With Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and a few other players sidelined due to injuries, the Golden State Warriors’ play-in run is in jeopardy. When a fan representing Dub Nation claimed that it wouldn’t be a fruitful campaign, coach Steve Kerr clapped back at the criticism, saying that the team wouldn’t let go of even the slightest opportunity to make the playoffs.
Golden State Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Shuts Down Doubts About Play-In Push
The Warriors have been hovering near the bottom of the play-in spots, amid veteran Curry’s absence due to patellofemoral pain syndrome and a bone bruise. In the last 10 games, they won only 3 and were on a 5-game skid until defeating the Washington Wizards on March 16, 2026.
The Wizards couldn’t capitalize on their play and handed the Golden State Warriors a 125-117 win. Big efforts came from Kristaps Porziņģis, who was the only one who shouldered the team’s fate in the absence of four players. He scored 30 points, along with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks, helping the team to find its footing in the play-in push.
He closed out the game with 10 straight points and proved why his presence on the roster has real potential, even though he hasn’t yet shared the floor with Curry. Amid this, a fan expressed doubts about the Warriors’ future on 95.7 The Game and confidently said that they have no chance against OKC, San Antonio, or even the Lakers.
READ MORE: Steve Kerr Outlines Warriors’ Plan To Pair Kristaps Porziņģis With Stephen Curry
“I really have to be the voice of reason with the fans … this thing is over. If Steph wants to come back, that’s great. Steph can want to come back, and he can play. But, we’re not beating OKC. We’re not beating San Antonio. We’re not beating the Lakers. And we’re not beating Denver or Minnesota. So, like, get in the play-in for what? To get kicked out in the first round?”
Later on the show, Kerr addressed the criticism and clapped back, saying, “Oh, so we should just quit?” when Mark Willard and Dan Dibley asked for his opinion. Kerr further reasoned that the possibility of losing or winning doesn’t determine their participation; instead, they will continue even if there is only a slim chance.
“Oh, so we should just quit? What is the point of what we’re doing? It’s competition. We’re playing to compete and to go and see what we can do and give ourselves a chance.” He added, “I don’t understand the concept of, ‘You know what, I don’t think we can beat any of these teams, so let’s just not try to win.’ Like, what is that? That makes no sense to me.”
Kerr, who holds the record for the highest career three-point percentage, was also appreciative of the team’s anchor, Kristaps Porziņģis, after the Warriors-Wizards game. He attempted a season-high 14 free throws and shot 8-of-13 from the field, prompting Kerr to note that he is the kind of talent who can put the NBA world on notice.
On the other hand, Curry has been planning a return to the court and has resumed training. Butler continues to sit out to rehab his torn ACL, and Seth Curry remains sidelined with a strain in his left adductor.
