Steve Kerr believes the Golden State Warriors still have significant growth ahead despite winning consecutive games, pointing to turnovers and rushed decisions as areas the team must address after Wednesday’s 119-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“We didn’t do a good job closing, but we did win the game and that was the object, obviously,” Kerr said after the Warriors improved to 2-3 following an 0-3 start. “I kind of like what happened because we need to learn from it.”
Golden State led by 24 points before Minnesota mounted a fourth-quarter comeback. Kerr traced the shift back to the third quarter, when the Warriors were ahead 73-50 and began turning the ball over while trying to extend their advantage with difficult plays.
“We smelled blood in the water and we thought that we needed to make great plays and spectacular plays in order to kind of extend it to 30 instead of just making solid plays,” Kerr said. “So, it’s a good lesson.”
The coach said Golden State had committed only about five turnovers in the first half before losing its offensive discipline.
“Instead of staying in our offense and with our execution, we got wild,” Kerr said. “Once the game changes in the NBA, it is hard to get it back.”
Despite the late pressure, Kerr praised the team’s effort and chemistry, saying he remained excited about the group while acknowledging the work still required.
“The value of just getting a shot and not turning it over is massive,” Kerr said. “And this team doesn’t understand that yet.”
Kerr also emphasized the importance of keeping the offense simple, particularly for young players still adjusting to the NBA. Referring to rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who finished with 26 points and nine rebounds, Kerr said the coaching staff would use film to help him recognize when to attack and when to avoid forcing a play.
“He tried to force a bunch of plays tonight. It’s his fifth game in the NBA,” Kerr said. “I’m almost glad that’s happened, so he feels it. He feels terrible in there. He’s not happy at all.”
Kerr added that Lendeborg’s performance showed why the lesson mattered. “He had, you know, 26 points and eight boards in his fifth NBA game,” Kerr said. “So, it’s a great lesson for him. The simple play is the best one over and over and over again.”
The coach also praised Stephen Curry, who scored a season-high 44 points on 11-of-27 shooting, made six 3-pointers and went 16-for-16 at the free-throw line.
“I just see him doing what Steph Curry does,” Kerr said. “I’ve been watching this for so long that it never surprises me when he gets hot.”
Kerr highlighted Curry’s ability to recover from a slow start without losing confidence. “Even within a game when he’s 0-for-5, he can make his next seven shots,” he said.
Draymond Green also earned praise for his defense and his work at center. “He remains one of the best defenders in the league, night in, night out,” Kerr said. “Playing the five frees him up offensively to make more plays and to attack from that spot.”
The Warriors host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
