Golden State head coach Steve Kerr broke down Wednesday’s 126-113 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, noting a pivotal momentum shift in the third quarter. “Well, they turned up their defense and we needed to respond and get a couple hoops and we just couldn’t get anything to go,” Kerr said.
He described the Spurs’ late-third-quarter run as decisive. “The way they closed that corner quarter, I don’t know if it was 16-0 run or whatever it was, but it just changed all the momentum that we had built throughout the game.”
Despite the defeat, Kerr praised his players’ effort. “Our guys played great, really competed, moved the ball, did everything possible to win the game. It’s too bad we couldn’t finish it off, but I’m proud of the guys for the effort.”
Kerr also addressed the team’s position heading into the All-Star break. “This is obviously like a checkpoint of the season right here going into the break. So much has happened over the first few months. You just said it. A lot has happened with Jimmy’s injury and the trade. We’ve got a chance to get recharged over the break and come back. Plenty to play for.”
Regarding injured stars, Kerr offered updates on Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis. “I talked to Steph earlier and he said he was feeling better. It’ll be just day-to-day when he comes back. Kristaps played today and was moving better than yesterday, seemed to be in a good rhythm.”
The coach highlighted team goals for the second half of the season. “As a coach, all you want to see is competition, energy and execution. If we can accomplish those things, then I think we’ll be successful. Getting Kristaps back gives us another dimension, and obviously getting Steph back will change everything.”
Kerr singled out Draymond Green’s performance against Victor Wembanyama. “Draymond was incredible. He’s such a great defender, one of the all-time greats, and guarding a guy like Victor gives him a challenge that he relishes. It really raises his offensive game as well.”
He also discussed Moses Moody’s consistency. “He’s just found a good rhythm shooting the ball. He had a stretch where he was cold, but we know what kind of shooter he is. He’s there for us every night, competes and guards the best guys.”
Kerr concluded by emphasizing the team’s process over results. “Success will come if we continue the process we’ve been showing. The guys are competing, moving the ball and playing together. That’s what matters most right now.”
