Podziemski isn’t apprehensive about challenging the Warriors’ superstars despite being a rookie. A report by The Athletic revealed that the rookie guard arranged a quiz competition that involved money. Thompson was hesitant to participate, which prompted Podziemski to remind him that he was participating in the quiz despite earning $4.05 million a year, $39.86 Million less than Klay’s salary for the 2023-24 season.

The rookie’s jibe did not sit well with the four-time NBA champion, who told him to stop “pocket-watching.”

pic.twitter.com/DbAiFWKleJ

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

Podziemski’s lack of fear in calling out Thompson for refusing to participate in the quiz despite the $39.86 million difference in their salaries showcases his mentality. He believed in his ability to win the quiz, despite money being at stake, and wasn’t willing to take no for an answer from the 34-year-old.

Podziemski’s confidence is commendable and indicates why the Warriors trust him to close games despite his rookie status.

Brandin Podziemski is not afraid to call out Draymond Green

Draymond Green has been the vocal and emotional leader of the Warriors since his sophomore season. The veteran forward has gotten into a public spat with teammates and is often the first to call them out if he spots them lacking on the court. While most rookies only listen to what Green says, Podziemski isn’t afraid to call out the veteran forward and give him a taste of his medicine.

Before the Warriors’ second game of the season, the team had set up a scrimmage between the starters and the rotation players. Green and Podziemski were on the same team and lost the game after the veteran turned the ball over. The rookie immediately criticized the veteran and left him astonished. However, Green took it in stride, saying,

“I was like, ‘OK, cool, you got it. No problem. Here we are playing a pick-up game, a game to get me ready and he’s yelling at me. That to me said a whole lot. I was like, ‘You know what? No problem. But make sure you speak up like that all the time.’”

Podz getting at Dray over a turnover during scrimmage

Via @anthonyVslater

Link: https://t.co/rl1RDS11IU pic.twitter.com/a3XrGr8qyx

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) February 20, 2024

The Warriors are encouraging Podziemski’s leadership and are benefitting from it. The team has a history of turning guards into superstars, and he could be the latest to join the ranks of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole in leading the franchise to glory.

The post Despite Earning More Than Brandin Podziemski, Klay Thompson Hit Warriors Rookie With ‘Pocket Watching’ Claim appeared first on The SportsRush.

Stephen Curry wearing our Zamst A2-DX ankle braces the other night in hr Warriors game! pic.twitter.com/EYA2rn4yD3

— Zamst (@Zamst_us) January 31, 2017

The ankle issues have followed Curry throughout his career, and he’s had multiple surgeries to fix them. To help with his ankle injuries, the Warriors superstar uses a Zamst A2-DX ankle brace. It helps with high ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability and is the go-to brace for Curry and Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young, who’s the company brand ambassador.

Curry isn’t the only NBA player cursed with ankle injuries. Per the National Library of Medicine, ankle injuries are the most common ailment among NBA players. The heavy stress on the ankle due to the constant pivoting and jumping on the court weakens it, causing sprains and muscle tears. Per the NLM’s study, an ankle sprain or strain is the most common injury among basketball players at all levels.

Guards like Curry and Young rely heavily on their explosiveness and ability to change direction on a whim, making them more prone to ankle injuries. Unsurprisingly, they both play with the best ankle guard money can buy.

Stephen Curry’s injury history

Stephen Curry has been bothered by ankle injuries since his rookie year. He missed the first two games of the Warriors’ 2009-10 with a left ankle sprain before featuring in the remaining 80. In his sophomore year, he sprained his right ankle during a preseason game, reaggravated it in the second game of the regular season, and missed the next two games.  In December, another right ankle injury left him sidelined for six games, and he underwent surgery to fix the issue in the 2011 offseason.

The surgery did not help, and in his third season, Curry missed 56 games with right ankle and tendon issues. He underwent surgery in April 2012 and was sidelined until September 2012. Over the next five years, he continued to deal with ankle sprains but missed only 16 regular season games as he and the Warriors ascended to the top of the NBA. In those five seasons, Curry won two MVP awards, and the team won two titles.

Recurring ankle injuries almost ended Steph Curry’s career early.

Then, he hit the weight room. By 2015, he was deadlifting over 400lbs and his ankles were healthy.

Steph is so great because he didn’t rely on talent; he worked harder and smarter.

