Steve Kerr said the Golden State Warriors got what they needed from Sunday’s 115-110 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers: minutes, rhythm and no fresh injuries.
“I mean, the first two were with Jimmy, the last one was out Steph, and then this one,” Kerr said when asked about his takeaway from the games against the Clippers this season.
His answer was blunt. “So, yeah, I don’t know what happened, but he was okay and obviously went back in,” Kerr said of Brandin Podziemski’s first-quarter thigh issue, before praising the guard for his durability. “For him to play 82 games… it’s pretty impressive.”
Kerr also singled out the bigger picture as Golden State heads into a single-elimination matchup with the Clippers on Wednesday.
“Yeah, I mean that was the best thing that came out of this was rhythm for those guys and no injuries,” Kerr said. “So we should be ready to go on Wednesday night.”
The coach said Stephen Curry looked ready for the next step after being eased back into action. “Steph looked good. I think he got to blow it out a little bit today, which was good,” Kerr said. “He said he felt really good. So that was a good step for him.”
Kerr also made clear that the team is still adjusting to lineup and matchup variables, especially with Kristaps Porzingis in the middle of the floor.
“I think he’s a weapon no matter what,” Kerr said. “He’s such a skilled guy. Whether they play big or small, doesn’t really matter. He’s always a threat to score either from the perimeter or down on the block.”
The Warriors coach also welcomed Jimmy Butler’s presence around the team, even with Butler sidelined after surgery.
“Great to see him. Yeah,” Kerr said. “We’ve been staying in touch via text, so I knew he was going to be here today.”
Kerr said the stakes should naturally sharpen his group for Wednesday’s rematch.
“We have to. We don’t have a choice,” he said. “I think it’ll happen naturally just with the stakes.”
He added that Draymond Green’s return will be crucial on both ends. “Draymond will be well rested,” Kerr said. “He’ll help set a tone for us defensively.”
Kerr also made it clear he respects what is coming next, especially in a one-game setting.
“Obviously Kawhi will be back and we’re excited about the challenge,” he said. “We’d much rather be playing in a best of seven series, but it is what it is. So play-in. We got to see what we can do.”
