Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Addresses Steph Curry Decision in Loss to 76ers
The Golden State Warriors fell to the Philadelphia 76ers, 126-119, on Saturday despite a strong performance from Steph Curry, who tallied 29 points, 13 rebounds and five 3-pointers.
However, Curry’s minutes distribution raised some eyebrows as he played fewer minutes in the second half than in the first. After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed the decision, explaining that the team’s grueling schedule played a major role in his rotation management.
“We got three in four nights,” Kerr told The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. “I can’t play him 40 minutes. I don’t really want to play him much more than 34, 35, but I think he ended up with around 36 tonight. We shortened his rest in the second. Obviously, we were a little desperate, hanging in there and we had a shot, so we went for it. He’ll get his rest tomorrow and be ready to go against Charlotte.”
Kerr’s approach highlights the delicate balance the Warriors must strike as they fight for a playoff spot while managing Curry’s workload. The 36-year-old remains Golden State’s most vital offensive weapon but the team’s coaching staff is clearly wary of overextending him, especially during a demanding stretch of the season.
The Warriors remain in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race with a 32-28 record.
With the Warriors continuing to battle inconsistency, every decision regarding Curry’s minutes carries weight. The team will look to bounce back when they face the Charlotte Hornets on the road, hoping a well-rested Curry can help turn their fortunes around.