The Golden State Warriors might not like being where they are, but Steve Kerr is nevertheless enjoying the thrill of the chase.
Reigning NBA champions Golden State have endured a disappointing campaign, yet find themselves in the playoff places heading into their final two regular-season games.
The Warriors are fifth in the Western Conference after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 136-125 at home on Tuesday, although they will drop down to sixth after the Los Angeles Lakers face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.
Golden State trailed by four heading into the final quarter against the Thunder, but Jordan Poole turned on the style to lead them to victory, while Stephen Curry top scored with 34 points and Draymond Green chipped in with 17.
It got the Warriors, who were without Klay Thompson, back to winning ways following a loss to the Denver Nuggets. They have now won six of their last eight games, and head coach Kerr is revelling in the excitement.
He told reporters: "It's fun, this is all what it's about.
"We love the competition and even though we'd prefer to be home free in the playoffs right now, this is where we are.
"I'm really proud of the guys what they've done here in recent weeks to put ourselves in this position but now we've got to go finish the deal and get into the top six."
Poole starred down the stretch, with 13 of his 30 points coming in the final quarter.
"They all matter. You try to lock in as much as possible and put us in a really good position to be successful," Poole said.
"He's obviously extremely talented," Curry said of Poole. "He can create off the dribble. He's fast in transition.
"We kind of read the gameplan from them, so we just gave JP space, let him go to work. Our biggest thing is just being decisive on offense. Any time we fall late is because we haven't been decisive in our intention or play calls.
"JP played amazing down the stretch, then our defense allowed us to connect the game."
Moses Moody added: "It definitely had that playoff feel to it being out here in these games, how much each game matters, how much each possession matters."