Stephen Curry Calls Steve Kerr Return 'Huge,' Found Out Just Before Game 2

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry said the presence of head coach Steve Kerr on the bench was "huge" as the Warriors earned a 132-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the 2017 NBA Finals.

Curry told reporters after the game that Kerr had been around the team before his return Sunday but that having Kerr coach brought a different feeling for the team, per NBA TV:

Kerr had been absent from the sidelines since Game 2 of the Warriors' opening-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers. Golden State didn't miss a beat with Mike Brown serving as interim head coach, sweeping its way to the Finals.

Prior to Game 2, Kerr made light of how the Warriors have performed without him, going back to the start of last season as well.

"What's our record now without me, like 800-12?" Kerr said, per the Associated Press' Janie McCauley (via NBA.com).

Coming back now was a bold decision for Kerr. Beyond any lingering health issues he may still have, he would've likely faced some criticism had the Warriors lost Sunday night. The Finals aren't a time for players and coaches to take unnecessary risks.

Rather than negatively impacting his team, Kerr's presence appeared to have a galvanizing effect.

With the Warriors now at full strength, both on the floor and on the sideline, there's little reason not to expect them to close out the series over the next five games.