Steve Kerr’s Plan to Slow Down Kawhi Leonard
Kerr has warned the Warriors that protecting the paint will be the key tactical priority in their Play-In showdown with the Clippers
The curtain closed on the regular season with a loss for the Golden State Warriors (115-110 to the Clippers), but the real show is just beginning. The Dubs’ season once again runs through Los Angeles: a win-or-go-home Play-In matchup with everything on the line.
And with the stakes rising, Steve Kerr has already turned his focus to the biggest threat on the floor: Kawhi Leonard.
Kerr’s plan to contain The Klaw drew attention immediately, especially after a comment that raised more than a few eyebrows. Acknowledging how much Kawhi has evolved since the 2019 Finals, Kerr took a subtle jab at Leonard’s ability to draw fouls and manipulate defenders into contact.
We’ll have strict rules for our guys: we can’t let him do certain things. He’s going to try to draw fouls, use the rules against us to get to the line – kind of like our own Podziemski does
Steve Kerr
The “foul hunter” label is somewhat challenged by the numbers: Leonard averages 6.4 free throws per game (12th in the league), hardly elite foul-baiting territory compared with others around the NBA. Still, his 89.2% free-throw shooting explains Kerr’s concern.
The Warriors have struggled badly against the Clippers this season (1-3 record), with Leonard dominating five of the last six meetings between the teams.
While the defensive blueprint – leaning on the physicality of Draymond Green and the energy of De’Anthony Melton – makes sense, the bigger questions may come on the offensive side.
Does Kerr Distrust the Warriors’ Offense?
Kerr – who is reportedly headed toward a contract extension – also cooled fan optimism by stating that neither Stephen Curry nor newcomer Kristaps Porzingis (who have shared the floor in just three games) will play extended minutes in the must-win matchup.
In a game where losing means going home, that kind of cautious rotation management may strike some as borderline reckless.
Prioritizing player health is understandable, but limiting your stars for long stretches in an elimination game risks turning the Play-In into a self-inflicted collapse.
Riding a three-game losing streak, the Warriors enter facing a steep uphill climb. Betting against Curry and company in high-pressure moments is always dangerous – but this time, Steve Kerr may truly need to pull a rabbit out of the hat.