Golden State head coach Steve Kerr addressed the Warriors’ 124-112 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center on Tuesday, emphasizing the impact of injuries to key players.
“Jimmy at this point, hurt his knee. Left knee… I didn’t even know until I got out there and I was drawing up the play with a minute to go and somebody came in the huddle said Jimmy’s down in the training room,” Kerr said about Jimmy Butler’s injury.
Kerr praised the team’s effort in the third quarter, which saw Golden State score 44 points despite the absence of Stephen Curry and Butler. “The energy, the competitive spirit was right. It wasn’t right in the first half… both BP and Pat just, you know, playing the high pick and roll games. We had the floor spaced and we forced some turnovers,” Kerr explained.
Seth Curry’s debut also received attention. Kerr highlighted his readiness and professionalism: “He comes from the greatest shooting family in the history of basketball… he just knows how to play. He’s in the right place at the right time, doesn’t turn it over, he’s a good passer, and he fights defensively. It’s great to have him.”
The coach discussed the effectiveness of the Pat Spencer, Buddy Hield, and Seth Curry trio. “Pat’s pick and roll game was incredible tonight… we played faster, spread the floor more, and got a good rhythm going,” Kerr said, noting the importance of floor spacing and paint touches.
Kerr also explained his late-game rotations with two stars out, noting the focus on defense and floor spacing. “You’re just going with the guys who have really played the best… Gary’s our best on-ball defender, Buddy’s also better defensively than given credit for, and we wanted him on the ball and his floor spacing,” Kerr said.
Spencer’s performance drew special praise. “Pat’s just awesome. He’s such a pro, such a competitor… he can play any role, whether 21 minutes or zero. He’s a really good downhill pick and roll player,” Kerr said, adding that Spencer’s two-way contract limits his games but affirmed his value to the roster.
Draymond Green’s 900th regular-season game was also acknowledged. Kerr celebrated Green’s resilience and leadership: “He struggled in the first half… I was so proud of him for fighting through that and having a great second half… he’s just a winner, a championship player, and our guys feed off his emotion.”
Kerr concluded by highlighting lessons from the comeback effort, focusing on energy, competitive fight, ball movement, and ball security. “Shots are going to go in, shots are going to miss… but you can be consistent taking care of the ball and consistent with your effort and energy,” he said.
