In a tense matchup on Tuesday night, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Denver Nuggets and suffered a narrow defeat, marking their fifth consecutive loss. Head Coach Steve Kerr expressed his frustration with the officiating after a crucial missed call in the closing seconds of the game. With only four seconds left, Nuggets guard Christian Braun signaled for a timeout despite Denver having none left, which should have resulted in a technical foul and a free throw opportunity for the Warriors. Kerr asserted, “Everybody saw it except the three guys we hired to do the game,” referencing the officiating crew.
The failure to call the timeout allowed the Nuggets to tie the game with just 1.2 seconds remaining, ultimately sealing Golden State’s fate at 119-115. This loss further complicates the Warriors’ season, dropping their record from a strong 12-3 to a more concerning 12-8.
Despite his anger towards the officials, Kerr also turned his focus to his team’s struggles, criticizing their lack of discipline in critical moments. He pointed out that the Warriors were unable to maintain a lead late in the game, as they allowed the Nuggets to score 11 unanswered points to snatch victory from their grasp. “We can’t send a team to the line 35 times and expect to win,” Kerr noted, emphasizing the need for more prudent decision-making.
Kerr’s disappointment was notably directed at second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, who has faced challenges in his sophomore season. Although there is considerable optimism about Podziemski’s potential, his performance against the Nuggets highlighted areas that need improvement. Despite showcasing some skill with 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists, he made critical mistakes that contributed to the team’s decline, especially during pivotal moments.
Kerr detailed instances where Podziemski made questionable choices, such as an ill-fated alley-oop attempt and a risky pass that went out of bounds. Moreover, Podziemski’s defensive missteps resulted in fouls that let the Nuggets score easily. Kerr underscored the need for Podziemski to develop a sharper basketball IQ, stating, “He’s gotta be a smart, tough, great decision-maker.”
For his part, Podziemski remains open to criticism and eager to improve, expressing his willingness to learn from Kerr’s feedback rather than react defensively.
Although the Warriors are in a rough patch, there is hope for recovery. Kerr firmly believes in the talent of his team and its ability to bounce back if they refocus on making smart plays. With upcoming games, including one against the Houston Rockets, the team has an opportunity to regain momentum and turn their season around. The path ahead may be challenging, but the Warriors have the potential to rise above their current struggles, especially with young talents like Podziemski looking to grow and adapt.