After last nights Golden State Warriors game Steve Kerr is officially the winningest coach in the franchises history, passing Al Attles with his 558th career victory. The milestone came in a hard-fought game against the New York Knicks, a 97-94 win that solidified Kerr’s place in the franchise’s record books. After the game, Kerr was presented with the game ball in a ceremony featuring Wilhelmina Attles, the widow of Al Attles, making the moment even more special. Kerr expressed his gratitude and admiration for Attles, acknowledging the legacy that he left behind as a player, coach, and executive for the Warriors.
Al Attles was an integral part of the Warriors organization for more than six decades. He was not only a coach but also a player and general manager, guiding the team to an NBA championship in 1975. His influence on the franchise was immense, and his impact on the culture of the team has continued to be felt long after his coaching days ended. Kerr reflected on what it meant to pass someone of Attles’ stature, calling the moment surreal and crediting the foundation that Attles helped build. He recalled growing up as a fan of the NBA, hearing about Attles’ accomplishments, and never imagining that he would one day hold the record for most wins in Warriors history.
Since taking over as head coach in 2014, Kerr has been the driving force behind one of the most dominant eras in NBA history. He has led the Warriors to four NBA championships, six NBA Finals appearances, and an unmistakable identity built around selflessness, teamwork, and elite three-point shooting. His coaching philosophy has helped shape the modern game, emphasizing ball movement, spacing, and an unselfish style of play. His ability to manage personalities, develop young talent, and adapt to challenges has been instrumental in keeping the Warriors competitive, even as the league continues to evolve.
The players who have been with Kerr throughout his tenure have been vocal about the impact he has had on their careers and the franchise as a whole. Draymond Green has often credited Kerr for changing the way the Warriors approach the game, bringing a fresh perspective that allowed the team to flourish. Stephen Curry has spoken about how Kerr helped maximize his potential by giving him the freedom to play his game and take the deep three-pointers that have revolutionized the sport. From the moment he took over, Kerr has been a players’ coach, creating an environment of trust and confidence that has helped the team navigate both the highs and the lows.
Kerr has also dealt with his own personal challenges while coaching the team. His well-documented back issues forced him to miss a significant portion of the 2015-16 season, yet he continued to provide leadership from behind the scenes. Even with those health concerns, his presence has remained a steadying force for the Warriors. His ability to manage egos, adjust strategies, and keep the team focused has been a major reason for Golden State’s continued success over the past decade.
With Kerr reaching this milestone, the focus now shifts to where the Warriors stand in the Western Conference playoff picture. As of mid-March, the team holds a 38-28 record, putting them in the sixth spot in the conference standings. This position is crucial because it allows them to avoid the play-in tournament, securing a direct berth into the playoffs. The Warriors have been one of the hottest teams in the league since acquiring Jimmy Butler, winning 14 of their last 15 games. Butler’s presence has provided a much-needed boost on both ends of the floor, giving the team another versatile scorer and defender to complement their core group.
Despite their recent success, the schedule does not get any easier. The Warriors have upcoming matchups against some of the top teams in the league, including the defending champion Denver Nuggets and the Milwaukee Bucks. Both teams present significant challenges, with Denver boasting the reigning MVP in Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee featuring one of the most dominant players in the game in Giannis Antetokounmpo. These games will serve as a measuring stick for where the Warriors stand heading into the playoffs and will test the team’s ability to match up against elite competition.
Here’s the thing folks: The Western Conference playoff race remains extremely competitive, with multiple teams jockeying for position. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers are right behind the Warriors in the standings, while the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies are within reach ahead. A few losses could shift the standings dramatically, making every game down the stretch crucial. The Warriors will need to maintain their current momentum, particularly as they continue to integrate Butler into the rotation and fine-tune their approach for the postseason.
With that… Kerr’s record-breaking achievement is a testament to the consistency and excellence that the Warriors have maintained during his tenure. The team has evolved over the years, but the principles he instilled from day one remain the foundation of their success. As the playoffs approach, the Warriors are once again positioning themselves as a dangerous team capable of making a deep run. With Kerr at the helm, they will look to add another chapter to an already historic era for the franchise.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them.