OAKLAND — The NBA Finals tipped off Thursday night with Steve Kerr in Oracle Arena, but not on the bench.
As has been expected this week, Kerr remained sidelined by the complications from his back surgery nearly two years ago and acting coach Mike Brown continued to assume his role during the 113-91 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
And assuming the role pretty much describes how Brown is approaching it. Less than two hours before tip off, Brown had yet to meet with Kerr to get the official word he was coaching, but knew what the deal was.