"Feels like I’m descending into the depths of hell”: Steve Kerr makes bold statement on fierce rival Rockets' home court
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made a humorous remark about the Houston Rockets’ 2024 Emirates NBA Cup court, which features a striking deep red color, ahead of their quarterfinal matchup in the in-season tournament on Wednesday.
During a pre-game press conference, Kerr jokingly described the colors of the Toyota Center court as resembling hell, noting that it employs a vibrant Rockets red with more intense hues. The NBA Cup courts are designed to be more visually striking compared to the traditional hardwood surfaces.
Steve Kerr said:
“I told one of the coaches it felt like I was descending into the depths of hell. Deep, deep red hue on the floor. It's a little disconcerting. I thought I had been better in my life. I didn't think I deserved that fate.”
The Warriors entered this game as the fifth seed in the Western Conference, holding a record of 14-9, while the Rockets are third with a 16-8 record.
The Warriors have triumphed in their first two encounters against the Rockets this season and currently boast a 15-game winning streak against them. The last time the Rockets defeated the Warriors was in February 2020.
Steve Kerr says Warriors went to Houston ready for Vegas
The semifinals of the Emirates NBA Cup will take place in Las Vegas. Despite only being in the quarterfinals, the Golden State Warriors have already set their sights on Sin City, according to Steve Kerr.
“We packed to go to Vegas like we want to go,” he said. “We want to win the cup, we're in the quarters, we're in a good spot, so we're our intent is to go after it.
“I've never seen anything like this so I personally only packed for five days I'll just do laundry if I need to,” the coach added.
The Emirates NBA Cup holds appeal for players due to its financial incentives. Players on teams that lose in the quarterfinals receive $51,497 each; those losing in the semifinals get $102,994 each; runners-up earn $205,988 each; and champions take home $514,971 each.
The In-Season Tournament was introduced last year, with the LA Lakers crowned as its first champions.
The victor of the quarterfinal matchup between the Warriors and the Rockets will go on to face the OKC Thunder, the top team in the Western Conference, in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, the spot from the Eastern Conference will be contested by the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks.