The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers enjoyed one of the most thrilling NBA Finals rivalries in recent memory, but it seems there's plenty of love between the coaches of those squads.
According to NBA reporter Mark Medina, former Cavs boss Tyronn Lue, who is currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, was full of praise for Warriors coach Steve Kerr when talking to the media ahead of their upcoming showdown.
Despite the rivalry that brewed between their respective franchises, Lue and Kerr have tons of respect for one another and have maintained a strong relationship.
The Warriors and Cavaliers met in the NBA Finals each year from 2015-2018, with Kerr and Golden State emerging victoriously in three of the four matchups. Lue has since moved on from his coaching days in Cleveland, having joined the Clippers in 2019 and becoming the head coach in 2020. But he expressed his gratitude that he remains in contact with Kerr, claiming the Warriors coach is a “genuinely good guy” and admitting that he cheers for him to succeed.
The two coaches will be in a tactical rematch on Sunday afternoon when the Warriors take on the Clippers at Staples Center. The teams met in October for a matchup earlier in the season, which ended in a Warriors win, 115-113. Lue will be looking to exact revenge this time around, and perhaps being on their home court can propel the Clippers to victory.
Golden State is 17-2 on the season and is looking to extend its lead in the Western Conference. The Clippers are in fourth in the conference at 11-8.