Despite boasting a full roster, the Golden State Warriors had to admit defeat at 116-119 against a short-handed Phoenix. The challenge intensified when Draymond Green was ejected early in the third quarter, adding to the Warriors’ adversity. Despite holding the lead at the time of Green’s departure, the team struggled to maintain their momentum and ultimately succumbed to the opposition. Naturally, Warriors’ Coach Steve Kerr lost his patience.

Frustrated by the team’s subpar performance, Kerr made some decisive moves by benching key players, including Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney, in the latter stages of the game. Addressing the media after the disappointing loss, Kerr provided insight into his strategic decisions and shed light on the rationale behind them.

Why did Steve Kerr bench Thompson, Wiggins, and Looney

Kerr started the game with his typical five: Curry, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney. But it was the bench unit featuring Chris Paul, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Dario Saric that gave the Warriors a 13-point lead. Ironically, the starting group squandered that lead, reducing it to a mere three by halftime. It’s fair to say that Kerr cannot be blamed for reaching the end of his patience.

After Green was ejected for punching Jusuf Nurkic, Kerr benched Wiggins in the fourth quarter. In fact, out of the starting five, it was only Curry who made it to the final buzzer, as Thompson and Looney were also benched. Klay just managed to eke out a meager seven points in 27 minutes of game time. Looney, on the other hand, played for just 11 minutes and had five rebounds and two assists in his name.

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After the match, Kerr expressed his disappointment. He was all about tough love for his team. He said, “Tonight I had to play the guys who were playing the best. I’ve been really patient…Tonight did not feel like a night to have a lot of patience.” It was clear during the media talks that the Warriors’ coach looked the closest to disappointed and maybe even exhausted.

Since the start of the season, Steve Kerr has always been the first to come to his players’ rescue. Whatever the reason, he was a constant support. But tonight was the last straw. Talking about his decision to bench Klay Thompson, Wiggs, and Looney, Kerr attested it was “urgency” that prompted him to act the way he did. “We needed some urgency and that’s why I made the moves,” he said.

Watch This Story: Steve Kerr Reiterates 2 Reasons for Warriors’ Shambolic Loss vs Thunder

Kerr went on to explain how he’s been nothing but patient with everyone on the team, giving them freedom and space in hopes of getting them into the right headspace.

Brickbats for Coach Kerr

While Coach Kerr described his decisions so far as being patient, not many on the outside felt it to be so. And they had no qualms in letting him know. Whether the criticism of his coaching style played a part in his decision is anyone’s guess. However, the fact of the matter is that tonight was the first time this season that he didn’t close with Klay Thompson. And that can’t be a mere coincidence.

When asked about the same, Kerr had a simple response, “I am sure he (Klay) is disappointed. It’s not easy being in that situation. Same with Looney and Wiggins.” Yet, this is the NBA, and circumstances are bound to get tough, he continued.

During the Warriors’ recent struggles, Kerr consistently supported his players, particularly the seasoned veterans. Going to great lengths, he expressed confidence in their ability to deliver, emphasizing the importance of providing them with the necessary “opportunity.” This was ahead of their overtime loss against the OKC Thunder four days ago. Regrettably, despite the nine-year tenure of the Warriors’ coach, the trust he vested in his players was not reciprocated.

Kerr said that the chance that these players get is a dream job. While they’re all human and will have to deal with the realities of life, being part of the league means facing these “adversities” head-on. “Fighting back and finding your way back,” Kerr concluded.

The Golden State Warriors are a dynasty for a reason. While they have all the makings of a contender, even the strongest of forts can topple down if just one stone is out of place. What the future holds for Steve Kerr and his group of soldiers; we will leave that in the hands of you, avid fans!

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