Talent isn’t enough; WORK. pic.twitter.com/dhMKDFTmiU

— Ball is Psych (@BallisPsych) June 22, 2022

Curry’s ankle issues returned in 2017, and in the subsequent seven years, he has been sidelined for lengthy spells multiple times due to them. He has soldiered through them throughout his career and will continue until he retires.

The post Steph Curry Ankle Braces: Why Does The Warriors Star Need To Constantly Protect His Ankles? appeared first on The SportsRush.

A couple of days ago saw the All-Star Weekend in NBA conclude. Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry was one of the star attractions as he was lined up to face WNBA’s Sabrina Ionescu in the NBA All-Star 3-PT contest. After winning the contest, Curry came across Russell Wilson’s stepson Zahir Wilburn. Stephen bonded with the 9-year-old and was spotted teaching him a thing or two about shooting. In the moment captured by the social media of ESPN, Curry was seen teaching young future about the correct finger roll technique and the shooting posture.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ESPN (@espn)

Netizens clearly lapped it up positively. Stephen Curry has always been a positive figure and this gesture by the GOAT made him more adorable.

That is the sweetest thing to see. Steph taking quality time to teach a young guy shooting techniques. He’ll use them and never forget the time with Steph. It looked like they were the only two in the gym!

— Life’s A Bouquet (@AndraLThomas1) February 19, 2024

curry is the perfect human being bro ‍

— Mesh (@being_meshach) February 19, 2024

How can people hate this man

— James Hampson (@James_Hampson14) February 19, 2024

The other half of the internet meanwhile positively envied the 9-year-old.

This kid is luck to get an 1on1 training from Steph

— Baoooooo (@bell521_you) February 19, 2024

soooo lucky that should be me

— Iriidescene (@iriidescene) February 19, 2024

All said and done, Russell Wilson must be a happy man with Curry’s gesture. While things on the field haven’t clicked for the Broncos QB, Wilson has been a thorough family man. Despite Future Jr being his stepson, Wilson has always treated him like his son and maintained a very intimate bond.

Russell Wilson Shares a Close Bond With Stepson Zahir Wilburn

Russell Wilson has three kids with wife Ciara. 9 year old Zahir meanwhile is Ciara’s son with rapper Future. Zahir was a toddler when Ciara met Wilson. However since then, the Broncos QB has taken care of Zahir like his own son. The QB in 2019, per NickiSwift, admitted that it’s been a really insightful journey on love for him as he raised his step son along with his daughters. The former Seattle player revealed that raising Zahir unconditionally taught him what love is.

“The thing that I’ve learned the most is that being a stepdad and then also having our little daughter as well, being a stepdad, you really find out what love’s like. It’s easy to love somebody that’s blood and everything else, but when you can love somebody just like it’s your own child and everything else, that’s what real love is like,” Wilson had said.

Moreover, Russell Wilson has always kept Zahir in a sporting environment. The 9 year old is regularly seen playing football and doing tackling drills on Wilson’s Instagram. With Zahir’s two father figures being pioneers in rapping and football, safe to say, Zahir can turn out to be a future superstar in the coming years.

The post Stephen Curry Prepping Up Russell Wilson’s Stepson Future Zahir to Nail 3-Pointers Excites NBA, NFL Fans appeared first on The SportsRush.

According to recent reports, the Golden State Warriors approached the Los Angeles Lakers with an unsuccessful bid to acquire LeBron James. According to Charles Barkley, the Bay Area side might not have added Jonathan Kuminga to the deal. Barkley told Draymond Green, leader of the GSW, that Rob Pelinka would accept any offer with Kuminga. Even if it meant parting ways with LBJ.

“If the Warriors are stupid enough to give up Kuminga for LeBron, let me tell you something, the Lakers will take that trade tomorrow. If the Lakers can get Klay and Kuminga, they do that deal tomorrow,” Barkley said.

Immediately after, Draymond Green simply stated that he had said no to any deal that involved JK getting traded.

Green said, “If it’s Kuminga then the answer’s no.”

“The one thing the NBA does not want to see, is Anthony Davis & Kuminga together for the next 10 years. That would be scary!”

