In the Game 1 showdown between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the broadcast played a remarkable moment captured on camera wherein head coach Steve Kerr was sharing an anecdote to Kevin Durant about the great Michael Jordan.
Kerr used the Jordan story — in which then-Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson called out the legend for his lack of passing — to motivate Durant and remind him to look for his open teammates.
Steve Kerr tells Kevin Durant story about Phil Jackson advising Michael Jordan about trusting his teammates pic.twitter.com/aRoW9eqKTZ
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) May 25, 2018
The clip was caught on film during the Houston Rockets series and if Durant's eight assists in Game 1 of the Finals is any indication, it appears that the pep talk bore fruit.
However, towards the end of the clip, Durant is seen walking away even before Kerr was able to finish his final sentence. Some saw this as disrespectful and it has garnered some negative reactions towards the former Most Valuable Player winner.
Speaking to the media, Durant was quick to deny his alleged insolence and went on to praise Kerr and his motivational techniques.
“I really enjoyed that conversation,” said Durant. “Having somebody that was that close to the legend, Michael Jordan, tell me, and feel confident that we’re in similar positions at the moment made me feel good about myself, that he can relate that moment to Michael Jordan.”
Kerr knows what he's talking about as he himself played with Jordan, winning three championships alongside the Hall of Famer.
See the full clip of the Durant interview below.
KD reflects on the advice he received from Steve Kerr about his experiences with Michael Jordan. #GameTime | #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/iJeQYzzqMv
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 2, 2018
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