Kerr, Warriors embracing Celtics mystique

SAN FRANCISCO: After a lifetime steeped in basketball as a fan, player and coach, Steve Kerr is embracing the “mystique” of the Boston Celtics as he leads the Golden State Warriors into the NBA Finals on Thursday.

Kerr grew up in Los Angeles as a fan of the Magic Johnson-era “Showtime” Lakers, and was a spectator at the Forum in the 1980s for the franchise’s epic duels with Larry Bird and the Celtics.

In the early stages of his playing career, Kerr lined up against Bird and relished every opportunity of competing in the old Boston Garden arena.