Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Addresses Tanking Opponents

Kerr comments on teams resting top players in fourth quarter of close games against Golden State.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:50am

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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed the recent trend of opposing teams resting their best players down the stretch of close games against the Warriors. Kerr noted that even bench players can step up and make an impact, making it unwise for the Warriors to overlook any opponent regardless of who is on the court.

Why it matters

The Warriors are in a tight race to secure a spot in the NBA play-in tournament, so their ability to win close games against teams that may be tanking or resting players is crucial. Kerr's comments highlight the challenges the Warriors face in staying focused and competitive against any opponent, even if that opponent isn't playing its full-strength lineup.

The details

In recent games against the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets, the Warriors came back from fourth-quarter deficits to win, even as the opposing teams sat out their best players. Kerr pointed to examples like Jaden Hardy of the Wizards scoring 14 points in the fourth quarter, despite not playing much earlier in the game. Kerr also noted that the Warriors have lost to teams like the Jazz and Bulls, who rested key players but still found ways to win. The coach emphasized that every NBA player is talented enough to make an impact, so the Warriors can't take any opponent lightly.

  • On March 28, 2026, the Warriors beat the Wizards 131-126.
  • On March 26, 2026, the Warriors beat the Nets.
  • On March 9 and 10, 2026, the Warriors lost to the Jazz and Bulls, respectively.

The players

Steve Kerr

Head coach of the Golden State Warriors, known for his championship pedigree as both a player and coach.

Jaden Hardy

A Washington Wizards player who scored 14 points in the fourth quarter against the Warriors, despite not playing much earlier in the game.

Keyonte George

A Utah Jazz player who did not play down the stretch of a game against the Warriors, but the Jazz still managed to win.

Blake Hinson

A Utah Jazz reserve player who hit a go-ahead three-pointer late in the game against the Warriors.

Josh Giddey

An Oklahoma City Thunder player who played late in the fourth quarter and overtime against the Warriors.

Matas Buzelis

An Oklahoma City Thunder player who played late in the fourth quarter and overtime against the Warriors.

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What they’re saying

“It's definitely strange, but it almost doesn't matter because these guys are all in the NBA. Jaden Hardy didn't play the first 36 minutes and he scores 14 in the fourth quarter. So technically he's not one of their best players, but he was their best player in the fourth quarter.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

“It's a strange phenomenon. I think it's pretty unique to this season. I haven't really seen this in the past. This is different. But I always remind our guys, every one of these guys is in the NBA for a reason.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors

What’s next

The Warriors will continue to fight for a spot in the NBA play-in tournament, with their next game scheduled for April 1, 2026 against the Portland Trail Blazers. The outcome of that game could have major implications for the Warriors' postseason hopes.

The takeaway

Steve Kerr's comments highlight the challenges the Warriors face in staying focused and competitive against any opponent, even if that opponent isn't playing its full-strength lineup. The trend of teams resting top players late in close games is a unique phenomenon this season, but Kerr reminds his team that every NBA player is talented enough to make an impact, so the Warriors can't take any opponent lightly as they battle for a playoff spot.