The Golden State Warriors fell to a late defeat against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 8, and have now lost two of their last three games. However, despite their lack of size, the Warriors provided a stern test for the reigning champions and proved they’re capable of dealing with the threat of Nikola Jokic.
When speaking to the media after the game, Steve Kerr appeared to be encouraged by his team’s fight and execution. The head coach noted how his team clawed throughout the game and kept pace with one of the best teams in the NBA despite being at the end of a long road trip.
“Defending champs, on the road, at the end of a long trip – it was a hell of a fight,” Kerr said. “Our guys really competed and gave themselves a chance to win. It’s a tough way to finish. But I couldn’t be more proud of them, and more excited about our team.”
The Warriors hold aspirations of making the NBA Finals this season. Seeing where they stand against other elite competition will give them a solid litmus test for what they need to work on and what’s working well. However, neither team was at full strength. Draymond Green was missing from the Warriors rotation while Jamal Murray was missing due to a hamstring injury. Both teams would likely have preferred to play each other at full strength.
Steve Kerr calls tonight's loss to Denver a "hell of a fight" and is coming away excited about the team pic.twitter.com/7HdbJOtulB
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 9, 2023
Still, Kerr will be pleased with the performance of his team. The Warriors often start the season slowly before hitting new gears as they make their way through the NBA calendar. For them to be performing so well at such an early point in the season is certainly a reason for excitement among the fans.