Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr highlighted his team’s balance, pace, and ball movement following a 133-112 victory over Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Wednesday.
“Just the way the ball moved, spread the floor. We really played through the post quite a bit,” Kerr said. “Al [Horford] was fantastic. We went to him early to establish the post and he created a lot of advantages for us. Then they started doubling him and we were able to move the ball really well. 37 assists, a really good night for everybody who stepped on the floor.”
Kerr praised the defensive and energetic contribution of Malevy Leons. “I thought Malevy was awesome. The energy, defending without fouling, creating some problems for them at the defensive end and making some nice plays on offense. It was fun to watch him play,” he said.
On the pace set in the first quarter, Kerr added, “It was important. This team really should have beaten us a couple weeks ago. We got lucky to beat them at home. That game woke us up a little bit. I thought our spirit was right from the start, and that pace was a big part of that.”
Brandin Podziemski’s versatility drew praise from the coach. “Brandin’s been great. The totality of his game—what he does on the glass, handling the ball, playing off the ball. He still at times gets himself in trouble, but he’s a young player who has the ability to do a lot and he’s trying to do a lot. It’s all with great intentions. Finding that balance, I think he’s doing a good job of that.”
Kerr also highlighted Gui Santos’ development this season. “Last year it seemed like he could barely dribble. This year he’s hitting pull-up threes. He’s taken another step. Last year he was a very important role player, number one in plus-minus after the Jimmy trade, solidifying that role. Now he’s become more on-ball as a creator, post-up guy, step-through move, and can play point guard when the other team pressures us. He’s really versatile.”
Reflecting on the formula for success, Kerr emphasized, “Pace, ball movement, creating advantages, rhythm. The ball needs to go in—we made 21 threes against Denver, 19 tonight—but the process did feel better in both games. That’s the formula for sure. We’ve got to continue to plug away. I’m really enjoying coaching these guys. The energy, enthusiasm, supporting each other—it’s a really fun group.”
The Warriors built an early double-digit lead, stretched it to 32 in the fourth quarter, and saw eight of nine players reach double figures, led by Will Richard’s 21 points and Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II with 19 apiece. Memphis was paced by GG Jackson’s 24 points and Ty Jerome’s 22.
Golden State, starting the night eighth in the Western Conference, hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, while Memphis begins a three-game road trip in Dallas on Friday.
