Steph drops a great line about the intense exchange between Kerr and Christie originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Once a passionate gamer, always a passionate gamer.
That was certainly the case late in the third quarter when Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Kings interim coach Doug Christie got into a heated exchange during Golden State’s 129-99 loss to Sacramento on Sunday night at the Chase Center.
The two former guards exchanged words shortly after Warriors forward Draymond Green set a hard screen on Kings guard Keon Ellis.
Kerr demanded a decision on the flop, which ultimately led to a technical foul. Christie, on the other hand, ran to the ground visibly frustrated by the force behind the hit on Ellis before being escorted back to the bench by Domantas Sabonis.
The product of a heated basketball moment, star guard Steph Curry recognizes that it is difficult to let go of passion as an NBA player, even if one has retired.
“These are two former players who would like to put their jersey back on,” Curry told reporters after the Warriors’ loss. “It’s good to see that kind of fire.”
Steph Curry on Steve Kerr and Doug Christie exchanging words after Draymond set a hard screen on Keon Ellis in the third quarter.
“These are two former players who would like to wear their jersey again. It’s good to see that kind of fire.” pic.twitter.com/2NAmgjvOB2
– KNBR (@KNBR) January 6, 2025
But Kerr and Christie are no ordinary passionate former players. They, let’s say, had their fair share of physical altercations on the field during their playing days.
Kerr, during his notable time with the Chicago Bulls, participated in a infamous practice fight with his teammate Michael Jordan that left the Warriors coach with a black eye.
In 2002Christie landed a fiery uppercut to the jaw of Los Angeles Lakers forward Rick Fox after taking an elbow and an open arm to the face.
However, time has passed and things have changed.
Following the Kings’ fourth consecutive victory, Christie expressed words of respect toward Kerr and Co.
“I mean, I’m always protecting my players,” Christie said. “That’s really all it is. I have the utmost respect for every player there.
“I know from playing in this league what they go through and seeing them reach the highest levels. It’s nothing but love. The competitive nature of the game is the competitive nature and I think that is respected. I respect how hard they play.
“I respect how they pursue him. But one thing, make no mistake, is that I am going to defend my guys because they deserve it, they play hard and I will be there for them.”
But if it had been 20 years ago, things could have been very different during Sunday’s third quarter at Chase Center.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk podcast
This embedded content is not available in your region.