Chuck asked Draymond about recent Lakers-Warriors trade rumors

Catch the NBA All-Star Game #ALTCAST now on TruTV pic.twitter.com/VNGiftjK8A

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 19, 2024

Jonathan Kuminga is one of the most talented youngsters in the league. With Klay Thompson’s dip in production, the forward has emerged as the team’s 2^nd scoring option and has been thriving in his new role. Undoubtedly, JK will further improve and perform at the All-NBA level that he was projected to be. However, the Warriors would much rather have LeBron James on their roster.

The trio of Curry, Green, and Thompson are entering their late 30s. The organization would much rather capitalize on their dominance while they are still in the prime of their prowess. With LeBron James added to the squad, the Warriors’ chances will significantly increase as compared to Kuminga playing the small forward position for Steve Kerr.

Stephen Curry and LeBron James react to the trade rumors

During the All-Star Weekend, Stephen Curry and LeBron James were asked for their opinions about the trade rumors. Curry stated how he wasn’t surprised to learn that his franchise was attempting to make a push for his long-time rival. However, he did reveal being surprised in regards to the news of the same being leaked.

“A guy like Bron, you would probably call just to see… It’s always a surprise when stuff like that gets out because I’m assuming that every team is making calls that if every fanbase or media group would know about it,” Curry said.

LeBron James crushed all remaining hopes of the Dub Nation. Apart from stating that he heard about the news “when everyone else did”, the 6ft 9” forward also claimed that the deal was not even “real” enough to be brought to him.

“It didn’t go far at all, I heard about it when everyone else did,” LeBron said. “Sometimes there conversations behind closed doors that you don’t even know about. If it’s real or not, then they’ll bring it to you. But it never even got to me.”

“I actually heard about it when everybody else heard about it.”

LeBron says he was unaware of Warriors trade rumors pic.twitter.com/ospvgyxWqt

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 19, 2024

Both teams – the Warriors and the Lakers – are struggling this season. While the LA side is 9^th in the standings, the San Francisco side is right behind them in 10^th. While it doesn’t seem as though the star players are being traded, the front offices of both teams need to figure out a way to add more firepower to the roster to help win the championship.

The post Charles Barkley Ponders Over The Warriors Being “Stupid Enough” To Trade For LeBron James In Exchange For Jonathan Kuminga appeared first on The SportsRush.

He said,

“I watched her WNBA shootout, where she set the record and I was just blown away… I watched her shatter Steph’s [NBA] record of 31 points in a round of shooting because she made 20 in a row. Now that was from the WNBA line… From the WNBA line, she’s shooting 45%. Steph is a little under his average this year and isn’t quite as hot and sharp.”

Bayless also noted that in the 2019 All-Star game in Curry’s hometown, Charlotte, he lost the three-point shooting contest final against Joe Harris. The analyst claimed that the Golden State Warriors star has flamed out when put under pressure, citing the 2016 NBA Finals as an example. For all the reasons above, Bayless picked Ionescu to beat Curry in their duel on Saturday.

The analyst made his pick based on the assumption that Ionescu would shoot from the WNBA three-point line, which is a foot shorter than the NBA’s arc. However, that’s not the case. Ionescu was offered to choose where she’d shoot from and opted for the NBA distance, claiming that’s the line she shoots from during practice. Her decision is commendable, but it also gives the edge to Curry, who has substantially more hours of practice from that range.

Klay Thompson picks Sabrina Ionescu, while Kevin Durant flip-flops

Stephen Curry is heading into battle against Sabrina Ionescu without the backing of his Splash Brother, Klay Thompson. The Warriors icon was asked to pick the winner of the three-point shooting contest between the two, and he replied,

“I’ve got the Bay Area’s finest—Sabrina all day.” 

Ionescu plays for the WNBA’s New York Liberty but was born and raised in Contra Costa County in the Bay Area. Curry has spent his entire career in the Bay Area, playing for the Warriors, but is a Charlotte, North Carolina native.

“I got the Bay Area’s finest… Sabrina all day!”

Stephen vs. Sabrina 3-PT Challenge: 8:00pm/et #StateFarmSaturday (2/17) on TNT pic.twitter.com/EcWEFAReWm

— NBA (@NBA) February 13, 2024

While Curry doesn’t have Thompson’s support, he has former teammate Kevin Durant‘s backing to win the shootout. The Phoenix Suns star first picked Curry to win the award before switching to Ionescu. However, he has seemingly decided to stick to Curry. He said,

“I’m going Steph. I said Steph first, then Steph kind of like disrespected me, calling me an instigator so I went Sabrina, But I’ll go back to Steph. You know how I like to switch.”

