00:27:23,549 --> 00:27:26,789 Speaker 7: Clay was very fortunate that Steph commanded the attention and 476 00:27:26,869 --> 00:27:31,709 Speaker 7: that Kadi commanded the attention, because Clay is actually, especially 477 00:27:31,789 --> 00:27:35,349 Speaker 7: during those years, pretty shy. You could see it in 478 00:27:35,429 --> 00:27:38,789 Speaker 7: the way that he talked to media. He looked down 479 00:27:38,949 --> 00:27:43,029 Speaker 7: a lot, He stumbled a little bit. He always knew 480 00:27:43,109 --> 00:27:45,469 Speaker 7: what he wanted to say when it comes to talking pop. 481 00:27:45,749 --> 00:27:47,949 Speaker 7: But I think he just didn't like the glare of 482 00:27:48,029 --> 00:27:52,509 Speaker 7: the attention. As they kept winning championships, there was more 483 00:27:52,749 --> 00:27:55,629 Speaker 7: and more and more media and more demands on their time, 484 00:27:56,069 --> 00:28:00,589 Speaker 7: and I could see him retreating into himself a little bit. Yeah, 485 00:28:01,149 --> 00:28:04,069 Speaker 7: not everybody is a public speaker, and when it comes 486 00:28:04,109 --> 00:28:07,829 Speaker 7: to Clay, he's a very simple person, and I want 487 00:28:07,869 --> 00:28:10,109 Speaker 7: to make sure this does not come off as simpleton. 488 00:28:10,389 --> 00:28:14,629 Speaker 7: He is a very intelligent guy, but he likes three things, basketball, 489 00:28:15,069 --> 00:28:15,829 Speaker 7: his dog. 490 00:28:16,149 --> 00:28:16,749 Speaker 1: And the water. 491 00:28:17,709 --> 00:28:18,309 Speaker 15: Guys, that's it. 492 00:28:18,909 --> 00:28:22,029 Speaker 7: It doesn't take a lot to make him feel fulfilled. 493 00:28:22,349 --> 00:28:25,149 Speaker 7: So he was really living this dream and then doing 494 00:28:25,269 --> 00:28:28,549 Speaker 7: his best to be incognito and left alone with his 495 00:28:28,709 --> 00:28:29,949 Speaker 7: dog out in the Oakland Hills. 496 00:28:30,469 --> 00:28:34,229 Speaker 1: Incognito was impossible, of course, for a player on this 497 00:28:34,509 --> 00:28:39,109 Speaker 1: highest of profile teams. In fact, the Warriors had become 498 00:28:39,309 --> 00:28:42,829 Speaker 1: so high profile after the Durant signing, just dealing with 499 00:28:42,949 --> 00:28:47,269 Speaker 1: the constant pressure of expectations was among the team's biggest challenges. 500 00:28:48,189 --> 00:28:51,589 Speaker 1: According to ja Jah Peculia, who was experiencing his first 501 00:28:51,709 --> 00:28:55,429 Speaker 1: year under this scorching spotlight, it took a conversation with 502 00:28:55,549 --> 00:28:58,829 Speaker 1: Steve Kirk for him to learn how to properly managed 503 00:28:59,149 --> 00:29:00,949 Speaker 1: overly eager fans in Meetia. 504 00:29:07,149 --> 00:29:10,469 Speaker 8: So when I I'm with the Warriors, suddenly my following 505 00:29:10,509 --> 00:29:14,669 Speaker 8: go on to social media just just started increasing like crazy. 506 00:29:15,149 --> 00:29:17,309 Speaker 8: It's a good thing, but also there's some bad thing 507 00:29:17,429 --> 00:29:21,189 Speaker 8: came with it. Suddenly lots of negativity came. We were 508 00:29:21,469 --> 00:29:25,389 Speaker 8: winning games left and right, nothing was stopping us. We're 509 00:29:25,429 --> 00:29:30,869 Speaker 8: having good time, fun, smile, highlights, sports centers, top ten, 510 00:29:31,029 --> 00:29:33,149 Speaker 8: you know, maybe half of us us. You know, so 511 00:29:33,909 --> 00:29:36,509 Speaker 8: so many good things are happening. But like with the 512 00:29:37,029 --> 00:29:40,749 Speaker 8: increase of following, also there was an increase of the negativity. 