Golden State Warriors head Coach Steve Kerr argues a name in the course of the second half of an NBA basketball recreation towards the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, in Cleveland. (AP Picture/Ron Schwane)

MANILA, Philippines—Whereas some are skeptical concerning the NBA holding an In-Season Match, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is all in on the competitors.

“We’re very enthusiastic about it. I feel it’s an ideal concept. Tomorrow might be enjoyable, with a unique ambiance, completely different courts and completely different uniforms. The league is actually placing in one thing that might be very distinctive and I feel I give the league plenty of credit score for that,” stated Kerr throughout a current NBA World Media Zoom interview on the eve of the Warriors’ match opener towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.

“I’m a soccer fan and I observe Premier League, Champions League and La Liga, I perceive the completely different cups which are performed for. It’s an fascinating idea that the NBA is clearly taking from. It’s an ideal concept and we have now to present it a attempt to see the way it goes. The format is sensible, to need to advance out of the pool is a good way to attempt to create the competitors.”

Kerr’s pleasure appeared to have rubbed off on the remainder of the Warriors after an exhilarating 141-139 victory over the Thunder on the street on Saturday (Manila time).

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) prepares to shoot, scoring the profitable basket within the last second, as Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3), ahead Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Luguentz Dort, again proper, defend throughout an NBA in-season match basketball recreation Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in Oklahoma Metropolis. (AP Picture/Nate Billings)

The champion coach sees the In-Season Match the identical manner because the Play-In, which was launched by the league within the NBA bubble again in 2020 and has been a staple since.

“The Play-In was an ideal success and I feel it’s vital to be progressive and forward-thinking with the NBA Cup,” stated Kerr.

“Like with something, I feel we’ll study lots within the first yr and who is aware of, perhaps there might be tweaks however we have now to undergo with it first and see the way it performs out.”

The Warriors (5-2), who misplaced to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 115-104, on Monday (Manila time), are at present third within the Western Convention behind the defending champions Denver Nuggets (6-1) and the Dallas Mavericks (5-1).