Sports
Biden welcomes the Golden State Warriors back to the White House
(CNN) — President Joe Biden welcomed the Golden State Warriors to the White House on Tuesday to celebrate their 2022 NBA championship, marking their return to the building for the first time since a high-profile clash with former President Donald Trump.
“Today, the Golden State Warriors are known as one of the most successful franchises in basketball and all of sport. Four NBA titles, six finals in the last eight seasons. That ain’t bad, man. A statline of a dynasty but the last couple of years are pretty tough,” Biden said in remarks from the East Room. “They struggled in 2020, missed the playoffs in ’21, and critics wonder (if) this team was gone for good as a championship team.”
“But, fellas,” Biden added, smiling. “I know what it feels like. I’ve been there.”
It was a return to form for the Warriors after run-ins with Trump.
The Warriors’ invitation to visit the White House to celebrate their 2017 championship was rescinded by Trump after Steph Curry criticized him over his attacks on Black athletes protesting during the national anthem. Instead of visiting the White House, the Warriors toured the National Museum of African-American History and Culture with local Washington students.
In 2019, they opted to meet with former President Barack Obama instead of making the traditional White House stop.
Biden appeared to nod to the controversy, saying, “The Golden State Warriors are always welcomed in this White House” to laughs from the room.
Comparing the situation in 2017 with Trump to Tuesday’s visit, Curry said, “I think President Biden mentioned it during his speech, about you can accomplish anything if you do it together.”
“And I think just the vibe is obviously different in the sense of accepting people from different walks, different backgrounds and actually walking that walk,” he added.
In June 2022, the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics 103-90 to claim their fourth NBA championship in the last eight seasons. The victory gave the trio of Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green their fourth title together — all under head coach Steve Kerr — adding to their championships from 2015, 2017 and 2018.
At Tuesday’s ceremony, the president called Curry “someone I really admire. Not just as a player but as a person.”
Noting the team’s activism, Biden said they were, “speaking out against racism, standing up for equality. I mean speaking out loudly against racism standing up for encouraging people to vote, empowering children and their families to eat healthy, learn and play and safe places, rallying the country against gun violence.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff were also in attendance. Harris — who hails from California — said she had been a Warriors fan her “entire life.”
Curry presented Biden and Harris with Golden State Warriors jerseys. Biden’s had a number 46 on the back — marking his spot in presidential history — while Harris’ had the number one emblazoned on the back.
Kerr told reporters at a news briefing earlier Tuesday that they’re grateful to the Biden administration for their efforts to curb gun violence and successfully repatriate WNBA star Brittney Griner back home from a Russian prison.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
By: Ceci Partridge
January 17, 2023
Latest Instagram Posts
💀🏒 ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos! Adding a little sabor to tonight’s Firebirds vs. Henderson matchup! Our own Pablo Alsina is here bringing some Spanish flair to this special Día de los Muertos night in the desert. Hockey, culture, and a whole lot of celebration! 🔥🐦 #FirebirdsHockey #DiaDeLosMuertos #CoachellaValley #CVFirebirds #HockeyNight DíaDeLosMuertos
🏒 GAME NIGHT IN THE DESERT! 🔥 Tim O’Brien gets us ready for tonight’s matchup as your Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the Henderson Silver Knights! The energy is building, the puck is about to drop, and we’re ready for another night of Firebirds hockey! Let’s go, Firebirds! 🐦🔥 #FirebirdsHockey #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight #AHL LetsGoFirebirds
Your In-Arena hosts tonight!!! Tim O’Brien and Pablo Alsina!!
Remembering and honoring the loved ones we’ve lost. ❤️ Dia de los Muertos is about more than mourning — it’s a time to celebrate the lives, memories and traditions of those who will always remain in our hearts. We spoke with Mateo Gomez of Forest Lawn about the importance of keeping those memories alive and creating healthier conversations around grief and loss, including the stigma surrounding suicide. Join Forest Lawn for a special Día de los Muertos celebration this Monday in Cathedral City, from 5 to 8 p.m. Families are invited to come together, remember loved ones and celebrate their lives. #DiaDeLosMuertos #DayOfTheDead #ForestLawn #CathedralCity #RememberingLovedOnes #GriefSupport #NBCPalmSprings
Whatever you do after surgery... rule 1: do NOT post it on social media! #therogginreport #menshealth #viralreels #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🥪 Halloween flavors are on the menu at The Sandwich Spot! Dana stopped by NBC Palm Springs to show us two seasonal favorites: “Rosemary’s Baby,” a spooky twist on chicken parmesan, and “Cornucopia,” bringing a taste of the season to every bite. 🎃 Rosemary’s Baby is available for a limited time through Halloween, while Cornucopia will stick around through New Year’s Day! Whether you're craving a hot specialty sandwich or planning a party, The Sandwich Spot also has catering platters ready to go. #TheSandwichSpot #CoachellaValleyEats #PalmSpringsFood #LocalRestaurants #HalloweenEats #SeasonalSpecials #NBCPalmSprings
🗳️ ELECTION DAY IS ALMOST HERE! Coachella voters are preparing to choose their next mayor, and the race features four candidates with very different visions for the city's future. From leadership and transparency to better streets, parks, schools and economic development, what's at stake in this election? NBC Palm Springs' Alondra Campos sat down with all four candidates to hear directly from them about why they want your vote and what they hope to accomplish. Watch the interviews and get informed before heading to the polls. Make your voice heard on November 3! #ElectionDay #Coachella #CoachellaMayor #Election2026 #LocalElections #AlondraCampos #NBCPalmSprings #CoachellaValley
CNN 'Engagement Party’s' Ari Shapiro breaks down what the popular meme blanketing social feeds this time of year.
🚨 Three young men are headed to prison after opening fire on a Thermal home with 14 people inside, then shooting at responding deputies. All survived. The men received sentences ranging from 8 to 11 years. Meanwhile, a Palm Springs man who admitted to sexually assaulting multiple underage girls across Southern California faces 22 years behind bars. His sentencing is scheduled for today in Indio. ⚖️ Two disturbing cases. Multiple victims. Serious consequences. #BreakingNews #CoachellaValley #Thermal #PalmSprings #CrimeNews
🎈 Want to experience the Cathedral City Hot-Air Balloon Festival? We’re giving you a chance to WIN tickets! Head to nbcpalmsprings.com/promotions for your chance to win! 🎟️ Good luck from NBC Palm Springs! #CathedralCity #HotAirBalloonFestival #WinTickets #NBCPalmSprings #CoachellaValley