Getting in the Play-In Tournament isn’t the end of the world. However, it would be beneficial for teams to not play the extra games leading up to the NBA Playoffs. That’s what Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wants to happen to their 2024-25 season. According to the former Chicago Bulls point guard, having the extra days as rest would be helpful for them as they prepare for the postseason.
The Warriors are seventh in the Western Conference with a 47-33 record, at the moment of this writing. The team ahead of them is the Memphis Grizzlies, who are 47-32. For Golden State not to have the extra week to fight for a playoff spot, they’ll need to be in the top six before the season ends.
The team has two games left and will likely make a push to secure the two wins.
During an interview with Willard & Dibs on Thursday, Kerr explained why doesn’t want his team to be in the Play-In.
“We want the week off, but we’re also well aware that there’s plenty of ways to get through this stuff. You don’t even know how matchups are going to play into this, who you’ll play, how it will play out,” Kerr said. “I know the Lakers made the Conference Finals two years ago through the Play-In. It’s not like it’s a death sentence to go to the Play-in.
“But there’s no doubt you’d rather avoid it just to not have to deal with the extra game or two, but also the stress in having to get through those games.”
"We want the week off, but we're also well aware that there's plenty of ways to get through this stuff. You don't even know how matchups are going to play into this, who you'll play, how it will play out.
I know the Lakers made the Conference Finals two years ago through the… pic.twitter.com/VogQ48CMrj
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 11, 2025
The age of the main players for the Warriors, Stephen Curry at 37, and Jimmy Butler at 35, is one of the main reasons avoiding the Play-In is a must.
Kerr believes the Golden State Warriors are in “a great spot”
Many are drawing concern for the Golden State Warriors leading up to the postseason. However, Kerr revealed that he isn’t worried about the state of the Warriors. Despite losing a few games, the head coach believes the team is in an ideal spot.
“I’d argue we’re in a great spot. 22-7 since we got Jimmy…You can’t let a couple losses dampen the vibe. You have to recognize the West is loaded…This is competition at its highest level and we are in the mix,” the head coach said.
"I'd argue we're in a great spot. 22-7 since we got Jimmy…You can't let a couple losses dampen the vibe. You have to recognize the West is loaded…This is competition at its highest level and we are in the mix."
– Steve Kerr on @WillardAndDibs.
🎧 https://t.co/7Zkn4vhxP3 pic.twitter.com/JMTiKkO0N7
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 11, 2025
Since the Golden State Warriors acquired Butler, their expectations for the season have changed. Before the six-time All-Star was traded, no one was sure about the Warriors’ postseason outcome. However, many believe they can be contenders when the organization traded for the forward.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
