Warriors' Mike Brown to coach Game 5 in Steve Kerr's absence, sends well-wishes to Ja Morant
Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Brown will coach Game 5 Wednesday (8:30 p.m., TNT) as coach Steve Kerr remains out after testing positive for COVID-19.
Brown said Tuesday that Kerr didn't make the trip to Memphis. The two FaceTimed earlier in the evening and Brown said Kerr was watching the Philadelphia Sixers face the Miami Heat. He didn't know when Kerr would return.
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"We're always in constant communication. At halftime during the game last night, after the game, this morning we had a staff meeting he was a part of....so he'll be a part of this thing throughout the whole time he's out," Brown said.
The Warriors did not add anyone to their injury report and Brown said the team is continuing to take precautions after Kerr tested positive just before Game 4 Monday.
The Warriors rallied to win 101-98 to take a 3-1 lead and put the Memphis Grizzlies on the verge of elimination returning to FedExForum.
Brown also sent his best wishes to Ja Morant, who the Grizzlies likely ruled out for the postseason with a bone bruise on his right knee. Without him, the Grizzlies led for all but 45 seconds in Game 4 so the Warriors know they'll be getting another fight on Wednesday.
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"You don't wish injury upon anybody. It's tough for him. As an individual he seems like a great person," Brown said. "It's tough for his family, the organization, the city of Memphis and his team. You don't wish that upon anybody but we have to stay focused and locked in and understand no matter who they put out on the floor, they're more than capable of beating us.
"They went 20-5 without him during the regular season so we have to have that appropriate fear in order to get over that hump."
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Mike Brown will coach Warriors in Game 5, sends well-wishes to Ja Morant
