Steve Kerr focused less on the result and more on the environment Sunday night after the Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-85 at Target Center.
Kerr opened his postgame press conference by highlighting Golden State’s defensive execution. “Just one of your better defensive games this year,” Kerr said. “It’s a good defensive effort. A lot of activity.”
The Warriors forced 25 turnovers and recorded 20 steals, a point Kerr emphasized. “I just thought we were active and sharp with our rotations and game plan stuff,” he said. “We didn’t make many mistakes.”
Kerr credited effort plays for setting the tone early. “A lot of guys diving on the floor for loose ball set the tone,” he said. “Those are big plays and they establish a level of fight that you have to have.”
Despite the defensive performance, Kerr said the night felt different given recent events in Minneapolis. “It was one of the most bizarre, sad games I’ve ever been a part of,” Kerr said. “You could feel the somber atmosphere.”
The game was postponed one day following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis man by federal immigration officers, with a moment of silence held for Alex Pretti before tipoff.
Kerr said Minnesota was visibly affected. “Their group was suffering,” he said. “I thought the vibe in the stands, it was very sad.”
He added that the Timberwolves appeared weighed down throughout the game. “We could tell they were they were struggling with everything that’s been going on and, you know, what the city has been through,” Kerr said.
Golden State led comfortably most of the night, holding Minnesota to its lowest scoring output in more than four years and its first game under 100 points this season.
Kerr acknowledged the perspective of the moment. “A night like tonight you feel the perspective of everything and the relative insignificance of a game,” he said. “Knowing where our country is right now.”
The coach said he addressed the unusual atmosphere privately with players. “Talked to a couple guys individually about it,” Kerr said. “Just how bizarre things felt.”
Stephen Curry finished with 26 points, seven assists, and four steals while playing under 28 minutes after being listed as questionable with knee soreness.
“I thought it was good to only keep him, you know, under under 28 minutes,” Kerr said. “So we’ll see how he’s feeling.”
Looking ahead to Monday’s rematch, Kerr emphasized empathy for the host city. “We are we’re visitors in in the city,” he said. “They’re all feeling it because it’s their city.”
Kerr closed by addressing the human side of the moment. “Just praying for the city and for the people here,” he said. “I think we all just feel a sense of of empathy for for what they’re going through.”
