Steve Kerr received criticism for not inserting Steph Curry in the lineup earlier in the fourth quarter on the Warriors’ latest loss to the Spurs.
The three-time NBA champion defended his decision by claiming that the franchise has its eyes on the bigger picture, which goes beyond this season for Curry.
(via NBC Sports Bay Area):
“We’re counting on having Steph here for a long time – for many, many years ahead. And I’m not interested in grinding through this season, which is already a very difficult season, given the COVID regulations and just the nature of the games themselves,” Kerr said after the loss Monday.
“For me, for our organization, we’re not throwing Steph out there for 40 minutes to chase wins,” the veteran head coach continued.
Curry remained for 36 minutes on the floor during Monday’s matchup. So far, he is averaging 36.4 minutes per contest, while he has a career average of 34.3 minutes.
The two-time MVP is on the midst of a tremendous individual season averaging 29.5 points and 6.8 assists per contest shooting 48% from the field and 43% from deep.
The Warriors are set to face the Spurs again on Tuesday in the second part of a back-to-back mini-series with San Antonio.