513 00:29:41,149 --> 00:29:44,589 Speaker 8: You know, the comments and this and that. So I 514 00:29:44,629 --> 00:29:46,789 Speaker 8: couldn't share with this anymore. Right, so going home, I 515 00:29:46,789 --> 00:29:49,229 Speaker 8: would always thinking, I said, hold on, like it really 516 00:29:49,309 --> 00:29:52,229 Speaker 8: doesn't add up. I don't understand it. Like we playing well, 517 00:29:53,229 --> 00:29:56,509 Speaker 8: I fit perfectly. I think we're gonna be even better, 518 00:29:57,029 --> 00:29:58,589 Speaker 8: like you know, once we get into the middle of 519 00:29:58,629 --> 00:30:00,829 Speaker 8: the season, so you know, and by the playoffs and 520 00:30:00,949 --> 00:30:02,869 Speaker 8: you know, most likely we're gonna win the championship. We 521 00:30:02,909 --> 00:30:07,269 Speaker 8: stay healthy. I don't understand why so much negativity. So 522 00:30:07,389 --> 00:30:10,869 Speaker 8: one day, Coach Kirk calls me after the practice. Everything 523 00:30:10,989 --> 00:30:14,509 Speaker 8: was going just fine. But that's all Coach, I don't 524 00:30:14,629 --> 00:30:17,869 Speaker 8: understand why so much negativity around it. Like we're playing 525 00:30:17,909 --> 00:30:21,469 Speaker 8: good and I think I'm doing whatever you asked me 526 00:30:21,589 --> 00:30:24,749 Speaker 8: to do, Like you know, I'm pretty good with my role. 527 00:30:24,829 --> 00:30:27,709 Speaker 8: Everything is going fine. I don't understand why so much 528 00:30:27,749 --> 00:30:31,509 Speaker 8: negativity around and he goes, who is your head coach? 529 00:30:32,269 --> 00:30:36,949 Speaker 8: I said, you are? What about assistant coaches? I said, well, 530 00:30:37,149 --> 00:30:41,029 Speaker 8: Mike Brown, Ron Adams, you know, Q Jaron Collins stay around. 531 00:30:41,109 --> 00:30:43,029 Speaker 8: I mean, because there was up right after the practice, 532 00:30:43,029 --> 00:30:44,869 Speaker 8: so still a whole team and you know, the whole 533 00:30:45,149 --> 00:30:49,629 Speaker 8: staff was there. And he goes, how about your teammates? 534 00:30:49,669 --> 00:30:52,109 Speaker 8: I said, where are you trying to go with this? 535 00:30:52,229 --> 00:30:55,669 Speaker 8: I said, well, Steph is shooting half court shots clays 536 00:30:55,789 --> 00:30:58,469 Speaker 8: like making ten in a row, thro from three's, Draymond 537 00:30:58,589 --> 00:31:02,229 Speaker 8: is beating up someone over in the dgotic corner. Katie 538 00:31:02,309 --> 00:31:04,109 Speaker 8: is working on his mid moves. 539 00:31:04,189 --> 00:31:04,349 Speaker 15: You know. 540 00:31:04,589 --> 00:31:09,829 Speaker 8: I say, like this, that's how my teammates and he goes, exactly, 541 00:31:10,069 --> 00:31:12,709 Speaker 8: that's what matters the most, you know. So that was 542 00:31:12,789 --> 00:31:18,709 Speaker 8: such an important moment, you know, in my life. Driving 543 00:31:18,829 --> 00:31:21,069 Speaker 8: back home, I say, you know what, He's so right. 544 00:31:29,509 --> 00:31:32,829 Speaker 1: It was Kerr's most challenging job keeping together a group 545 00:31:32,949 --> 00:31:36,869 Speaker 1: that had so many possible distractions, but on a team 546 00:31:36,949 --> 00:31:40,189 Speaker 1: this loaded, he had the added challenge of making sure 547 00:31:40,269 --> 00:31:43,829 Speaker 1: the stars were engaged on a nightly basis. Also, with 548 00:31:43,989 --> 00:31:47,909 Speaker 1: this established a winning formula, even Kevin Durant can fade 549 00:31:47,949 --> 00:31:51,749 Speaker 1: into the background on occasion in his first Warrior season, 550 00:31:52,189 --> 00:31:55,149 Speaker 1: Durant would often say as much that he was just hooping, 551 00:31:55,669 --> 00:31:59,709 Speaker 1: figuring out where he fits and occasionally picking his spots 552 00:31:59,789 --> 00:32:01,789 Speaker 1: to be a killer, like in the fifth game of 553 00:32:01,829 --> 00:32:04,669 Speaker 1: the season, his first again his old team, when he 554 00:32:04,749 --> 00:32:06,509 Speaker 1: had thirty nine seven three pointers. 