Curry looking ´better´ for Warriors – Kerr

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr saw plenty of positive signs from star Stephen Curry ahead of game seven against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Curry fell just short of a triple-double as his 31 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists helped the Warriors past the Thunder 108-101 on Saturday.

Klay Thompson stole the show with 41 points as the Warriors levelled the Western Conference finals at 3-3.

Kerr was upbeat about what he saw from NBA MVP Curry, who battled an ankle injury earlier in the play-offs, ahead of Monday’s game seven at Oracle Arena.

“We were able to chase down more rebounds. I think Steph looked better last night. He looked bouncier. He looked livelier,” Kerr told a news conference on Sunday.

“Obviously, Steph is a huge part of our small line-up. We have to hit shots with that line-up for it to really work, especially against these guys, because their small line-up is lethal as well, but big, if that makes sense. It’s a big small line-up.

“So it’s a tough team we’re playing against. They present so many challenges. Every night has been a little different.

“They’re very well coached. They’re throwing wrinkles at us all the time, and we’re trying to respond to that. It’s been a great series.”

Thompson made an NBA post-season record of 11 three-pointers to lead the Warriors to their victory.

Kerr lauded Curry and Thompson for their ability to respond to missed shots, having gone a combined 23-for-53 from the field in game six.

“Steph and Klay are as good as anybody I’ve ever seen in terms of just moving forward and taking the next shot, making the next play. Not worrying about a miss or even several misses,” he said.

“That’s the right mentality.

“It’s a difficult mentality to achieve for a lot of people, but not for them. They have so much belief.

“I think they take so much joy out of the game and making shots and playing freely and loosely. It seems to come very naturally for both of them to just get out there and let it fly.”