Dub Hub: Steve Kerr jokingly expects a ‘heartfelt’ embrace from Celtics fans on Wednesday

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Wednesday, November 6th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Steve Kerr jokes about the “heartfelt” embrace he’ll receive in Boston for Wednesday’s game against the Celtics.
• Sporting News’ Stephen Noh breaks down what makes Buddy Hield the perfect Klay Thompson replacement for the Warriors.
• Steve Kerr says Jonathan Kuminga will continue to come off the bench, during an interview on 95.7 The Game.

The Golden State Warriors are set for their first true test of the season as they tip off against the defending champion Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. But for the Warriors, a trip to Boston is more than just a tough game—it’s a return to one of the NBA’s most hostile road environments.

The tension between the Warriors and Celtics fans has been simmering since the 2022 NBA Finals, when Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and company clinched their fourth title in eight years on Boston’s home floor. TD Garden is infamous for its fierce heckling, and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr knows they’ll have him in their sights this time around given he benched Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum during the 2024 Summer Olympics. When asked about playing in Boston, Kerr didn’t hold back on the sarcasm, jokingly saying he’s expecting a “heartfelt embrace” from the Celtics crowd.

Draymond Green, who has his own history with Boston fans, isn’t expecting any love, either. After his experiences with the Boston crowd in the Finals, Green is bracing for another intense reception.

With the built-up tension and fresh Olympic drama, Wednesday’s game is expected to have a playoff-like atmosphere, making this matchup the prefect opportunity for Golden State to show they’re legitimate contenders against the reigning champs. Expect Boston’s fans to bring the heat, and the Warriors to bring everything they’ve got in response.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, November 6th:

Warriors News:

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst explains Steve Kerr’s benching of Jayson Tatum during the 2024 Olympics

Why these Celtics look so much like the 73-win Warriors | ESPN

Iguodala, a dynamic two-way wing, was brought to Golden State as the potential missing player in the Warriors’ championship puzzle. For Boston, Jrue Holiday has delivered a similar impact after he was acquired last fall.

Golden State’s “Death Lineup” featured five elite defenders, each of whom were credible 3-point threats. Boston’s run to the 2024 title was powered by six core players — Tatum, Brown, Holiday, Porzingis, Al Horford and guard Derrick White — dominating in the same manner.

Warriors Buddy Hield is perfect Klay Thompson replacement: What’s changed for him in Golden State | Sporting News

They have schemed around Hield’s propensity to get caught ball-watching better than his previous teams, as Green told Sirius XM NBA radio during the preseason.

“On some teams, I’m sure they’d be like, ‘Don’t chase the ball!’ We’re like, great, okay, he’s chasing the ball. We’re going to figure out what we do with that. We’re going to figure out how to make that a positive...We don’t ask you do be anything that you’re not.”

Hield is gambling a lot, and his 1.6 steals per 36 minutes is a career-high mark. When he misses on those attempts, the team is good enough to cover for him. And when he gets one, he’s been automatic in transition.

How Draymond’s shooting can change Warriors’ offensive geometry | NBC Sports Bay Area

“We always need aggressive Draymond, taking at advantage of mismatches in the post, shooting open 3s,” Curry said on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “Warriors Postgame Live.” “With the way [teams] guard us, the way the ball moves, I don’t care if he goes 0 of 10. It’s a matter of being aggressive and taking what the defense gives you, and he’s been doing a great of it so far.”

Yet opponents still consider Green a “non-shooter,” resulting in defenders continuing to observe from a distance, practically daring him to launch. Green can and will and should continue to accept that dare.

Steve Kerr says he’ll continue to go with Jonathan Kuminga off the bench

NBA News:

NBA suspends 76ers center Joel Embiid for shoving a member of the media | NBA

“Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” Dumars said. “While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter’s column, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”

It’s Not Just Ant. Almost All the NBA’s Young Stars Are Bombing Away From 3. | The Ringer

“As players have gotten increasingly comfortable pulling up from beyond the arc it’s become more common for players to eschew isolation midrangers for isolation 3s,” analyst Owen Phillips wrote last week.

Several peripheral data points support this theory. For instance, the percentage of 3s that are unassisted has increased slightly this season, and the proportion of 3s that are pull-up attempts (rather than catch-and-shoot tries) has ticked up, as well.

Perhaps most striking is the split between pull-up 2s and pull-up 3s. Over the past half decade, 42.5 percent of pull-up attempts were 3s, with little year-to-year variation, according to an analysis of NBA Advanced Stats data. But so far this season, 49.6 percent of pull-ups are coming from beyond the arc.

Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon to miss ‘multiple weeks’ due to a right calf strain, per ESPN’s Shams Charania

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Steph Curry returns strong, says his ankle ‘feels fine’ in win vs. Wizards

Their first challenge is on Wednesday night against the defending champion Celtics. Head coach Steve Kerr indicated that if Curry’s ankle responds well following Monday’s game, the minutes restriction will likely be lifted, positioning the Warriors to field a near full-strength lineup as they take on their first significant test of the season.

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