SAN FRANCISCO — Steve Kerr knows the rigor of chasing NBA greatness, having led two teams to break the single-season wins record. As a player on the legendary 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, he helped achieve a phenomenal 72-10 record, which culminated in their fourth championship in a dominant span. He then took on the mantle as coach of the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who set a new benchmark at 73-9, only to be defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals.
This season, Kerr, now at the helm of the Warriors, is preparing to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder are off to an electrifying start, boasting an NBA-best 20-1 record. If their pace continues, they are on track for a staggering 78-4 finish that would obliterate the records set by Kerr’s teams.
While the journey ahead remains long and fraught with challenges, this Thunder team presents the first real threat to the win record since the Warriors did it nine years prior. Kerr recognizes what it takes for a team to reach such heights, emphasizing the importance of a unified team mindset. “Overall team mindset of zero agendas, just win every night,” Kerr shared before the game. He pointed to the high basketball IQ of the players and the synergy within the team as crucial elements in achieving 70-plus wins. He commended Oklahoma City’s intelligent gameplay and strong coaching, acknowledging their remarkable accomplishments thus far.
Last season, the Thunder finished with a commendable 68-14 record and excelled further in the playoffs, totaling 84 victories—only surpassed by the 1995-96 Bulls and the 2015-16 Warriors. This year, they seem even more cohesive and better equipped for success. Kerr points to their enhanced confidence after winning the championship and the continuity of their gameplay. “They have a deeper level of confidence now that they’ve won it all,” he noted, describing how championship teams usually gain a new sense of swagger.
As the season progresses, Oklahoma City will have to navigate the complexities of maintaining their winning strategy, especially as they approach the latter part of the season where tougher decisions often arise. Kerr reflected on his experience with the Warriors, recalling a pivotal moment when Draymond Green advocated for an aggressive pursuit of the record late in the season, a decision that proved critical for their historic achievement.
As Oklahoma City pursues their own record, they might soon face their second loss. However, the matchup against Golden State is complicated by the Warriors’ missing superstar, Steph Curry, who is sidelined with a quad contusion. The game serves as a significant test for both teams, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement that defines the NBA season.