555 00:32:07,509 --> 00:32:11,629 Speaker 18: West books past foot off by prittolia. There's purry behind 556 00:32:11,669 --> 00:32:18,389 Speaker 18: a boy. Yes, they are all join us in an 557 00:32:18,429 --> 00:32:19,389 Speaker 18: Olklahoma center. 558 00:32:19,549 --> 00:32:25,749 Speaker 3: It's putting up prick golf Ran pulls it off. He 559 00:32:26,189 --> 00:32:28,069 Speaker 3: is a quiet. 560 00:32:31,389 --> 00:32:32,269 Speaker 6: That's ridiculous. 561 00:32:34,029 --> 00:32:35,109 Speaker 8: Welcome the Golden Steak. 562 00:32:37,229 --> 00:32:40,269 Speaker 1: Or his second game against his former team, which happened 563 00:32:40,269 --> 00:32:42,149 Speaker 1: to be his best game of the season, when he 564 00:32:42,229 --> 00:32:44,909 Speaker 1: had forty twelve rebounds and three blocks. 565 00:32:45,389 --> 00:32:49,069 Speaker 16: Durrect for three access fifth to the game and a 566 00:32:49,269 --> 00:32:52,589 Speaker 16: forty point outing season high for Kevin. 567 00:32:52,349 --> 00:32:56,549 Speaker 1: D'lan book goose by the way, We're an Oak. It 568 00:32:56,709 --> 00:32:59,429 Speaker 1: was quite the contrast to the start of Lebron James's 569 00:32:59,469 --> 00:33:02,589 Speaker 1: tenure in Miami, when he infamously bumped into head coach 570 00:33:02,749 --> 00:33:05,469 Speaker 1: Eric Spolster early in the season and was tossing hints 571 00:33:05,509 --> 00:33:08,029 Speaker 1: that he wanted pat Riley back on the bench for 572 00:33:08,149 --> 00:33:11,509 Speaker 1: Steve Kerr. This was as close to basketball nirvana as 573 00:33:11,549 --> 00:33:13,829 Speaker 1: there could be, and he happened to be the director 574 00:33:13,869 --> 00:33:14,229 Speaker 1: of it all. 575 00:33:18,269 --> 00:33:20,709 Speaker 5: So we would wrap up practice and I would go 576 00:33:20,789 --> 00:33:22,829 Speaker 5: to the side of the court and at one end 577 00:33:22,949 --> 00:33:25,469 Speaker 5: was Staff going through his routine. At the other end 578 00:33:25,629 --> 00:33:29,309 Speaker 5: was Kevin going through his routine. And you know, it's 579 00:33:29,429 --> 00:33:34,789 Speaker 5: like we're watching Mozart and Bach, you know, at the 580 00:33:34,909 --> 00:33:41,269 Speaker 5: exact same time composed music. He was stunning. These are 581 00:33:41,349 --> 00:33:45,109 Speaker 5: the guys who, you know, the most talented people in 582 00:33:45,229 --> 00:33:48,389 Speaker 5: the world at what they do and maybe of all time. 583 00:33:49,309 --> 00:33:51,589 Speaker 5: And I got to witness that day after day. So 584 00:33:52,029 --> 00:33:58,069 Speaker 5: I just admired Kevin's his work ethic, but how much 585 00:33:58,149 --> 00:34:02,069 Speaker 5: he would zen out within the work. You know, you 586 00:34:02,189 --> 00:34:05,309 Speaker 5: could see how much it meant to him, even if 587 00:34:05,349 --> 00:34:08,069 Speaker 5: he didn't talk about it a whole lot, who's a 588 00:34:08,109 --> 00:34:11,069 Speaker 5: pretty private guy. You could just see how much the 589 00:34:11,189 --> 00:34:14,189 Speaker 5: game meant to him. And it was It was beautiful. 