Warriors Aim to Avoid Playoff Upset By Pelicans

Apr 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gestures on the sideline against the Memphis Grizzlies during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Coaches

GOLDEN STATE: Steve Kerr

NEW ORLEANS: Monty Williams

Both coaches can be traced back to the Greg Popovich coaching tree, but the two have had significantly different starts to their coaching careers. In his first season as coach, Monty Williams’ team finished with a 46-36 record (this was with Chris Paul), and subsequently went through four seasons with a sub.500 record.

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Meanwhile, Steve Kerr has coached his way to a 67-win rookie season. Everything about his season has gone perfectly, and if his rookie season is anything to go by, Kerr will be a legendary coach by the time he retires.

Williams has been under pressure for most of the season, and it all made sense when it was released that the Pelicans gave Williams an ultimatum at the beginning of the season: make the playoffs or lose your job.  His coaching has left the fanbase split, as many aren’t sure whether he is the right man for the Pelicans. Williams is a defensively-minded coach that has coached several poor defensive teams – not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Kerr, on the other hand, has exceeded expectations. There was a large contingent of fans that were worried Kerr might not be experienced enough to handle the rigors of coaching and therefore set the Warriors back after letting go of Mark Jackson, but he has quashed those fears. He has showcased exceptional tactical nous, a great belief in his coaching staff and players, and great in-game management.

It may be harsh to criticise a coach whose team constantly struggled with injuries, but his poor record hasn’t filled his supporters with confidence. Despite this being his first year as a coach in the NBA, Kerr has frequently out-coached his opposition, and he should be capable of doing so against Williams in the playoffs.

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