Following a hard-fought battle resulting in a 109-114 defeat against the New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors Coach Steve Kerr remained steadfastly proud of his team’s efforts on the court. Despite missing Pelicans’ star Brandon Ingram, Kerr emphasized the Warriors’ competitive spirit and resilience.
Speaking after the game, Kerr pinpointed turnovers as a key factor in the loss, stating, “Yeah, our turnovers killed us. We had perfect control of the game in the first quarter and held them to 17.
Our defense was great. And then we just started turning it over.” He noted the impact of Alvarado’s pressure defense for the Pelicans, leading to 15 points off turnovers in a pivotal quarter.
Amidst the disappointment of the loss, Kerr was quick to highlight Draymond Green’s standout performance. This season, the Warriors have faced defensive challenges, making Green’s efforts all the more impressive. Not only did he exhibit tenacity on defense, but he also showcased remarkable playmaking skills with notable assists throughout the game.
Looking ahead to the upcoming play-in tournament, Green’s stellar performance could serve as a catalyst for the Warriors as they aim to secure a playoff spot.
Warriors league position after Pelicans loss
In terms of standings, the Warriors had a prime opportunity to climb to the 9th spot following the Pelicans’ loss, especially with the Sacramento Kings falling to the Phoenix Suns. However, the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory against the Memphis Grizzlies placed them in the 8th spot, intensifying the playoff race.
For the Warriors to secure the 8th seed, they must secure a victory against the Utah Jazz on Sunday while also hoping for losses from both the Lakers and the Kings. However, with the Kings facing the struggling Portland Trail Blazers, the Warriors are likely to end up as the 9th or 10th seed by the regular season’s end.
The race for the 8th spot in the standings mirrors the intense competition for the top seed, creating a nail-biting scenario where every game is crucial. The Warriors find themselves at the heart of this action, ready to battle for their playoff hopes in the remaining regular-season games.