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How to watch
Who: Warriors (5-3) vs. Spurs (4-3)
When: Thursday, November 2 at 5:00 p.m. (PST)
Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio
How to Watch: NBCSBA, TNT
Radio: 95.7 The Game
PROJECTED STARTERS
GSW: PG Stephen Curry, SG Klay Thompson, SF Kevin Durant, PF Draymond Green, C Zaza Pachulia
SAS: PG Dejounte Murray, SG Danny Green, SF Rudy Gay, PF LaMarcus Aldridge, C Pau Gasol
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: None
Spurs: Kawhi Leonard (Out indefinitely - quadriceps), Tony Parker (Out - quadriceps), Joffrey Lauvergne (Day to day - ankle)
The Student faces the Teacher
Steve Kerr is a student of the Gregg Popovich school of basketball. The Popovich tree of coaches and general mangers is quite strong and expansive in the NBA. Kerr might just be one of, if not Popovich's most, successful students to date. It’s always fun seeing Kerr and Popovich come together as they share mutual respect for one another while still maintaining a competitive edge.
One thing that both coaches have been lauded for is their candor with respect to the current state of political affairs. Though we all have a right to our own opinions, it’s admirable to have these coaches speak up and act as a voice for the people. Kerr has already come out and publicly endorsed Popovich as a presidential candidate. Hmm, 2020?
Kerr praised Popovich. Said he'd really make a good president. I asked what he thought his platform would be... #Spurs #Warriors pic.twitter.com/KTqJYyW5EC
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) November 1, 2017
Spurs look to get out of a slump
The Spurs started off the season 4-0 but have lost their last three games. Still without Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker, the team is trying to find someone to lean on. At point guard, the team has been relying on the young and talented second year guard Dejounte Murray. Murray has shown promise and could be the heir apparent to Parker, as Parker is entering his 17th NBA season.
LaMarcus Aldridge signed a three extension to begin the season, which came as a bit of a surprise. Aldridge struggled to fit in with the team in his first few years and had been in constant trade rumors. However, he’s looked completely rejuvenated early this season.
Warriors trying to build off last game
The Warriors have struggled early this season with turnovers and mental lapses late in games. It’s clear that every team is going to give the Warriors their best effort, regardless of what the talent level is on the other side. The Warriors were able to put together their best game versus the Clippers and looked much like their dominant selves. Kerr has been preaching about the team’s lack of conditioning and it might take some time before they hit their groove. So, we may need to be patient while they work out the kinks.
The Spurs will look to get out of their funk against the Warriors in this TNT televised affair. With or without their best players, Popovich gets his reserves to play just as hard. The memory of last year’s Western Conference Finals loss is still fresh for San Antonio, so look for the Spurs to be aggressive.