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(L to R) Tennis legend Roger Federer, Nicole Curran, Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and poker professional Phil Hellmuth sit courtside during the second quarter of the match between the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors.
Warriors of the Golden State star Klay Thompson felt sorry for not being able to achieve victory against the San Antonio Spurs, the worst in the Western Conference, during Roger Federer’s visit to Chase Center.
“Roger is a great person” Thompson told reporters after their 126-113 defeat against the Spurs on Saturday March 9. “I met him in Shanghai in 2018 and he’s just super down to earth, especially with all the success he’s had, he doesn’t have to be and he’s just a one Really cool guy and I watched him my whole life growing up, it was great to have him in the building. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a win for him.
The tennis legend was in San Francisco to honor the announcement of the eighth edition of the Laver Cup, which Federer organized in honor of tennis great Rod Laver.
The Chase Center, the Warriors’ home arena, will host the event September 19-21.
Federer sat courtside with Warriors owner Joe Lacob and was treated to a disastrous performance from the home team.
“But it was just cool to be in the presence of greatness and he’s such a humble and friendly person and it was great to see him here in San Francisco,” Thompson said.
Life without Steph Curry
Thompson’s 27 points off the bench weren’t enough to lead the Warriors to victory without his “Splash Brother” Stephen Currywho was injured in the right ankle.
“Well, Steph makes our lives easier,” Thompson told reporters. “Because it demands attention and for myself when I’m out there, I don’t try to put more pressure on myself. I’d rather just be myself and shoot open shots, create shots and make the basketball play.
Thompson did just that, hitting 5 of 10 from downtown. But he regretted his defensive performance for his carelessness.
“I mean, tonight was unfortunate. I got into trouble and had three turnovers,” Thompson said. “This is inexcusable and I will be better on Monday.”
The Warriors looked much better in the second half with their spacing when coach Steve Kerr made his adjustment, starting with Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga scored 22 of his 26 points in the second half as Thompson’s shooting gravitated through the Spurs’ defense, giving him more open lanes to attack the rim.
Kerr will likely start Thompson in their next meeting on Monday, March 11 in San Antonio, with Curry still out.
Bad start for the Warriors
The Warriors’ lackadaisical start doomed them against a Spurs team that was missing its two best players – No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama (right ankle injury) and Devin Vassell (left hip bruise).
The starting lineup Chris Paulthe recruits Brandin Podziemski And Tracey Jackson-Davis, Green Draymond and Kuminga looked good defensively, limiting the Spurs to just nine points in the first five minutes of the game.
But the problem was that they couldn’t make spikes with their tight spacing either.
“My main motivation for the starting lineup was to get off to a good defensive start” Kerr told reporters after the shocking defeat that propelled them to 10th place in the West with 19 games remaining. “I
I wanted to set the tone with a very good defensive formation. See how we could score.
No Warriors starter scored more than five points in the first half.
Alder Almo is a basketball reporter who covers the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors for Heavy. He has over 15 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is originally from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. Learn more about Alder Almo
