KNBR's user profile page. Match highlights, posts and more on site!

After waiting an 'eternity,' Warriors unleash Stephen Curry at perfect time

OAKLAND — Stephen Curry wanted to play in Game 1, but Steve Kerr erred on caution’s side, reserving the two-time MVP for Tuesday night. With all of the pent-up anticipation, Curry anxiously sat the first 7:40 of Golden State’s 121-116 win over the Pelicans before checking into the scorer’s table. “It was an eternity it felt like, for sure,” Curry said. “When the lights come back on with the starting lineups, you are usually in that kind of mind-frame. I had to pace myself and be patient with it. It seemed like it took forever, but it was a good feeling to get back out on the floor and let loose and have fun.” Curry had only started a game on the bench six times in his career. Kerr chose to start Nick Young for the second straight game because he wanted to keep the lineup intact from a 22-point victory in Game 1. Kerr said he liked the idea of substituting Curry for Klay Thompson late in the first quarter. With 4:20 remaining in the first quarter, Curry removed his shooting shirt and ambled to the scorer’s table. Oracle Arena burst into delirium, showering him with cheers before he even entered the game. “That was a special moment when Steph checked into the game,” Kerr said. “(It is) always fun to hear our home crowd. Steph has worked really hard over the last six weeks to prepare for this, and I love the ovation he got.” Only time would tell if we would see the same dazzling, gun-slinging Curry, who hadn’t played since March 23 due to a Grade 2 left MCL sprain. It took 11 seconds to find out. On his first offensive possession, Curry caught a Draymond Green pass and fired a 29-footer. Swoosh. All normalcy was restored. Curry went on to score 11 points in fewer than seven minutes. “It was kind of electric in there,” Green said. “And then he hit that three that fast. It brought a lot of life to the building, a lot of life to our team and spirit. It’s pretty fitting, for sure.” Curry exploded for 28 points in only 27 minutes Tuesday night. The Warriors outscored the Pelicans by 26 points with Curry in the game. The superstar point guard's return came at the most ideal time as Golden State tried to fend off a desperate Pelicans attack. They were crushed in Game 1. It seemed highly unlikely Game 2 would produce a similarly lopsided result, even with Curry back in action. “We had a feeling New Orleans was going to come after us pretty hard” Kerr said. “So, (it was) perfect timing that he came in, slow first quarter for us, and everything changed as soon as he walked onto the floor.” As Tuesday night showed, Curry impacts games whether he scores or not. After his opening three-pointer, Curry attracted a double team on the following possesion. He passed out of it to the cutting Green, who dished to Durant, who found Kevon Looney for an open dunk. The gravitational pull Curry creates is enough to give his teammates, who happen to be some of the world’s best shooters, consistent open looks. Without Curry, Golden State may still be the best team in the world. But its offense is more predicated on Durant, Green, and Thompson creating, rather than benefiting from rapid ball movement whenever Curry is on the floor. Tuesday night was the first time in about two months that the Warriors have had all four All-Stars healthy. Golden State limped to a 7-10 finish in the regular season, largely due to all of the injuries. But the Warriors have won six out of seven playoff games during their current run, including Tuesday night’s win that extended their Western Conference Semifinals series lead over the Pelicans to 2-0. Golden State is clicking on all cylinders, poised to defend its throne behind Curry, who looked as fresh as ever Tuesday night. “It felt great," Curry said. "(I was) real eager as of late trying to get back out there to be with my teammates and do what I love to do. To get back out there on the floor, play some playoff basketball, and get a big win tonight, it was huge.”

Durant points to Westbrook as catalyst in blowout loss to Thunder

OAKLAND - Tuesday night's game at Oracle Arena was the fifth matchup between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook since the former signed with the Golden State Warriors two offseasons ago. Durant took the first three of their meetings last year, but all he could do after Westbrook got the best of him and the Warriors in the Oklahoma City Thunders' 125-105 victory was applaud the phenomenal performance of his former teammate. "Well Russ came out and made his first nine shots, I think," Durant said. "That's what got them going. He was prolific in the pick-and-roll, and got to the rim, and knocked down the three. Once he's knocking down the three and the pull up, it's tough to stop him. That was the game right there, first quarter and they have 42 points, and so you got to give them credit. They came out with a lot of energy and we didn't match it." Westbrook led the charge in Oklahoma City's high-scoring victory over the Warriors with 34 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds. Durant finished right behind him with 33 points, along with six rebounds, one steal, and one assist. Despite dropping both meetings with the Thunder this season, Durant remains 3-2 in his games against Westbrook.

Steve Kerr discusses Steph Curry's maturation

Aries Spears prank calls KNBR's Murph & Mac as Shaquille O'Neal

After a hit with sister station KFOG 104.5 to promote his upcoming comedy specials in San Francisco, comedian Aries Spears decided to spice up the morning ...

San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs NLDS preview

The Giants are on to Chicago to square off against the World Series favorite Chicago Cubs. Here's a quick look at how the two teams match up. For more Giants coverage, head to KNBR.com/GiantsVideos

49ers's Joe Staley laughs off questions of Anthony Davis's second NFL retiremtn

When 49ers' offensive lineman Joe Staley was asked about his now former teammate Anthony Davis, who retired from the NFL for the second time in 3 years, Staley only managed to chuckle a few short words in response.

Anthony Davis says he's 'rising to the top' of 49ers depth chart

Kevin Durant's exclusive interview with Golden State Warriors flagship