KD’s going with the Chef! ‍

Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu will go head-to-head in the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-point Challenge… #StateFarmSaturday (2/17) on TNT after #Starry3PT. pic.twitter.com/hxsGn8hdM6

— NBA (@NBA) February 12, 2024

The battle between Curry and Ionescu will be historic. It’ll be the first-ever crossover competition between an active NBA and WNBA superstar. This could set a precedent and become a marquee annual attraction during the All-Star weekend. Unsurprisingly, the battle between the two sharpest shooters in their respective leagues is the weekend’s most-anticipated event.

The post What Did Skip Bayless Say About Sabrina Ionescu? FS1 Analyst Announces Pick Ahead of Stephen vs Sabrina appeared first on The SportsRush.

Coming off the bench, Klay Thompson had a historic performance. Knocking down 7 three-pointers on 13 attempts, Thompson recorded his season-high of 35 points. Further, Klay also reached the 15,000 total career points milestone.

Klay Thompson came off the bench and made a big-time impact tonight

35 PTS | 6 REB | 7 3PM pic.twitter.com/mILnbVbyP3

— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2024

Thompson’s historic night allowed the Golden State Warriors to clinch a 140-137 win. And following the game, Andrew Wiggins disclosed how impressed he was by Klay’s reaction to being benched. The forward stated how commendable it was for an All-Star of the 6ft 6” sharpshooter’s caliber to not whin about the same. Further lauding the four-time champion, Wiggs said,

“Klay’s a true professional. He didn’t complain or nothing. He[Klay Thompson] took it out on the court. You know, he played his heart out, had a great game, play competitive and that’s the Klay we love to see… Klay’s that guy everyone wants to see do good. He’s a great guy, he works hard.”

“He didn’t complain or nothing. He took it out on the court.”

Wiggs praises Klay’s response to coming off the bench pic.twitter.com/C0LkwPCVy8

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 16, 2024

Apart from Thompson’s incredible output, Podziemski was also impressive and played much beyond expectations. The rookie guard recorded 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists, and was the only starter to finish the game with a positive box plus-minus. As we advance, it won’t be surprising to see Steve Kerr use this lineup more often.

Klay Thompson embraced his new role

Not every All-NBA caliber player can be as professional as Klay Thompson was upon being benched. However, the shooting guard did reveal that he chose to embrace the role and “respond” on the court rather than sulking about the same.

“You can do two things, you can pout, or you can go out there and respond. I thought I did the latter very well tonight,” Klay said.

“You can do two things, you can pout, or you can go out there and respond.”

Klay reveals how he shifted his mindset in coming off the bench after a talk with Kerr pic.twitter.com/jC9XALO57c

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 16, 2024

This season, Klay Thompson has not been as productive. Behind Stephen Curry, Jonathan Kuminga has been the second option for the Bay Area side. Hence, being the focal point of the second unit, Thompson had a “fun” time and was able to perform better in the reduced game time that he received.

Further talking about the learnings that he took away from the new role, the 34-year-old said,

“I learned some things tonight that I’m gonna carry with myself throughout the whole season.”

Klay learned a lot about himself in coming off the bench, and enjoyed being a focal point of the second unit pic.twitter.com/7UEYCEDTJI

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 16, 2024

Before tonight’s 35-point explosion, Thompson was averaging merely 13.3 points on 24.5% 3FG in February. By being benched, Kerr seemed to have helped his star player reset.

Once the Warriors resume after the All-Star break, fans will hope for the five-time All-Star to produce several such performances. With the GSW sitting only 10^th in the West, Klay needs to pick up some offensive load off Stephen Curry’s shoulders and help the team push for a playoff spot.

The post “Klay Thompson Took It Out on the Court”: Andrew Wiggins Revealed Warriors Star’s Reaction to Coming Off the Bench appeared first on The SportsRush.

During the third quarter, the veteran forward tussled for an offensive rebound with Clippers center Ivica Zubac. A taller Zubac accidentally caught Green on the chin with his elbow, sending the Warriors star to the floor. Despite the veteran clutching his face and lying on the floor, the game continued for over 30 seconds before the Warriors took a timeout to allow their medical staff to assess the injury.