590 00:34:14,389 --> 00:34:16,429 Speaker 5: It was mesmerizing to watching more. 591 00:34:16,749 --> 00:34:19,189 Speaker 1: And by the time the Warriors did face the Thunder 592 00:34:19,229 --> 00:34:22,348 Speaker 1: and Durant's old stomping ground of Oklahoma City, the team 593 00:34:22,469 --> 00:34:25,748 Speaker 1: was forty five and eight and Durant had already experienced 594 00:34:25,789 --> 00:34:28,589 Speaker 1: the awkwardness of playing against his former teammates and coach. 595 00:34:31,269 --> 00:34:34,429 Speaker 1: The game began with the expected level of hatred, as 596 00:34:34,509 --> 00:34:37,469 Speaker 1: thunder fans wore t shirts with cupcakes on calling back 597 00:34:37,469 --> 00:34:45,069 Speaker 1: to Westbrook's post after Durant's free agency decision thirty five 598 00:34:45,349 --> 00:34:57,109 Speaker 1: Kevin Duran. Durant would effectively silence all of them, scoring 599 00:34:57,189 --> 00:35:01,189 Speaker 1: thirty four points on fifty seven percent shooting. The Warriors 600 00:35:01,229 --> 00:35:03,669 Speaker 1: won easily, one thirty one fourteen. 601 00:35:04,269 --> 00:35:09,909 Speaker 16: Durant Way Downtown sign Kevin Durant drills a three pointer. 602 00:35:12,069 --> 00:35:15,229 Speaker 1: Westbrook did have forty seven points with eleven rebounds and 603 00:35:15,269 --> 00:35:18,629 Speaker 1: eight assists in what would be his MVP season and 604 00:35:18,749 --> 00:35:21,549 Speaker 1: his first averaging a triple double, but he also had 605 00:35:21,549 --> 00:35:25,629 Speaker 1: eleven turners. Durant talked with Lisa Salters after the game. 606 00:35:28,469 --> 00:35:29,949 Speaker 19: Now, you said you thought that you were going to 607 00:35:29,989 --> 00:35:33,309 Speaker 19: get food, but actually hearing it, seeing the cupcake signs, 608 00:35:33,549 --> 00:35:35,549 Speaker 19: hearing the fans that used. 609 00:35:35,349 --> 00:35:36,989 Speaker 10: To cheer you, What was that like for you? 610 00:35:37,789 --> 00:35:39,509 Speaker 14: I actually go to a bit a little louder, But 611 00:35:40,349 --> 00:35:42,109 Speaker 14: you know it was fun. You know, I was on 612 00:35:42,149 --> 00:35:44,629 Speaker 14: the other side of it, you know, So to become 613 00:35:44,629 --> 00:35:46,269 Speaker 14: one of these guys now whenever Brewy. 614 00:35:46,149 --> 00:35:46,669 Speaker 10: Was kind of fun. 615 00:35:46,789 --> 00:35:48,069 Speaker 8: So, you know, I got ambrasing it. 616 00:35:48,149 --> 00:35:49,828 Speaker 14: That's all I can do and keep playing my game, 617 00:35:49,909 --> 00:35:53,189 Speaker 14: and keep preparing away up a fair and enjoy every 618 00:35:53,269 --> 00:35:53,788 Speaker 14: game as well. 619 00:35:53,909 --> 00:35:54,788 Speaker 3: So you know it was fun. 620 00:35:54,949 --> 00:35:57,189 Speaker 14: Now, you and Russell seemed to exchange words. 621 00:35:57,229 --> 00:35:59,989 Speaker 19: At one point you were had to haggard with Andrey 622 00:36:00,109 --> 00:36:02,389 Speaker 19: robertson what were your former team makes, saying to you, 623 00:36:02,629 --> 00:36:08,429 Speaker 19: I don't remember. So once again, none of the players 624 00:36:08,549 --> 00:36:10,909 Speaker 19: exchanged how MUDs or anything like that? 625 00:36:11,189 --> 00:36:12,868 Speaker 14: Does that mean something to you at all? 626 00:36:13,909 --> 00:36:18,509 Speaker 1: To this point, the projections were proving true. The Warriors 627 00:36:18,589 --> 00:36:22,549 Speaker 1: wouldn't face much resistance. How could there be any real 628 00:36:22,629 --> 00:36:27,509 Speaker 1: suffering if Durant and Curry were in uniform every game, well, 629 00:36:28,069 --> 00:36:37,788 Speaker 