The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most feared teams in the NBA postseason, known for their championship pedigree and clutch performances. Much of that success can be attributed to head coach Steve Kerr, whose in-game adjustments have been pivotal in guiding the team through high-stakes battles. However, according to Draymond Green, there was one rare occasion when even Kerr didn’t have an answer.
Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, the four-time NBA champion praised his head coach’s unparalleled ability to adapt in playoff series but admitted that Kerr struggled to find the right adjustment during the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Steve always knows the right thing to say, he always knows the right adjustment to make, especially in the playoffs. I don’t think there’s anybody in the world that can make adjustments like this dude in a playoff series. It’s unbelievable,” Green said.
“The only time I’ve ever seen him not know what adjustment to make was against the Lakers a few years ago. The only reason he didn’t know was that we just didn’t have the size to compete with them. We were just outmatched.”
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Four of the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs
Warriors vs. Lakers: 2023 playoff showdown
The 2023 Western Conference Semifinals between the Warriors and Lakers was one of the most anticipated matchups of the NBA playoffs, featuring another chapter in the storied rivalry between Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Ultimately, the Lakers emerged victorious, eliminating the defending champions in six games (4-2).
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Los Angeles set the tone early by stealing Game 1 on the road, led by a dominant performance from Anthony Davis. The Warriors responded with a blowout win in Game 2, but the Lakers took control with back-to-back wins in Los Angeles, capitalizing on their size advantage and defensive intensity.
Despite a heroic effort from Curry in Game 5, the Warriors couldn’t overcome the Lakers’ physicality. Game 6 saw Los Angeles deliver a decisive 122-101 victory, powered by LeBron James’ all-around brilliance and Davis’ interior dominance. Golden State struggled with inconsistent shooting from Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole, while the Lakers’ defensive schemes effectively neutralized the Warriors’ three-point attack.
The win propelled the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Denver Nuggets. For the Warriors, the loss raised significant questions about their aging core and roster construction heading into a pivotal NBA offseason.
Kerr’s coaching legacy
Despite that playoff setback, Kerr continues to solidify his legacy. Following a recent win over the Sacramento Kings, Kerr became the all-time winningest coach in Warriors history, surpassing franchise legend Al Attles.
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Kerr, ever humble, credited his success to the Warriors’ organizational stability and the greatness of players like Curry, Green, and Thompson. With his place in franchise history secure, Kerr now faces the challenge of guiding Golden State back to championship contention.