Draymond went to the locker room after taking an elbow to the face pic.twitter.com/beV68Dlncy

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 15, 2024

Green was taken to the locker room for further evaluation. He cleared the concussion tests, returned to the game, and helped the Warriors secure a 130-125 win.

On Wednesday, the Gil’s Arena podcast crew discussed the incident involving Green and Zubac. Retired NBA star Kenyon Martin was displeased by the Warriors star’s reaction to getting elbowed. He claimed that the contact wasn’t severe enough for Green to hit the floor and stay there for multiple plays before exiting the game and heading to the locker room. He said,

“You can’t be out here punching people, slapping people and choking people, and you can’t take that [elbow]? So if a motherf***er punch you, it’s over. “If a motherf**ka punch you, it’s a wrap! That’s what you tellin’ me… That s**t didn’t hurt. You can’t lay out there when you’re choking motherf**kers!” 

“If a motherf**ka punch you, it’s a wrap! That’s what you tellin’ me! Hell no! Hell no! F**ck no, Gilbert!”

Kenyon Martin BLASTS Draymond in response to Zubac’s elbow pic.twitter.com/L9KESrYpY1

— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) February 15, 2024

Martin added that Green should have gotten up immediately after realizing the referees did not call a foul on Zubac. He claimed that Stephen Curry looked for him for an easy dunk after the Clippers scored on a 5-on-4 fast break, but he was still lying on the floor. Martin said Green is supposed to be physically menacing and have the mentality to retaliate. However, he was disappointed lying on the floor trying to sell a foul that the referees weren’t interested in calling.

Green is no stranger to committing egregious fouls and then accusing opponents of overselling the contact. However, he was indulging in the same act of trying to deceive the referees. However, watching Green lay on the floor while both teams continued playing was hilarious.

Jusuf Nurkic calls out Draymond Green for antics in Clippers game

Phoenix Suns star Jusuf Nurkic has been going back and forth with Draymond Green on social media since their altercation last Saturday. The center called out the veteran forward for staying on the floor after Zubac elbowed him in the face. He posted a GIF on X, formerly called Twitter, which said,

“You’re getting soft brother.”

https://t.co/CkSmQ5cg4M pic.twitter.com/uFuC5UC0M8

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 15, 2024

Nurkic and Green went after each other when the Warriors hosted the Suns at the Chase Center last Saturday. They both hit each other with the “too small” celebration after scoring a bucket.

In the post-game interview, Nurkic called out Green and said he hadn’t learned anything from his lengthy suspension for slapping him back in December. He said,

“Just a matter of time. He’s going to knock somebody else again. Take everything back what I said. He don’t deserve a chance.”

Green responded to Nurkic on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, and called him a coward and ‘little man.’ The Suns star responded with a vicious jibe on X, formerly called Twitter, writing,

“All good, bad boy. Just don’t stay to long on podcast, gonna be late for therapy session.”

All good bad boy just don’t stay to long on podcast, gonna be late for therapy session.

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 13, 2024

Nurkic and Green won’t get the opportunity to rekindle their rivalry in the regular season. However, if the Suns and the Warriors meet in the playoffs, expect the duo to get into a verbal or physical altercation during the series.

The post “Can’t Lay Out There When You’re Choking Motherf**kers!”: Draymond Green’s Tussle With Ivica Zubac Has Kenyon Martin Irate appeared first on The SportsRush.

Midway through the third quarter, Green was battling Clippers center Ivica Zubac for an offensive rebound underneath the rim when he took an accidental but vicious elbow to the chin and collapsed to the floor, clutching his face. The referees did not spot the elbow, and play continued for over 30 seconds while he was still lying on the floor.

Draymond went to the locker room after taking an elbow to the face pic.twitter.com/beV68Dlncy

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 15, 2024

The Warriors took a timeout to let their medical staff have a look at Green, who got up gingerly and went back to the locker room to get evaluated for a concussion. The Warriors forward cleared the tests and returned to the game.

Nurkic trolled Green for not getting up immediately after getting elbowed in the face with a GIF featuring Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby saying,

“You’re getting soft brother.”

https://t.co/CkSmQ5cg4M pic.twitter.com/uFuC5UC0M8

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 15, 2024

Nurkic and Draymond have been going back and forth on social media since the two teams faced off on Monday. The duo have disdain for each other. Unfortunately, they won’t get to settle their differences on the court since the season series between the Suns and the Warriors is over. However, if the two teams meet in the playoffs, expect the two to get into a skirmish at some point during the series.

