Kerr: Richard has been trusted, and Kuminga’s rebounding and momentum can really help the team

Yesterday in the NBA preseason, the Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 118-111. Stephen Curry played 26 minutes and scored 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists; Will Richard played 29 minutes and scored 13 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists; Jonathan Kuminga played 18 minutes (was ejected before the end of the first half) and scored 7 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

After the game, head coach Steve Kerr was interviewed:

Reporter: The team still made about 10 turnovers in the first half and committed a lot of fouls - we obviously discussed these issues before the game. Although things got better in the second half, looking back after the game, how would you evaluate the overall performance of this game?

Cole: In terms of controlling fouls and reducing mistakes, we actually did not fully achieve the two goals set before the game, but I am really proud of the players and their attitude towards the game deserves recognition.

It feels like we only slowly found the rhythm in the last few minutes of the first half. You know, throughout most of the first half, our opponents were suppressing us.

In the last 3 to 4 minutes of the second quarter, everything changed - the ball began to flow smoothly, the offensive rhythm was faster and the impact was stronger. It’s a great feeling to see the young players go all out on the court and ultimately help the team win the game.

Reporter: How would you evaluate Will (Richard)'s performance tonight?

Cole: He played well. Will always knows the right place to be on the court, is very active on the defensive end, and has an accurate judgment of the game situation. He also made a few three-pointers tonight. We are very satisfied with his performance, he is a very capable player.

Reporter: Does he have a chance to get playing time in the new season?

Cole: As long as he can make the team roster, there is always a chance. A lot can happen in 82 regular season games, I know that. But what I know for sure is that I would never hesitate to send him on - I have a lot of trust in him now.

Reporter: What was the specific situation in the last round when Kuminga (JK) was expelled?

Cole: He was fouled at the time. That round was really emotional, but I think there was nothing wrong with it. He should have gotten the foul whistle. He was fouled several times throughout the game, and the intensity of the confrontation was always high.

Look at his momentum in that round, and then look at his performance throughout the game - he grabbed 6 rebounds in 17 minutes. This is Kuminga who can really help the team.

I liked the way he played tonight, and I also appreciate his fighting spirit and enthusiasm. So even if I am expelled, I don't mind at all. To be honest, I quite like this kind of momentum.

In short, Kuminga played very well tonight.

Reporter: Were you surprised that he was called for a technical foul and then ejected?

Cole: Not surprising. Did the referee call two technical fouls at that time? Or two calls in one round?

Reporter: Can a player be expelled with just one technical foul? Yes, that's true.

Cole: It's not surprising that he was ejected - he rushed directly in front of Rodney (opponent player). This behavior will definitely be ejected, and the referee will not tolerate this situation. But like I just said, I like his fighting spirit, the energy and passion when he plays. Kuminga's performance throughout training camp has been excellent, and I'm looking forward to seeing where he is now.

Reporter: Curry scored 28 points tonight, and he scored in double figures in the first two preseason games. How would you rate his preseason pace? And the tone he set for the team tonight?

Cole: As usual, his rhythm is very methodical and his physical distribution is also planned. He works very closely with our strength and conditioning coaching staff - Dave Taylor, Rick and the rest - and it's been a perfect process to improve.

During the timeout in the middle or at the end of the third quarter, I asked him if he wanted to take a rest. There were about 4 and a half minutes left, but he said, "Let me play one more round." This is Curry, he has a very clear perception of his physical condition and needs. For him, both the rhythm of the game and his physical condition were adjusted very well tonight. You can see his state in some offensive and defensive rounds. He is now completely in the rhythm he should have.