- Steve Kerr apologized for a heated in-game exchange with Draymond Green that briefly sidelined the forward.
- Kerr called the episode “not my finest hour,” said both men apologized and emphasized team unity.
- Kerr reiterated his desire for Green to finish his career with the Warriors despite the club’s struggles.
- The coach framed the moment as part of a long, competitive relationship and urged the team to embrace the current challenge.
Steve Kerr takes responsibility after bench spat
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr publicly apologized Wednesday for a heated exchange with forward Draymond Green that prompted Green to leave the bench during a timeout Monday. Speaking at practice at Chase Center, Kerr said the episode was “not my finest hour” and that both he and Green have apologized to the team.
Short-term fallout, long-term relationship
The incident occurred late in the third quarter of Monday’s win over the Orlando Magic when an argument in the huddle led Green to retreat to the locker room before returning to sit the fourth quarter. Kerr described the moment as a rare but not unprecedented clash between two highly competitive personalities who have worked together for 12 seasons.
“These things, they happen — especially when you get two incredibly competitive people like Dray and me,” Kerr said. He stressed the long-standing bond with Green and called the forward an essential part of the Warriors’ identity and past championships.
Desire for Green to remain a Warrior
Kerr repeatedly stated his hope that Green will finish his career in Golden State. He praised Green’s loyalty and impact on winning and said their relationship is like family — meaning disagreements are part of that history but don’t signal a breakdown.
Context: A shifting Warriors era
Kerr acknowledged the team is in transition and described the franchise as “a fading dynasty.” Golden State is hovering around .500 this season and trying to rediscover the cohesion that delivered four titles with the Curry-Kerr-Green core.
Despite the current struggles, Kerr pointed to last season’s late surge as evidence the team can respond to adversity. He urged players to “take pride in the struggle” and to remain connected as the club tries to mount another run.
Accountability and moving forward
The coach framed his comments as part of moving the franchise forward. He said he regretted how he handled the moment, that he apologized to Green, and that both men apologized to their teammates. Kerr reiterated he would continue to back Green and plans to stand by him as long as he coaches the team.
The exchange is the latest flashpoint in a long partnership marked by both championships and tension. Kerr reminded reporters that the pair have recovered from similar moments before and said he believes this incident will ultimately strengthen the group if they handle it constructively.
As the Warriors prepare for a stretch of important games, Kerr’s message was clear: acknowledge mistakes, repair relationships and focus on the work ahead.
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