Jusuf Nurkic and Draymond Green’s beef history

On December 16th, Draymond Green was ejected against the Suns after elbowing Jusuf Nurkic in the face and was later slapped with an indefinite suspension, which saw the Warriors forward miss 16 games. In the post-game press conference, the Suns star did not mince words, saying,

“What’s going on with him? I don’t know. Personally, I feel like that brother needs help. I’m glad he didn’t try to choke me. At the same time, it ain’t nothing to do with basketball.”

“Personally, I feel like that brother needs help.”

Jusuf Nurkić responded after taking a punch from Draymond Green.

Wow! @NBA pic.twitter.com/HMvHwxH9RY

— BH Live (@BHlive_official) December 13, 2023

Green did not forget Nurkic’s comments and the two exchanged words and hit each other with the “too small” celebration during the Suns’ narrow loss to the Warriors last Saturday.

In a post-game interview, Nurkic dissed Green, saying,

“It’s sad. He didn’t learn anything, man. Just a matter of time. He’s going to knock somebody else again. Take everything back what I said. He don’t deserve a chance.”

“It’s sad. He didn’t learn anything. Just a matter of time. He’s going to hit somebody else again. Take back everything I said. He don’t deserve a chance.”

Jusuf Nurkic on Draymond Green, who got suspended after hitting him in face Dec. 12.

“Antics. Try to hit people.” #Suns pic.twitter.com/fEF2hLJuyS

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 11, 2024

Green responded to Nurkic on his podcast. He addressed the Suns star’s comments from December and after the loss on Sunday on the Draymond Green Show, saying,

“If you want to know the truth about that, I think all of it was really cowardly. … I think they all wack, both of them if you want my honest opinion… Quite frankly, I would love to know why is it only a matter of time before I hit someone else. Because I destroyed him? Because what in that game that happened with me would make you say something like that other than getting embarrassed because you’re just not good enough.”

Draymond Green roasts Jusuf Nurkic

( @TheVolumeSports) pic.twitter.com/PGOCMaNR5v

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 13, 2024

Nurkic did not back down and took a personal jibe at Green on social media, writing,

“All good, bad boy. Just don’t stay to long on podcast, gonna be late for therapy session.”

All good bad boy just don’t stay to long on podcast, gonna be late for therapy session.

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 13, 2024

Green responded by calling him a “300-pound softy that can’t finish games” and plugged the link to the latest episode of his podcast.

Tap IN! Spoke in depth about the 300 pound softy that can’t finish games. Enjoy#TheNewMediahttps://t.co/D4l0qeEo5v https://t.co/OB5SGEqgPA

— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) February 13, 2024

After Nurkic’s latest jibe, it’s clear that neither player is willing to bury the hatchet. Green has yet to respond to the Suns star calling him soft, but there’s no doubt he will have something to say on social media or the next episode of his podcast.

The post “You’re Getting Soft Brother”: Jusuf Nurkic Pokes Fun At Draymond Green Wincing On The Ground After Tussle With Ivica Zubac appeared first on The SportsRush.

Ahead of the Golden State Warriors-Los Angeles Clippers contest, Shams Charania broke the news that Kawhi Leonard would be missing the contest with a right adductor strain.

Clippers say Kawhi Leonard has a left adductor strain and is out vs. Warriors on Wednesday.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 14, 2024

Usually, coaches and players look to capitalize on the fact that the best player of the opponent team is sidelined. However, Steve Kerr didn’t think of it that way. The 58-year-old seemed to be frustrated after learning about Leonard’s unavailability against his team. As per Kerr, the Warriors have lost games when stars of the opposing teams have sat out of the contest. Expressing his hatred for load management, Steve also said:

“I hate when guys sit out, especially stars. We’ve lost so many games the last couple years when star players sit out. There’s just a natural let down…I’m dead serious. It’s the worst feeling in the NBA.”

“I hate when guys sit out, especially stars. We’ve lost so many games the last couple years when star players sit out. There’s just a natural let down…I’m dead serious. It’s the worst feeling in the NBA.”

