Kerr Takes Blame as Warriors Slip Below .500 Despite Curry’s 48
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The Golden State Warriors dropped to 13-14 after a 136-131 defeat in Portland on Sunday, and head coach Steve Kerr said the responsibility starts with him.
“I haven’t been good enough,” Kerr told reporters after a night in which Stephen Curry scored 48 points while the Warriors surrendered 40 in the fourth quarter. With the loss, Golden State fell below .500 for the first time since Nov. 29.
According to the team’s internal metrics, the Warriors average 118.8 points per 100 possessions when Curry is on the floor, but that figure drops to 107.1—last-place territory—when he sits. Kerr cited a second-half stretch against Portland in which reserve lineups failed to involve Jimmy Butler for four consecutive possessions.
“That’s on me, but it’s also on our players to understand,” Kerr said. “We have to find a way to make sure we’re playing through Jimmy.”
Butler’s Usage Under Scrutiny
Butler is averaging 11.4 shot attempts per game, well below his career average. Draymond Green said he must recognize when Butler has gone several trips without a touch, while Butler needs to be more assertive in demanding the ball.
Owner Joe Lacob Weighs In
Frustration has reached the ownership level. In response to a fan email criticizing Butler’s role, Warriors owner Joe Lacob wrote, “You can’t be as frustrated as me,” adding that Butler “is not the problem.”
Kerr downplayed any perceived tension. “We’re all frustrated,” he said. “Joe supports me one hundred percent. I support him. Our continuity is one of our strengths.”
For now, the Warriors continue to search for answers as Curry maintains an elite scoring pace and the team struggles to finish games without him on the court.
Source: Hoops Wire
