NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: WARRIORS vs KINGS

April 28, 2023

Steph Curry

Media Conference

Sacramento Kings 118, Golden State Warriors 99

Q. Did not look like the energy level was real big from you guys and the crowd at all, and definitely the Kings had more energy. Did you guys feel that? Was it just a little flat for you guys in the beginning?

STEPH CURRY: I mean we didn't execute the way we wanted to. I don't know how it looked on the court. Obviously you're in a fight and you're trying to, you know, bring that competitive spirit, knowing how tough a close-out game is and knowing that they were going to play with a lot of desperation. We just had a lot of kind of mental errors, and they took advantage of it and grabbed momentum early. I don't know if that was an energy thing or a focus thing, or whatever it was, but you have to be able to learn those lessons quick. Because we put ourselves in a situation where we have to be the team that's playing with desperation, and obviously on the road in a Game 7, there's a belief that we can do that. There's a belief in every single guy that's going to be out there on the floor; that we can make the necessary adjustments.

And if it is an energy thing, that's something you can control and correct it. You've got to embrace the challenge of what is front of us and try to go get the job done.

Q. Knowing how much you guys wanted to win this game and close it out at home, how concerned are you that some of the things that you just mentioned were not where they needed to be to win the game?

STEPH CURRY: I mean, a loss exposes a lot of things because, you know, when you go look at the film and you see where the improvements need to be made. Like you've got to be honest with yourself regarding what it was. I felt like we were all on the same page yesterday when we were kind of preparing for the game and understanding what the task at hand was, just didn't do it.

So I'm not concerned at all. It's just the playoffs presents a lot of challenges and a lot of different scenarios you find yourself in, and you know, the great teams figure it out.

You know, that's the opportunity that's front of us. I keep saying it's an opportunity because we have another game to play and we allowed ourselves at least that, and now we have to, you know, again, take advantage of the get-right game and knowing how hostile that environment is going to be. Come with the right focus and come with the right mentality, and like I said, I have the utmost faith that we can do it.

Q. They went small and spread it out. How did that change the environment of the series? How did that affect the game?

STEPH CURRY: They made some nice adjustments to try to, like you said, give their guards, Fox, Monk, give them space to try to drive. Keegan got loose early. Huerter hit some shots late. And it was a different look and they have the ability to do that with certain personnel. They pushed those buttons and it worked, and so we have to be able to make the adjustments, because you assume it's going to be the same, or a similar vibe.

You know, that's the fun part about it a series, you see a little bit of everything, and that's why there's seven games.

Q. They have also been pretty transparent about they are just trying to run as much as possible, and these now at the end of the series, it's a lot shorter between games, including 12:30 tip Sunday. Was there any extra fatigue today with the style of the series and obviously a much quicker turnaround?

STEPH CURRY: Pretty sure you got to ask everybody individually, felt great, and know we can keep up with that pace if we play with our brains at the same time and understand how we can effective on the defensive end and not turn the ball over. You know, just connect the game a little bit better than we did today.

It's very indicative of whatever was lacking the first play of the second half, nobody got matched up, Keegan Murray is wide open for three. Like, that's not a pace thing; that's just being connected. Those are the little things you're going to have to fix if we want to get out of the series and I know we can.

Q. What do you say to someone like Jordan right now?

STEPH CURRY: We need him and he's more than capable, and has shown the ability to impact games, and the biggest thing for all of us, you know, JP included, is that next-play mentality that is so important at this level, not just in the 82-game schedule but also in a playoff series where you don't have to be kind of a victim of the last game. You always can kind of bounce back.

I have nothing but confidence in his ability to do that and understand to bring the right energy for this next game. So you know, we have all kind of been there and been through those growing pains of a playoff experience, and it happens, but we all can play better, and we all got to play better if we're going to win on Sunday.

Q. You guys haven't had a Game 7 On the road very often. Do you remember your last one in Houston, and can you take something out of that?

STEPH CURRY: I mean, yes and no. There's only a few guys on this team that are in that scenario. Every possession is important. How you start, how you think your way through the game, staying locked in on the schemes that we're going to come with for the night but it's more so just the competitive spirit. You don't got to over think it, either. It's just basketball at the end of the day.

It's the last game for one of these two teams. Coming out with a sense of composure is a big thing, especially if you're on the road because it's going to be hostile and their crowd is going to be into it, and there's going to be runs both ways. Just stay locked in, stay composed but it's just basketball and just play.

Q. I wanted to get your assessment of Malik Monk because he's their energy guy, and Trey Lyles did some things there in that second quarter, but Monk, did he talk about desperation yesterday in Sacramento about this game here, but he brought it tonight. Just wanted to get your thoughts about him as a professional player.

STEPH CURRY: He's been an X-factor in their wins, and when we've contained him, most of those games, we've come out with the win, even Game 5, he got hot a little bit down the stretch but the first half we kind of kept them in check. It's just a matter of locking in on his energy. He comes in, he plays aggressive. He looks to score. He was hitting his threes tonight. We kind of gave him too many open looks. You obviously have to key in on him and the way that they mix up their lineup, he's featured a lot more, so got to make the adjustments.

Q. Can you talk about the free through you miss tonight? You guys under a lot of pressure tonight?

STEPH CURRY: You said what?

Q. Free throws you missed.

STEPH CURRY: The free throws that I missed? Oh, it happens.

Q. Were you guys under a lot of pressure tonight?

STEPH CURRY: No, it's more -- that's basketball. Again, next-play mentality. It's something I've lived by since my days at Davidson and carry that mentality, missed free throws, loss, games that you lose, whatever, you have another opportunity to come back. So maintain the confidence in your abilities.

Q. Because it is a Game 7, will you say anything to the guys that make sure that they are playing free and loose and not feeling the pressure of a Game 7?

STEPH CURRY: For sure, but that's to be expected, knowing what's at stake. You just want to make sure everybody is on the same page about what we are trying to do out there. It will be a fun 36 hours, whatever it is, to get ready for the game, mentally, vocally, physically, everybody getting their rest, knowing it's going to be a dogfight and we've got to be ready for it.

Q. You mentioned coming out with a sense of composure and at times throughout this season, that's kind of been an issue setting the tone early and stuff. How do you ensure that you guys do get off on the right foot and don't play catch-up?

STEPH CURRY: Whoever our starting five is, it's on us to set the tone for how we are playing, and accept the responsibility of that. And again play with a sense of desperation, and I use the word composure because that -- you don't want to get too riled up and get outside of yourself.

Like I said, it's just basketball. We know what to do. We have an identity of who we are when we are playing our best basketball and if we can find that, I like our chances, and that's all you can think about. That's the message and that's the goal, and it's going to be fun. Like, embrace it. We're still playing basketball. Still have an opportunity to get out of this series.