On Sunday, the Golden State Warriors began their preseason with a 111–103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center. The game marked the start of Steve Kerr’s 12th season leading the franchise.
The Warriors relied on a familiar and successful starting lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. The group posted a 16–3 record last season. Hence, Kerr again kicked off the preseason using his trademark small-ball strategy.
During the postgame press conference, Kerr elaborated on his decision to start the game small. He clarified that the strategy wouldn’t overburden Draymond Green at the center position.
“It doesn’t mean Draymond is going to be logging heavy minutes at the five. We came off the bench with three centers tonight. So, if we start that way, it still allows Draymond to get off the big, hulking centers as the game goes on,” Kerr said.
The small lineup once again paid off. Curry electrified the crowd with a dazzling reverse-and-one layup and finished the night with 14 points. Curry, Moody, and Butler each played around 15 minutes, while Podziemski logged 18 and Green 14.
Steve Kerr Reflects On His Future With The Warriors
Kerr is entering the final year of his contract. During the Warriors’ media day, the Warriors’ coach opened up about his future. The veteran coach expressed contentment with his current situation and confidence in the organization’s direction.
“I’m very comfortable just going into the season with a year left. I love my job. I love what I’m doing every day, and can’t wait to get to the building. And hopefully I’m here for another few years, but I think it makes sense for the organization, and for me, just to see where this thing is at the end of the year,” he said.
Kerr has coached the Golden State Warriors for 11 years. Under his guidance, the Warriors won four NBA championships.
The post Steve Kerr Explains Controversial Small-Ball Experiment Featuring Stephen Curry And Draymond Green After Preseason Win originally published on Total Pro Sports.