Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr highlighted energy and focus issues following Friday night’s 129-104 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Kerr said the team struggled from the start, lacking “competitive fire” and a sense of purpose against one of the league’s top teams.
Kerr singled out the challenge for younger players when things aren’t going their way, noting it’s “tough as a young player when the game’s not going your way,” but emphasizing that effort and consistency are non-negotiable in the NBA.
The Warriors fell behind early, allowing Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to lead Denver on a decisive 34-18 run to close the first half. Kerr described the stretch as critical, noting that the team “immediately gave up a 19-2 run with Jokic on the bench,” which essentially decided the outcome.
On addressing in-game struggles, Kerr said he tried to provide guidance to players on the floor and make tactical adjustments, including lineups and defensive schemes. “You try to do some things schematically… maybe go to zone, change your lineups,” he said, acknowledging the difficulty of adjusting against a highly efficient Nuggets squad.
The coach stressed the need for all roster members to bring consistent intensity. “We need all 12, all 13, however many guys get in the game, we need a full level of competitive fight and execution,” Kerr said, signaling the importance of depth and collective effort in overcoming tough opponents.
Kerr also touched on rotation patterns and upcoming lineup adjustments. With Stephen Curry sidelined for a second straight game due to illness, Kerr indicated that getting Curry back would be central to finding more balanced rotations and improving overall team efficiency.
Despite the loss, Kerr expressed confidence in his roster’s talent and depth. “I like this team a lot. I like our talent. I like our depth,” he said, stressing the need to continue development and identify combinations that work effectively on both ends of the court.
Golden State faces the Indiana Pacers at home on Sunday, with Curry expected to return. Kerr framed the next game as an opportunity to rebound and “turn the page quickly” after a tough road contest.