Steve Kerr after @WillardAndDibs told him Kawhi Leonard is OUT tomorrow. https://t.co/OJYXvL7k92

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 14, 2024

Despite Kawhi Leonard’s absence, Steve Kerr should expect a well-contested bout. Yes, Leonard has been on a tear in the past 30 games. However, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook have also been immensely valuable for Ty Lue’s team. Even if the two-way star is out, the Clippers, who have won 10 out of their last 13 games, will be the favorites to emerge victorious.

Steve Kerr often expressed despising load management

This is not the first time that Steve Kerr has spoken on the topic of “load management”. Back in 2023, Kerr revealed feeling sorry for the fans who spent time, money, and energy only to witness the star players sit out due to load management.

“It’s a brutal part of the business,” Kerr said.

Steve Kerr’s suggestion to the commissioner to tackle to same was to reduce the length of the season. According to him, changing the regular season to a 72-game campaign would be the best idea.

Earlier this offseason, while several personalities expressed their dissatisfaction with the NBA’s new 65-game policy for players to be eligible for season accolades, Kerr accepted the new rules. He also agreed to the policy that prevented teams from load managing their star players.

“We understand we are trying to entertain basketball fans everywhere. That’s the business. You know, putting on a good product, putting on a good show for our fans, and giving our fans the opportunity to come out and see our guys play,” Kerr said.

The Golden State Warriors have been following this mandate. However, the team has had to deal with some injuries. Players such as Chris Paul, Gary Payton II, and Moses Moody have already missed several games. However, with the Warriors finally having a relatively injury-free campaign, their performance on the court has improved. Having won five straight games, the Bay Area side are finally looking like the formidable squad that they were always meant to be.

The post Kawhi Leonard’s Availability for Clippers vs Warriors Leaves Steve Kerr Annoyed appeared first on The SportsRush.

“He has been playing at that level all season…he was elevated all season. He was averaging 31 all season..he took a dip when Draymond got suspended. The fact that their in the 10th spot, playing so well, tells you where their ceiling is… The ceiling is the roof. We acting like Steph ain’t been doing this all season. It’s the rest of the motherfu**ing team, it’s the other 14 players that’s the problem.”

Arenas may be right with his take, as the Warriors look shallow without Steph’s firepower. In fact, with Draymond out, the Warriors struggled, with Curry often being a one-man show.

This season, Curry has averaged 28.1 points on 42.1% shooting from three, and 92.7% shooting from the free throw line. Curry is leading the team in points, three points made, fast break points, and true shooting percentage.

The rest of the team has struggled significantly more than Curry. Draymond has missed, what seems like half of the current season due to suspensions and injuries. Jonathan Kuminga had his coming out party this year but has gone cold over the past month. Klay Thompson has been having an all-time low this season, shooting just 37.3% from three and 41.8% from the floor.

Even in the latter half of the Warriors and the Splash Brothers’ legacy, Curry is performing at the highest level and barely keeping his team afloat in the current season. Coming through in clutch situations and taking topnotch winning shots for the team has been the identity of the sharpshooter and he is strengthening that with every game.

Klay Thompson might be ready for “less”

With Draymond back in the lineup, the Warriors seem to be on a roll once again. Curry has also stepped up his game, scoring an insane buzzer-beater during their recent outing against the Phoenix Suns.

That being said, Klay Thompson seems to be absent throughout the team’s revival. Thompson has struggled dearly this season, showing only glimpses of his older self. According to Arenas, Klay has come to accept ‘father time’. Talking about it further, Gilbert Arenas said,

“The fact that a few months later, he was ready to take a lesser role, to stay with the team. Reality kicked in…Cause if he was balling like he thought he would have, he would have been asking for 4yr/$100 million.”

The Warriors and Klay reached a deadlock over the sharpshooter’s contract. He was offered a generous 2 yr/$48 million, however, he ended up declining his player option, choosing to enter his final year without a surety of return. Over the season it’s become clear that Thompson isn’t who many thought he is. Injuries have caught on, and he no longer is a top two-way player in the league.

With Stephen Curry going off, it’s important for the franchise to not waste the 35-year-old’s talent. The Warriors staff and HC Steve Kerr have to return to the drawing board. As the Warriors currently sit in the 10th spot in the West, the odds of Curry not making these playoffs seem to be a growing reality.

The post “It’s The Other 14 Players That’s The Problem”: Gilbert Arenas Berates the Warriors for Overburdening Stephen Curry appeared first on The SportsRush.