Steve Kerr has the Golden State Warriors back in contention in the Western Conference. After the team struggled last season, the roster got an overhaul. While the team has struggled a little recently, the Warriors still sit at 14-10. They had a chance to make an early season statement in the NBA Cup. They won their group easily and traveled to Houston for the quarterfinal match. Golden State came up a little bit short. They lost 91-90 after Jalen Green hit two free throws with three seconds left. However, the events leading up to those free throws had Kerr angry with officials after the game.
Steve Kerr Rants About Officials After The Game
Steve Kerr had plenty to be upset about. The last 30 seconds of this game were absolute mayhem. With 27 seconds left, Houston center Alperen Sengun cut the lead to one. Steph Curry attempted a three-pointer from the top of the key, but it clanged off the iron. Gary Payton II got the offensive rebound and attempted a pass while he was lying prone. Green got the ball, and a foul was called. The foul was an interesting call.
In situations where players are on the ground fighting for the ball, we usually see a jump ball. However, a foul was called instead. Houston was in the bonus, so free throws were awarded. Steve Kerr went on a rant after the game.
“A loose ball situation, 80 feet from the basket, with the game on the line. I’ve never seen that. Think I saw it in college one time, 30 years ago. Never seen it in the NBA. That is unconscionable. I don’t even understand what just happened.
“This is a billion dollar industry. You’ve got people’s jobs on the line … Our guys deserved to win that game or at least have a chance for one stop at the end to finish the game and that was taken from us by a call I don’t think an elementary school referee would have made, because that guy would have had feel and said ‘You know what, I’m not going to decide a game on a loose ball 80 feet from the basket.'”
“I’m pissed off. I wanted to go to Las Vegas. We wanted to win this Cup. We aren’t going because of a loose-ball foul 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. That was ridiculous.”
His reaction right after the call says it all. The broadcast stayed on Steve Kerr for a good ten seconds, and he didn’t change his expression. He stood with his arms out and mouth wide open. It was a crazy sequence that prevented the Warriors from traveling to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup semifinals.
Moving Forward
This is what is great about the NBA Cup. Players care. Coaches care. This wasn’t another regular season game. This was a chance to go and play for a trophy. However, the Warriors are still in good shape moving forward. They are one of the teams rumored to be active at the trade deadline. Curry and Draymond Green are in the twilight of their careers. However, both still have a huge impact on the game and the team wants to make another championship run.
Steve Kerr has taken some heat for playing such a large rotation. However, it might be part of a larger strategy. Golden State wants to showcase its talent. If teams see what certain players can do in a game situation, it makes them more valuable trade assets. By the time the playoffs roll around, the rotation will no doubt be tightened up.
Final Thoughts
I agree with Steve Kerr about this situation. 99 times out of 100, a jump ball is called on in a play like that. Calling a foul was shocking to see. However, the Golden State Warriors are still in great shape for this season. They have some roster improvements to make, but any team with Curry has a chance to win it all.
