Steve Kerr was visibly frustrated following the Golden State Warriors’ narrow 119-115 defeat to the Denver Nuggets, particularly due to what he believed was a crucial missed call by the referees. With just four seconds remaining in the game, Nuggets guard Christian Braun signaled for a timeout after securing a loose ball, despite Denver not having any timeouts left. This should have resulted in a technical foul, giving the Warriors a free throw opportunity, likely allowing them to close the gap and possibly tie the game.
Kerr criticized the officiating, stating, “Everybody saw it except the three guys we hired to do the game.” Without the technical foul, the game continued, leading to a last-minute tie before the Warriors ultimately fell to their fifth consecutive defeat.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Kerr pointed out that the Warriors had previously held a seven-point lead with 2:32 remaining but allowed the Nuggets to rally with an 11-0 run. He urged his players to simplify their game, saying, “We gotta hit singles. We gotta make simple decisions.”
Despite his disappointment, Kerr also took time to highlight the struggles of second-year guard Brandin Podziemski. Although the team remains optimistic about Podziemski’s potential, he has been facing difficulties with a shooting slump and balancing expectations. Kerr’s critique of Podziemski’s decision-making and shot choices illustrates the growing pains young players endure in the league.
Podziemski has shown promise, contributing 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists during the game. However, his mistakes—like attempting an alley-oop in a critical moment rather than making a simpler pass—demonstrate the challenges he faces. Kerr emphasized the importance of smart plays in tight situations, signaling that Podziemski needs to evolve into a more disciplined decision-maker.
In a positive light, Steve Kerr believes in Podziemski’s potential and the importance of learning from these experiences. He noted, “I love Brandin. Hell of a player. Hell of a future ahead of him.” This belief reflects the Warriors’ commitment to nurturing talent while navigating the difficulties of a competitive season.
The Warriors will aim to bounce back as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Houston Rockets, looking to break their losing streak and refine their gameplay as they pursue success in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.