1: there was always friendly pile. When Jasha Paculia crashed into 630 00:36:37,869 --> 00:36:40,669 Speaker 1: Durant early in a February twenty eighth game in Washington, 631 00:36:40,749 --> 00:36:43,709 Speaker 1: d C. Near Durant's hometown, it would result in a 632 00:36:43,789 --> 00:36:47,069 Speaker 1: Grade two MCL sprain that kept Durant sidelines for more 633 00:36:47,109 --> 00:36:49,989 Speaker 1: than a month. He'd return with a few games remaining 634 00:36:50,029 --> 00:36:52,829 Speaker 1: in the regular season. In the nineteen games he missed, 635 00:36:53,389 --> 00:36:56,589 Speaker 1: the Warriors went fifteen to four, including a three game 636 00:36:56,669 --> 00:37:00,549 Speaker 1: losing streak and a thirteen game winning streak. The viewing 637 00:37:00,589 --> 00:37:04,189 Speaker 1: audience would take that Warrior's success without Durant has further 638 00:37:04,269 --> 00:37:07,069 Speaker 1: evidence that Golden State never needed him to begin with. 639 00:37:08,029 --> 00:37:10,629 Speaker 1: Durant also missed two games in the warriors first round 640 00:37:10,669 --> 00:37:14,629 Speaker 1: sweep of the Portland Trailblazers. Curry averaged thirty in that series, 641 00:37:14,789 --> 00:37:18,429 Speaker 1: including forty two percent from three point range. The Warriors 642 00:37:18,509 --> 00:37:21,389 Speaker 1: won by an average of eighteen points in that seek a. 643 00:37:21,989 --> 00:37:26,189 Speaker 18: Waller the Blazers one twelve O three. 644 00:37:27,629 --> 00:37:30,429 Speaker 3: Golden State with the four games close out. 645 00:37:32,069 --> 00:37:33,749 Speaker 18: Over the Portland Trailblazers. 646 00:37:34,549 --> 00:37:37,269 Speaker 1: In the next round, with a healthy squad, the Warriors 647 00:37:37,309 --> 00:37:39,989 Speaker 1: swept Gordon Hayward, Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz. 648 00:37:40,669 --> 00:37:44,469 Speaker 3: The Golden State Warriors, I've swept the Utah Jazz. 649 00:37:45,149 --> 00:37:46,069 Speaker 8: Another great round. 650 00:37:46,389 --> 00:37:50,589 Speaker 14: Everybody contributive what we do and looking forward to what's 651 00:37:50,629 --> 00:37:51,189 Speaker 14: a compace spot. 652 00:37:53,949 --> 00:37:56,629 Speaker 1: This is probably as good a time as any to 653 00:37:56,749 --> 00:37:59,349 Speaker 1: mention the Warriors were doing most of this without Steve 654 00:37:59,469 --> 00:38:03,389 Speaker 1: Kerr on the sideline. The complications from his back surgery 655 00:38:03,709 --> 00:38:07,709 Speaker 1: so bad Kerr missed eleven playoff games, with Mike Brown 656 00:38:07,909 --> 00:38:12,069 Speaker 1: serving as acting head coach. JaVale McGee said Kerr's absence, 657 00:38:12,389 --> 00:38:15,748 Speaker 1: which lasted until Game two of the NBA Finals was 658 00:38:15,789 --> 00:38:17,269 Speaker 1: a clear source of motivation. 659 00:38:17,829 --> 00:38:20,429 Speaker 15: It was definitely sad to seeing him in pain and 660 00:38:20,549 --> 00:38:22,989 Speaker 15: not being able to do what he loved with his coach. 661 00:38:23,589 --> 00:38:26,268 Speaker 15: He definitely gave us some inspiration though, knowing that he's 662 00:38:26,309 --> 00:38:30,469 Speaker 15: out here fighting real life things as in back pain 663 00:38:30,549 --> 00:38:33,469 Speaker 15: and if anybody knows back paint, No, Joe, I don't 664 00:38:33,469 --> 00:38:36,109 Speaker 15: care if it's serve you back pain or you've been 665 00:38:36,229 --> 00:38:37,909 Speaker 15: golfing for eighteen holes back man. 666 00:38:38,109 --> 00:38:39,509 Speaker 8: Back pain was old Joe. 667 00:38:39,709 --> 00:38:41,748 Speaker 15: So the fact that he had to sit out that 668 00:38:41,949 --> 00:38:45,029 Speaker 15: really pushed us to Okay, we to this receivee just 669 00:38:45,109 --> 00:38:47,869 Speaker 15: in case he didn't come back, just because he's been 670 00:38:47,949 --> 00:38:50,348 Speaker 15: leading us this whole time and going through where he's 671 00:38:50,389 --> 00:38:52,589 Speaker 15: going through, but not letting that way for him from 672 00:38:52,629 --> 00:38:53,429 Speaker 15: being a great coach. 