The Golden State Warriors continued a difficult stretch Sunday night, but head coach Steve Kerr focused on effort and development after a 110-107 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Golden State built a 21-point lead before New York rallied behind Jalen Brunson, who finished with 30 points and nine assists as the Knicks improved to 44-25.
The defeat dropped the Warriors to 32-35 and extended their losing streak to five games, but Kerr emphasized the commitment he sees from his short-handed roster.
“Oh man, the guys were amazing,” Kerr said after the game. “Really the whole game, we had some hiccups in the second quarter, too many turnovers. We got a little dribble happy and they got into us defensively, but could not ask for anything more.”
Golden State played without several regulars, including Stephen Curry, who missed his 17th straight game with right knee pain and inflammation.
Despite the absences, the Warriors stayed competitive and had multiple late possessions with a chance to tie or take the lead.
“These guys are so fun to coach,” Kerr said. “They’re playing so hard together. I just want them to be rewarded for their efforts. We’ve lost a few of these, but we’re going to keep fighting, keep getting better.”
Golden State relied heavily on younger players throughout the game.
Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 25 points and six assists, while center Quinten Post recorded a career-high 22 points with three blocks.
Kerr highlighted the importance of these minutes for his developing rotation.
“For sure. For all of them,” Kerr said. “Quinten, Will, they’re all gaining valuable experience right now playing these big minutes against great teams.”
The coach pointed to several late possessions that could have changed the outcome.
“I think we had three possessions down the stretch where we had a chance to either tie or take the lead and just couldn’t get the ball in the hoop,” Kerr said.
One of those moments came when Podziemski attempted a late three-pointer against Brunson.
“I loved it,” Kerr said. “Didn’t want to call a timeout. I wanted to play in flow. He had Brunson on him. He looked like he was going to attack. Brunson backed up and I love it. Take the three. Go for the throat.”
Kerr also acknowledged frustration during the second quarter, when turnovers helped shift momentum toward New York.
“I was really upset with the whole team for the second quarter,” Kerr said. “That’s where the game got away from us a little bit. Too many turnovers, too many careless plays.”
The Warriors finished with 18 turnovers, a factor that helped the Knicks erase the early deficit.
Kerr later admitted he regretted losing his composure during one sequence involving Will Richard.
“I kind of regret losing my composure a little bit there,” Kerr said. “It’s my job to keep the guys going, especially when we’re without so many players.”
Post’s performance stood out for Golden State, and Kerr praised the rookie’s production in extended minutes.
“Quinten was awesome,” Kerr said. “These games where he can play 35 minutes are really important for him. He came into the Garden and had 22 points and three block shots. He made some really key plays for us.”
New York used its size in the second half, particularly through Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
“They were the aggressor in the third,” Kerr said. “They were attacking the offensive glass. They used their size and their physicality to outrebound us that quarter.”
Even after surrendering the lead, Kerr pointed to the Warriors’ response in the final period.
“I thought we responded really well in the fourth and gave ourselves a chance,” he said.
As the Warriors continue their road trip, Kerr stressed that perspective remains essential during a difficult stretch of the season.
“Every day is a new day,” Kerr said. “We’re all lucky to be doing what we do for a living and being together every day and competing. When you lose a game, you have to maintain perspective and understand that there’s another game tomorrow.”
