Sports Fields & Courts

The shock of Klay not playing in Game 3 and not being enough of a difference maker in Game 4, the injury plague has hit the Warriors. But give Toronto credit, they're trying to be crowned King of the North and their effort is impressive. Plus, Doris Burke and Zach Lowe's prescient analysis.

When looking to build a successful team, no less a dynasty, Steve Kerr said he was looking for not just a player but a person. As Kerr went on to explain about Steph: "Cornerstone player but a foundational human being. I knew what I was getting and yet he exceeded all expectation". Don't have to be a PhD to see how much Steph's infectious energy and positive leadership breed and spread success from his fellow splash brother to the 2 time former NBA Finals MVP to a role player like Quinn Cook who shot Curry-like 3s in Game 2 to a former diva, now dream teammate like DeMarcus Cousins. Plus, why going big helped the Warriors stop Siakam and how VanVleet is helping stop Curry from utter and total domination.

Bucks' role players were outplayed - for four straight games! Leonard working on his legacy - how far can he take it? Curry and Jordan played with purpose and drive - all with one team (Wizards notwithstanding). Durant, Irving and even James search for that security, many times in ways that reveal their insecurity. Talent only takes you part of the way. It's drive and purpose plus talent that turns a superstar into one of the greatest to ever play.

Why is positive leadership so important? Because it can make a player like Draymond Green from a whiny great player into an unstoppable force and turn a great team into a dynasty. Bucks in 5 or 6 against the Raptors unless one of the Raptors' players not named Kawhi steps up big.

Game 2 Blazers/Warriors was one hell of a game! Seth v Steph did not disappoint. Why role players like Rodney Hood shine under Lillard's leadership; Doris Burke's superior commentary; why superstars like Westbrook, Harden and James don't inspire greatness. The value of great coaching (Budenholzer v Kidd in Milwaukee; Jackson v Kerr in Golden State) and ownership (Portland). And why enjoying the pursuit of greatness is just as important as achieving success.

Growing up in Chicago in the 90s was about as great a gift as a basketball loving child can be given. Jordan, Pippen, and the Bulls taught a generation of basketball hoopers what to look for in a team leader, the difference between swag and ego, the build up nature of Jordan that has lived on in Iverson, Curry and Lillard; why Pippen and Thompson are perfect complements to once-in-a-generation talent, why Kyrie Irving's petulant behavior is simply an extension of years spent playing with LeBron, and why the Warriors are more fun to watch without Durant.