Steve Kerr expressed his frustration with the officiating following the Golden State Warriors’ narrow 119-115 defeat to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Kerr was particularly upset over a missed technical foul after Nuggets guard Christian Braun signaled for a timeout despite Denver having none left. Had the call been made, Stephen Curry would have had an opportunity for a free throw, potentially allowing the Warriors to regain possession down by three with just seconds remaining.
Kerr criticized the officials’ oversight, stating, “Everybody saw it except the three guys we hired to do the game.” Despite the lapse in officiating, Kerr recognized that the loss was compounded by the Warriors’ own late-game struggles. The team, which had led by seven points with just under three minutes left, faltered as the Nuggets went on an 11-0 run to clinch the victory. This defeat marked the Warriors’ fifth straight loss, dropping their record to 12-8.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Kerr suggested that they were trying too hard and failing to make sound decisions. He emphasized the importance of taking simpler approaches rather than attempting flashy plays, which he was concerned could lead to turnovers. Kerr pointed to second-year guard Brandin Podziemski as an example of a player currently grappling with expectations while trying to elevate his game. Podziemski has struggled with his shooting and overall decision-making early this season, resulting in costly mistakes during crucial moments.
Despite the challenges, Kerr remains optimistic about Podziemski’s potential. He acknowledged the player’s talent and future within the league while urging him to focus on making smarter decisions on the court. Podziemski, for his part, welcomed Kerr’s critique, understanding it was meant to help him grow as a player.
In summary, while the Warriors are facing a tough stretch with several losses, the focus on growth and learning from mistakes bodes well for the team’s long-term prospects. Balancing accountability with encouragement may ultimately help players like Podziemski realize their potential, and the coaching staff’s emphasis on improvement could foster a more cohesive unit moving forward. The Warriors have a chance to reassess and regroup as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Houston Rockets.