673 00:38:54,549 --> 00:38:56,829 Speaker 1: Waiting for Mike Brown and the Warriors in the Conference 674 00:38:56,909 --> 00:39:00,428 Speaker 1: finals was a San Antonio Spurs team that looked quite 675 00:39:00,549 --> 00:39:03,029 Speaker 1: different than it did the last time these two teams 676 00:39:03,109 --> 00:39:08,029 Speaker 1: met postseason. Gone was Tim Duncan. Unavailable was Tony Parker, 677 00:39:08,069 --> 00:39:11,789 Speaker 1: who'd gotten hurt in the previous series. Still, the Spurs 678 00:39:11,829 --> 00:39:14,789 Speaker 1: were riding big brother vibes when it came to the Warriors. 679 00:39:15,949 --> 00:39:18,748 Speaker 1: They were the last Western Conference team Golden State lost 680 00:39:18,789 --> 00:39:21,949 Speaker 1: to in the postseason. They even blew out the Warriors 681 00:39:21,989 --> 00:39:25,149 Speaker 1: in Kd's Golden State debut to start the year. They'd 682 00:39:25,189 --> 00:39:28,269 Speaker 1: replaced Duncan with LaMarcus Aldridge, who'd come over as a 683 00:39:28,309 --> 00:39:32,149 Speaker 1: free agent from Portland, and Kawhi Leonard had fully developed 684 00:39:32,189 --> 00:39:35,989 Speaker 1: into a superstar, coming off two consecutive Defensive Player of 685 00:39:36,029 --> 00:39:39,069 Speaker 1: the Year awards and finishing second to Steph Curry an 686 00:39:39,189 --> 00:39:42,349 Speaker 1: MVP voting in twenty sixteen. Danny Green was on the 687 00:39:42,389 --> 00:39:45,589 Speaker 1: Spurs for the twenty thirteen playoff series and would face 688 00:39:45,629 --> 00:39:48,149 Speaker 1: Golden State three more times in the playoffs before his 689 00:39:48,269 --> 00:39:52,149 Speaker 1: career ended. Green said those revamped Spurs didn't view the 690 00:39:52,189 --> 00:39:54,229 Speaker 1: Warriors the way the rest of the league did. 691 00:39:57,709 --> 00:40:00,748 Speaker 10: I'll approached Pop always keep kidding and just me being young, 692 00:40:00,869 --> 00:40:03,349 Speaker 10: being competitive. It didn't matter who was where. We always 693 00:40:03,549 --> 00:40:07,909 Speaker 10: they were vulnerable or they had vulnerable spots, and nobody 694 00:40:08,029 --> 00:40:09,829 Speaker 10: was invincible to us. You know, Pop was like, I 695 00:40:09,869 --> 00:40:11,709 Speaker 10: don't see Michael out there. I don't see Larry and 696 00:40:11,909 --> 00:40:14,469 Speaker 10: Robert part you know, I don't see you know that team. 697 00:40:14,509 --> 00:40:17,029 Speaker 10: Those they're good, but they're not These guys Boston back 698 00:40:17,029 --> 00:40:19,149 Speaker 10: into the Lakers back in the day, He's like, or 699 00:40:19,229 --> 00:40:21,669 Speaker 10: Michael Jordan was Chicago Bulls, They're not that good, So 700 00:40:21,789 --> 00:40:24,149 Speaker 10: we was put it in our minds like they're beautiful. 