The Golden State Warriors faced a season-defining moment in overtime against the Los Angeles Clippers, trailing by three with just six seconds left. Instead of putting the ball in the hands of the greatest shooter in NBA history, Steve Kerr made a controversial call—using Stephen Curry as a decoy. The decision backfired, leading to a missed three-pointer by Buddy Hield and sealing a loss that pushed the Warriors into the play-in tournament.
Steve Kerr’s late-game play design shatters dreams for many
With the game on the line, Kerr opted for a play that had Curry set a screen at the top of the key. The idea was to draw defensive attention away from Hield, who caught the inbound pass and took the potential game-tying shot. The problem? Hield, who had only eight points on 2-of-5 shooting from deep that night, missed. Meanwhile, Curry—despite playing with a taped-up right thumb—had already dropped 36 points, including seven three-pointers.
The Clippers secured the rebound, hit their free throws, and left the Golden State Warriors with no time to recover. The loss not only stung in the moment but also had major playoff implications, forcing Golden State into the play-in instead of securing a direct postseason berth.
Social media erupts over Steve Kerr’s flawed choice
Fans and analysts didn’t hold back in criticizing Kerr’s decision. One viral post read: "I’d take a 40-foot heave from Steph Curry over a play designed for Buddy Hield with the game on the line. Steve Kerr is the GOAT clown charlatan I’ve ever seen in my life. This guy is literally willing to live and die with Buddy Hield minutes."
Others questioned why Jimmy Butler wasn’t the secondary option if Curry wasn’t taking the shot, though that argument held less weight given Butler’s well-known reluctance to take three-pointers in recent years.
What’s next for the Golden State Warriors?
The loss leaves the Golden State Warriors with no choice but to regroup and prepare for the play-in tournament, where they’ll face the Memphis Grizzlies. While Curry’s health doesn’t appear to be a major concern—his 36-point performance proved he was still lethal from deep—Kerr’s late-game strategy will remain under scrutiny.
Also read: Draymond Green crowns himself NBA Defensive Player of the Year ahead of crucial Golden State Warriors clash - "I think DPOY should be yours truly!"
For a team that has built its legacy on clutch performances and smart coaching, this moment could linger as a painful "what if" if the Golden State Warriors fail to make a deep playoff run. The play-in now becomes their only path to redemption.
Steve Kerr’s late-game play design shatters dreams for many
With the game on the line, Kerr opted for a play that had Curry set a screen at the top of the key. The idea was to draw defensive attention away from Hield, who caught the inbound pass and took the potential game-tying shot. The problem? Hield, who had only eight points on 2-of-5 shooting from deep that night, missed. Meanwhile, Curry—despite playing with a taped-up right thumb—had already dropped 36 points, including seven three-pointers.
Steve Kerr has Steph Curry but draws a play up for Buddy Hield for a three with season on the line pic.twitter.com/CJlcRoWpEa
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) April 13, 2025
The Clippers secured the rebound, hit their free throws, and left the Golden State Warriors with no time to recover. The loss not only stung in the moment but also had major playoff implications, forcing Golden State into the play-in instead of securing a direct postseason berth.
Social media erupts over Steve Kerr’s flawed choice
Fans and analysts didn’t hold back in criticizing Kerr’s decision. One viral post read: "I’d take a 40-foot heave from Steph Curry over a play designed for Buddy Hield with the game on the line. Steve Kerr is the GOAT clown charlatan I’ve ever seen in my life. This guy is literally willing to live and die with Buddy Hield minutes."
Others questioned why Jimmy Butler wasn’t the secondary option if Curry wasn’t taking the shot, though that argument held less weight given Butler’s well-known reluctance to take three-pointers in recent years.
What’s next for the Golden State Warriors?
The loss leaves the Golden State Warriors with no choice but to regroup and prepare for the play-in tournament, where they’ll face the Memphis Grizzlies. While Curry’s health doesn’t appear to be a major concern—his 36-point performance proved he was still lethal from deep—Kerr’s late-game strategy will remain under scrutiny.
Also read: Draymond Green crowns himself NBA Defensive Player of the Year ahead of crucial Golden State Warriors clash - "I think DPOY should be yours truly!"
For a team that has built its legacy on clutch performances and smart coaching, this moment could linger as a painful "what if" if the Golden State Warriors fail to make a deep playoff run. The play-in now becomes their only path to redemption.
You may also like
Krafton denies BGMI data breach allegations raised in Indian legal complaint
TN to transfer 1.4 cr tonnes of illegally-hoarded beach sand minerals to Indian Rare Earths Ltd
South Korea says 'actively' in talks with US over 'sensitive country' issue after list apparently takes effect
US Govt Freezes $2.2 Billion In Grants & Contracts To Harvard University Over Refusal To Comply With Trump Administration's Demands
Earthquake of magnitude 4.0 jolts Nepal
