Warriors head coach Steve Kerr stunned reporters following his team’s blowout win over the Grizzlies on Friday, if only for a few moments.
Kerr was asked to give his opinion on the hotly-contested race for MVP, one in which Golden State star Stephen Curry is (of course) prominently featured.
But instead of answering diplomatically or extolling the virtues of Curry’s campaign, Kerr instead went in a completely different direction.
From Michael Wallace of ESPN.com:“For the record,” Kerr answered with a blank expression, “I would vote for Russell Westbrook.”
All within earshot froze.
Faces frowned.
Necks jerked. ...
Kerr quickly ended the madness before anyone could think to check if anyone had spiked the barbeque sauce on the Warriors’ postgame meal spread. The prankster was in full postseason form.
“Didn’t somebody else just say that?” Kerr said as he lobbed the wisecrack that shattered the silence with laughter. “I’m just kidding. Make sure the sarcasm is noted.”
This was Kerr simply messing around, but it was also a subtle dig at a small controversy endured by the Cleveland Cavaliers last week, when Kevin Love said that he too would give Westbrook the nod -- over his teammate, LeBron James.
This is what it’s come to for these Warriors with the regular season drawing to a close. They are rolling opponents on a nightly basis, and appear to be capable of reaching a level that no other team in the West can match.
Evidently, until the playoffs begin, all that’s left are the jokes.