701 00:40:24,709 --> 00:40:27,629 Speaker 1: To this point in the postseason, the Warriors hadn't lost 702 00:40:27,669 --> 00:40:31,269 Speaker 1: a game. No team in NBA history has gone undefeated 703 00:40:31,349 --> 00:40:35,709 Speaker 1: throughout a championship. Golden State had a real opportunity to 704 00:40:35,749 --> 00:40:38,709 Speaker 1: be the first, or at least that was the discussion 705 00:40:38,749 --> 00:40:41,109 Speaker 1: around this group that had won all but one of 706 00:40:41,189 --> 00:40:45,069 Speaker 1: its first eight playoff games by double figures. The Spurs 707 00:40:45,109 --> 00:40:47,789 Speaker 1: weren't trying to hear any of them. It's behind a 708 00:40:47,869 --> 00:40:51,509 Speaker 1: dominant Kawhi Leonard. San Antonio led Game one by as 709 00:40:51,589 --> 00:40:54,509 Speaker 1: many as twenty three points in the third quarter. The 710 00:40:54,589 --> 00:40:57,189 Speaker 1: Warriors shot just thirty four percent in the first half, 711 00:40:57,869 --> 00:41:00,389 Speaker 1: and Leonard looked like the best player on the floor. 712 00:41:01,389 --> 00:41:04,269 Speaker 16: Curry comes up with the steel, crows it, Leonard with 713 00:41:04,469 --> 00:41:06,109 Speaker 16: the ball, drives and finishes. 714 00:41:08,629 --> 00:41:09,669 Speaker 6: Leonard gets away. 715 00:41:09,589 --> 00:41:15,469 Speaker 16: Drives eight side and finishes again. Leonard fake screen, goes 716 00:41:15,549 --> 00:41:18,589 Speaker 16: fort Leonard drives, look up, oh, he floats to the 717 00:41:18,709 --> 00:41:19,828 Speaker 16: rim using the left hand. 718 00:41:19,949 --> 00:41:22,789 Speaker 1: If we were to pause time and examine the NBA 719 00:41:22,909 --> 00:41:27,069 Speaker 1: at this very moment, Kawhi Leonard could actually stake the 720 00:41:27,149 --> 00:41:29,949 Speaker 1: claim as the best player in the league. He had 721 00:41:29,949 --> 00:41:33,149 Speaker 1: already won a Finals MVP in his third year, largely 722 00:41:33,229 --> 00:41:36,589 Speaker 1: because of defense he played against Lebron James. He'd been 723 00:41:36,629 --> 00:41:39,029 Speaker 1: given the reins to the Spurs and had led this 724 00:41:39,189 --> 00:41:43,469 Speaker 1: team to sixty one wins. Leonard was the perfect foil 725 00:41:43,589 --> 00:41:46,469 Speaker 1: for these Warriors, given that he could defend anyone on 726 00:41:46,549 --> 00:41:50,308 Speaker 1: Gordon State, but was also becoming an efficient offensive threat. 727 00:41:51,349 --> 00:41:55,268 Speaker 1: In essence, Kawhi was just as devastating as Lebron had 728 00:41:55,309 --> 00:41:58,469 Speaker 1: been the previous two finals, and in the opener of 729 00:41:58,509 --> 00:42:02,549 Speaker 1: the Western Conference Finals, Leonard was giving the Warriors PTSD. 730 00:42:03,589 --> 00:42:06,229 Speaker 1: Danny Green had beaten the Warriors in the playoffs before 731 00:42:07,189 --> 00:42:11,349 Speaker 1: he knew that team was questioning itself, maybe for the 732 00:42:11,389 --> 00:42:12,789 Speaker 1: first time since coming together. 733 00:42:13,749 --> 00:42:15,869 Speaker 10: We were hooping first half, who were killing LaMarcus was 734 00:42:16,109 --> 00:42:18,069 Speaker 10: playing well, like there's some games like we weren't sure 735 00:42:18,549 --> 00:42:20,549 Speaker 10: how well he's gonna be offensively, defensively, like if. 736 00:42:20,469 --> 00:42:21,229 Speaker 5: He's gonna get rhythm. 737 00:42:21,269 --> 00:42:22,989 Speaker 10: He's trying to find his rhythm, and him and Kawhi 738 00:42:23,029 --> 00:42:25,788 Speaker 10: were trying to figure it out. He was bawlin him 739 00:42:25,789 --> 00:42:27,868 Speaker 10: and Kawhi were in attend I'm going to like two 740 00:42:27,949 --> 00:42:30,268 Speaker 10: man game was working well and they were in good rhythm. 