Steve Kerr's costly gamble against the LA Clippers: The baffling decision that sent the Golden State Warriors crashing out of contention

Raunak Bose / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 14, 2025, 18:53 IST

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In a controversial move, Steve Kerr's decision to use Stephen Curry as a decoy in the final seconds of overtime backfired, leading to a crucial loss against the Clippers. Buddy Hield's missed three-pointer sealed the Warriors' fate, pushing them into the play-in tournament. The questionable play-calling sparked outrage among fans and analysts, raising concerns about the team's playoff chances.

Steve Kerr's costly gamble against the LA Clippers: The baffling decision that sent the Golden State Warriors crashing out of contention

Steve Kerr (Image Source - Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors faced a season-defining moment in overtime against the Los Angeles Clippers, trailing by three with just six seconds left. Instead of putting the ball in the hands of the greatest shooter in NBA history, Steve Kerr made a controversial call—using Stephen Curry as a decoy. The decision backfired, leading to a missed three-pointer by Buddy Hield and sealing a loss that pushed the Warriors into the play-in tournament.

Steve Kerr’s late-game play design shatters dreams for many

With the game on the line, Kerr opted for a play that had Curry set a screen at the top of the key. The idea was to draw defensive attention away from Hield, who caught the inbound pass and took the potential game-tying shot. The problem? Hield, who had only eight points on 2-of-5 shooting from deep that night, missed. Meanwhile, Curry—despite playing with a taped-up right thumb—had already dropped 36 points, including seven three-pointers.

The Clippers secured the rebound, hit their free throws, and left the Golden State Warriors with no time to recover. The loss not only stung in the moment but also had major playoff implications, forcing Golden State into the play-in instead of securing a direct postseason berth.

Social media erupts over Steve Kerr’s flawed choice

Fans and analysts didn’t hold back in criticizing Kerr’s decision. One viral post read: "I’d take a 40-foot heave from Steph Curry over a play designed for Buddy Hield with the game on the line. Steve Kerr is the GOAT clown charlatan I’ve ever seen in my life. This guy is literally willing to live and die with Buddy Hield minutes."
Others questioned why Jimmy Butler wasn’t the secondary option if Curry wasn’t taking the shot, though that argument held less weight given Butler’s well-known reluctance to take three-pointers in recent years.

What’s next for the Golden State Warriors?

The loss leaves the Golden State Warriors with no choice but to regroup and prepare for the play-in tournament, where they’ll face the Memphis Grizzlies. While Curry’s health doesn’t appear to be a major concern—his 36-point performance proved he was still lethal from deep—Kerr’s late-game strategy will remain under scrutiny.
Also read: Draymond Green crowns himself NBA Defensive Player of the Year ahead of crucial Golden State Warriors clash - "I think DPOY should be yours truly!"
For a team that has built its legacy on clutch performances and smart coaching, this moment could linger as a painful "what if" if the Golden State Warriors fail to make a deep playoff run. The play-in now becomes their only path to redemption.

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About the Author

Raunak Bose

As a passionate WWE content writer, Raunak craft engaging narratives that bring the thrilling world of wrestling to life, capturing the drama, excitement, and heroism of the ring. His work fuels the imagination of WWE fans, making every match and storyline unforgettable.

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