Steve Kerr: Warriors Have ‘Earned’ Their Way Into Postseason Contention
A Display of Competitive Will: Kerr Praises Warriors' Gritty Path
Following a dramatic 126-121 victory over the LA Clippers in the Play-In tournament, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was emphatic about one thing: his team belongs in this position. Despite a regular season defined by a 37-45 record and a litany of injuries—most notably to Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler—Kerr believes the Warriors have “earned” the opportunity to fight for a playoff spot. Pounding the table during his post-game press conference, Kerr described the comeback win as a “beautiful display of competitive will” that reflects the championship DNA still present in the locker room.
The Warriors trailed by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter against a Clippers team that had controlled the pace for the majority of the night. However, Kerr’s tactical adjustments and the veterans’ refusal to fold allowed Golden State to flip the game on its head with a 43-point final period. Kerr pointed to the leadership of Draymond Green and the late-game heroics of Al Horford as evidence that this group, while aging and statistically an underdog, still understands how to win when the stakes are highest.
The ‘Old Guard’ Meets New Reality
The 2025-26 season has been a test of patience for Kerr. With a roster that features the 38-year-old Curry and 39-year-old Horford, the Warriors have had to navigate a “new normal” of injury management and declining regular-season dominance. Yet, as Kerr noted, a single-elimination environment brings out a different level of focus. The team’s defensive execution down the stretch—holding Kawhi Leonard nearly scoreless in the fourth quarter—was a throwback to the championship runs of the previous decade.
“For one night, we’re us. We’re champions again,” Kerr said, acknowledging that while the team finished 10th in the West, their experience in high-pressure scenarios is an equalizer. The Warriors forced the Clippers into 20 turnovers and shot 56.6% from the field in the Play-In clash, proving they can still reach an elite ceiling when healthy and motivated. Kerr praised the contributions of newcomers like Kristaps Porzingis (20 points) and Gui Santos (20 points), who have integrated into the system despite the chaotic season.
Looking Ahead to the Suns and Beyond
The Warriors’ reward for their “earned” victory is a trip to Phoenix to face the Suns on Friday. A win there would finally secure the 8th seed and a date with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. Kerr remains realistic but optimistic about the path forward, noting that the team is essentially playing with “house money” after such a tumultuous regular season. The key will be maintaining the defensive intensity that Green provided against Leonard and ensuring Curry's knee holds up for another high-intensity 48 minutes.
As the Warriors prepare for their next must-win game, Kerr’s message to his players and the fans is clear: don’t count out a group that knows how the trophy feels. The regular season may have been a struggle, but in the crucible of the Play-In, the Warriors have found a spark that could turn a disappointing year into a memorable postseason run.
