What Kerr stressed to the young Warriors about playing with Steph first appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
It’s four and a half times bigger move past the mighty Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night at Target Center, Steph Curry reminded the world that he is, well, Steph Curry.
Golden State’s star guard had 11 consecutive points for Golden State in the final minutes – capped by a 3-pointer dagger set up by some vintage Warriors ball movement.
In his post press conference, Coach Steve Kerr has identified a specific asset as a coaching term for the Warriors’ growing group.
“That’s what we try to give our young players,” Kerr told reporters. “We have Steph Curry on our team. So, get the ball. Move the ball. And if Steph leaves early, because he has an opportunity, now the defense is breaking.
“This is how we’ve played for 10 years, and it’s important for our young players to understand – we don’t need 17 players competing with 12 (seconds) on the shot clock. That’s a bad shot. I talk to our people about that during several seasons. It’s something we have to recognize and be better with.”
Kerr has not repeated this suggestion, clearly intending to send a message to his team that can fix their ongoing offensive struggles.
“When you have Steph Curry on your team, you pass the ball,” Kerr continued. “Because if you pass it two or three times, the defense collapses. All hell breaks loose.
“So it’s a choice: we can do that and win games, or we can shoot a whole bunch of 15-footers in the middle of the shot clock and be the worst NBA team. It’s up to us, and we hit that spot at home with us.”
When Kerr puts it like that, it seems so easy to do.
However, when asked about that comment from your teacher, Warriors guard Brandin Pod Ziemia give interesting results.
“I don’t really think. I just play,” Podziemski said. “When I’m there, if I’m open – I shoot. If not – make a play. I don’t think too much into – I know we have Steph Curry on the court. If it’s open, I’ll throw the ball to him.
So even though the Warriors pulled off a much-needed win on Saturday night, perhaps the theme of the sendoff could be a major storyline moving forward for Golden State.
