Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr lauded his team’s bench contributions following Monday’s 120-107 win over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. “We had 12 guys play 10 minutes or more… it was great that that group came in and really got the game right,” Kerr said.
Kerr highlighted the importance of managing players’ minutes during a back-to-back stretch. “We were doing everything we could to try to protect our starters’ legs after the overtime game last night,” he explained, emphasizing the team’s strategic rotations.
Stephen Curry led Golden State with 27 points, and Kerr reflected on coaching the star guard. “Never gets old coaching Steph Curry… he captivates people all over the world for a reason. It’s the beauty of his play and the fluidity of it all, but also just the person he is,” Kerr said.
The Warriors’ defensive adjustments also drew praise. “Once we switched to our man-to-man, we had pretty good attention on Cam Thomas and Porter Jr.… in the fourth quarter, our attention to Porter Jr. in particular was really good,” Kerr noted.
Jimmy Butler’s impact came in the form of free throws and pace control. “I love when Jimmy’s out there with four reserve players… he just takes over the game. He’s at his best when he is attacking, getting to the line like he did tonight,” Kerr said.
Kerr praised De’Anthony Melton’s growing role in the rotation. “24 is now the new limit… he said his body’s feeling really good, so good sign,” Kerr added regarding Melton’s 24 minutes of play.
Trayce Jackson-Davis also received recognition. “Trayce was fantastic… he did a hell of a job helping turn the game in the second quarter,” Kerr said, pointing to the Warriors’ successful second-quarter run.
The coach explained his small-ball strategy in the second half. “I just wanted to be a little more mobile and get the ball moving… they had a wing guarding Quinten, Claxton was on Draymond, so QP was basically playing the wing spot,” Kerr said.
Michael Porter Jr. led Brooklyn with 27 points, and Kerr noted the player’s growth. “He looks great… he’s taking on more responsibility and more shot creation… tough guy to guard at that size,” Kerr said.
The Warriors, now 17-16, were led by Curry, Butler, and contributions from Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gary Payton II, De’Anthony Melton, and Will Richard. Brooklyn fell to 10-20, snapping a three-game winning streak. Golden State continues its road trip at Charlotte on Wednesday, while Brooklyn hosts Houston on Thursday.