741 00:42:30,669 --> 00:42:32,349 Speaker 10: I didn't wasn't scoring a bunch, but I hit two 742 00:42:32,349 --> 00:42:33,748 Speaker 10: shot like we were up good at half. It was 743 00:42:33,829 --> 00:42:34,629 Speaker 10: like okay. 744 00:42:34,869 --> 00:42:35,868 Speaker 3: You could see it in their face. 745 00:42:35,869 --> 00:42:37,909 Speaker 10: You could see it in Katie's face, like damn, I 746 00:42:38,069 --> 00:42:40,308 Speaker 10: came here and I don't know if this is gonna 747 00:42:40,309 --> 00:42:41,549 Speaker 10: work out the way I expected it to. 748 00:42:42,229 --> 00:42:45,389 Speaker 1: Adding to the sense of satisfaction coursing through the Spurs 749 00:42:45,909 --> 00:42:48,029 Speaker 1: was the fact that San Antonio was one of those 750 00:42:48,109 --> 00:42:51,308 Speaker 1: teams in the Hamptons trying to court Kevin Durant. Had 751 00:42:51,389 --> 00:42:54,709 Speaker 1: Durant chose to sign with the Spurs, players like Danny 752 00:42:54,789 --> 00:42:57,908 Speaker 1: Green would have to be moved to make room. Green 753 00:42:58,069 --> 00:43:01,309 Speaker 1: was told as much during the previous offseason, so throwing 754 00:43:01,389 --> 00:43:05,309 Speaker 1: a Kawhi Leonard sized wrench to the Warriors plans was 755 00:43:05,389 --> 00:43:08,909 Speaker 1: quite satisfying for Green and a few of his first teammates. 756 00:43:09,189 --> 00:43:10,748 Speaker 10: We had David West the year before and I think 757 00:43:10,749 --> 00:43:13,389 Speaker 10: he just left him got to go State the year after, 758 00:43:13,469 --> 00:43:14,909 Speaker 10: so he went from us to them, and this is 759 00:43:14,949 --> 00:43:16,869 Speaker 10: the year he was there and Katie were there and 760 00:43:16,909 --> 00:43:19,029 Speaker 10: we could see the face like, Yo, this might be 761 00:43:19,509 --> 00:43:21,069 Speaker 10: this might be it for reality, and he's like, damn, 762 00:43:21,069 --> 00:43:22,909 Speaker 10: I can't believe. I can't you know, like damn, I 763 00:43:22,989 --> 00:43:23,949 Speaker 10: came here and I'm about to get my. 764 00:43:23,949 --> 00:43:24,748 Speaker 8: Ass busting. 765 00:43:28,789 --> 00:43:30,589 Speaker 1: On the next dumb dynastic. 766 00:43:33,029 --> 00:43:34,709 Speaker 8: He was playing. May I don't even mind. I hear 767 00:43:34,789 --> 00:43:37,029 Speaker 8: that we bet and cool, like, I really give him 768 00:43:37,069 --> 00:43:39,909 Speaker 8: so much credit, but we down first games. 769 00:43:41,709 --> 00:43:44,189 Speaker 12: This was an Alzheim's greatest a peak of his powers, 770 00:43:44,509 --> 00:43:49,309 Speaker 12: succeeding and being told that, like, you know, who cares. 771 00:43:51,669 --> 00:43:53,749 Speaker 13: I think if he's been able to connect with fans 772 00:43:53,829 --> 00:43:56,309 Speaker 13: on that level and made that effort to do that, 773 00:43:56,789 --> 00:43:58,748 Speaker 13: I think it not only would have changed the way 774 00:43:58,829 --> 00:44:01,949 Speaker 13: people felt in subsequent years about the Warriors winning titles. 775 00:44:02,189 --> 00:44:04,109 Speaker 13: I think that Kevin Durant was still will be in 776 00:44:04,229 --> 00:44:05,308 Speaker 13: Golden State right now. 777 00:44:06,309 --> 00:44:08,629 Speaker 5: I'm gonna go with hell you who is going to 778 00:44:08,669 --> 00:44:09,309 Speaker 5: win that series? 779 00:44:09,349 --> 00:44:09,429 Speaker 8: If? 780 00:44:09,949 --> 00:44:18,229 Speaker 1: Garrett dub Dynasty is a production of iHeartMedia and the NBA. 781 00:44:18,789 --> 00:44:23,509 Speaker 1: For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, 782 00:44:23,749 --> 00:44:25,109 Speaker 1: or wherever you get your podcasts.