Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, has experienced some of the most iconic moments in basketball history, both as a player and a coach. However, when he reflects on the pinnacle of his career, he points to the thrilling 2024 Olympic semifinal where Team USA faced off against Serbia. This game, he asserts, stands out even among the championship moments he shared with Michael Jordan during the 1990s.
The semifinal was nothing short of dramatic. Team USA found itself in a precarious position, trailing by 17 points in the second quarter and down by 13 heading into the fourth. A comeback seemed nearly impossible, but the U.S. team, led by NBA superstars Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, rallied in the final minutes. Curry, who had been relatively quiet throughout the tournament, exploded with 36 points, steering the team to a stunning 95-91 victory.
Kerr described the game as the most intense and rewarding experience he has ever had. In a recent appearance on the Glue Guys podcast, he remarked, “The Serbia game was the greatest basketball game I’ve ever been involved with. We were lucky to win, but we had to make every play, and our guys did it down the stretch. It was incredible.” This game, he believes, eclipses even his coaching experiences with the Warriors, a franchise known for its multiple championships.
The composure displayed by the U.S. players, especially under pressure, was noteworthy. Curry’s performance in the semifinal was pivotal, showcasing his ability to shine when it mattered most. Kerr described the moments leading up to the victory as “iconic,” drawing parallels to Curry’s decisive performance in the gold medal match against France, where he scored 24 points and hit crucial three-pointers in the closing minutes to secure the win. These moments have solidified Curry’s legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history.
Kerr has had the rare opportunity to coach and play alongside two of the NBA’s most legendary figures: Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry. He shared insights on the contrasting mentalities and playing styles of both superstars during the podcast. Kerr noted that while both are driven by a desire for greatness, their approaches differ significantly. “Michael’s mindset was more out of a desire to kill the opponent, to just stick the knife in and twist it,” he reflected on his time with Jordan.
In contrast, Kerr views Curry’s mentality as rooted in the joy of the game itself. “Steph’s is more the joy of the act of shooting a ball,” he explained, likening Curry’s approach to that of an artist. This sense of enjoyment, according to Kerr, gives Curry a slight edge over Jordan. While Jordan was known for his ruthless competitiveness, Curry plays with grace, fluidity, and a genuine love for basketball.
As the NBA season progresses, fans can look forward to more exciting moments from both Team USA and the Golden State Warriors. Kerr’s insights into the game and his experiences with two of the sport’s greatest players offer a unique perspective on what it takes to achieve greatness in basketball. Whether it’s the thrill of an Olympic semifinal or the regular-season battles, the passion for the game continues to drive players and coaches alike.