Golden State head coach Steve Kerr addressed the Warriors’ 139-119 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, noting the team’s 25 turnovers as a key issue.
“Whether we take care of the ball well enough… they just dominated us tonight. Took us out of everything and they were on fire,” Kerr said, adding that Portland hit 11 three-pointers in the first half.
Kerr also emphasized the importance of managing minutes and getting Moses Moody back into game rhythm. “This was a game for Moses to get his feet wet again… limiting everybody’s minutes and looking at different combinations,” he explained.
The coach pointed out that fatigue was not a factor in the loss. “Tonight was not about that. It was about them and their great play. They were brilliant,” Kerr said, praising Portland’s identity and athleticism.
Jonathan Kuminga received praise for his development and confidence on the floor. “His passing has improved dramatically… he definitely feels like part of the team,” Kerr said, noting the support from veteran teammates including Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.
Kerr also commented on Will Richard, calling him a “really good young player” with a knack for making plays on both ends, and on Brandin Podziemski, noting that early-season rhythm takes time.
Portland was led by Deni Avdija’s 26 points and six assists, with Jerami Grant adding 22 and Toumani Camara scoring 19. Shaedon Sharpe contributed 17, while Jrue Holiday finished with 12 points and 11 assists.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 35 points, and Jonathan Kuminga added 16. Despite Golden State shooting 42% from three, the team was outscored 66-30 in the paint, which proved decisive.
The Trail Blazers took a 13-point halftime lead after outscoring Golden State 41-28 in the second quarter. Curry’s four-point play in the third cut the lead to nine, but Portland responded to maintain control.
The Warriors will host Memphis on Monday, while Portland travels to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Sunday.
