OAKLAND – The Warriors probably wouldn’t have beat Portland without the contribution from veteran David West. The Trailblazers left the 37-year-old West open and he knocked down 18- to 20-footers for 11 points on 5 of 6 shooting from the floor.
He was asked in the post game what keeps him going in his 14th season. He explained it’s the competition and the opportunity to bang with players he’s known since they were kids.
“I have seen a lot of these kids on the AAU circuit,” said West after the Warriors’ 111-104 win over Portland. I’ve known a lot of these kids since they were 10, 11 years old. Really every single night, there’s a kid or two that I’ve seen matriculate through the process and now they are in the NBA. It’s a challenge dealing with them and trying to mix it up and guard them.”
West also serves as a steadying presence in the Warriors’ locker room, making sure everyone stays on task.
“He’s been a really good mentor this season,” rookie Jordan Bell said.
Klay Thompson said West brings a “hunger” to win, which is impressive for a player near the end of his career, and it seems like West doesn’t want that career to end any time soon.