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Curry and Kerr Reflect on 11 Seasons of Success Together

Curry and Kerr Reflect on 11 Seasons of Success Together
Editorial
  • PublishedOctober 17, 2025

Steve Kerr and Steph Curry have navigated a decade of highs and lows as integral parts of the Golden State Warriors organization. Their partnership, which has spanned 11 seasons, has yielded four NBA championships and six Finals appearances. As they prepare for their twelfth season together, reflections on pivotal moments reveal the depth of their mutual respect and commitment to success.

In a moment that Kerr now considers his biggest regret, he boarded a red-eye flight back to the Bay Area on December 25, 2016. The Warriors had just suffered a devastating loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, blowing a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. In the aftermath, Kerr publicly criticized Curry’s ball security, suggesting he needed to be “a little smarter.” The comment drew backlash, reopening wounds from the previous NBA Finals, where Curry’s late-game turnover had become a focal point of criticism.

Curry recalled the incident nearly nine years later, highlighting the impact of a coach publicly calling out a player. “The forbidden sin of coaching — when you out players in the media,” he reflected. Recognizing the fallout from his words, Kerr texted Curry to arrange a meeting, where he acknowledged his mistake and emphasized the need for improved ball handling and scoring aggression.

“We went 56-10 from that point,” Kerr noted, emphasizing the importance of their ability to communicate and resolve conflicts. The Warriors went on to claim their second title together that season.

Over the years, Kerr and Curry have built a relationship comparable to other legendary coach-player duos in sports history. Their bond has flourished despite challenges, including the pressures of a pandemic-affected season and roster changes that saw pillars like Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson depart.

“There’s a reason [Tom] Brady and [Bill] Belichick worked,” Kerr stated. “There has to be a mutual respect and a fierce, competitive desire. When all is said and done, my collaboration with Steph will be one of my proudest achievements.”

As they enter this new season, both men are aware of the uncertainty surrounding their futures. Curry has two years remaining on his current contract, while Kerr, who has opted against seeking an in-season extension, has just one year left. When asked if he could play for another coach, Curry acknowledged his adaptability but expressed a strong desire to continue with Kerr.

“Well, the way he came in made it easy,” Curry said of Kerr’s approach after his hiring in 2014. Kerr, then the general manager of the Phoenix Suns, had first encountered Curry during a college game. He had tried to draft Curry, believing he would be a perfect successor to Steve Nash.

Five years later, following the firing of Mark Jackson, Kerr stepped into the head coaching role. The transition was fraught with potential tension, as Curry had been a supporter of Jackson. However, Kerr’s efforts to connect with players, including reaching out personally, helped ease the shift.

Their early conversations, including a notable two-on-two golf match, solidified their partnership. Kerr expressed a desire to build on Jackson’s foundation rather than overhaul the team’s established culture.

While their collaboration has yielded significant success, it has not been without its challenges. Kerr has not hesitated to hold Curry accountable, even publicly addressing his performance when necessary. Following a particularly rough patch in March 2023, Kerr remarked that Curry needed a “mental break,” highlighting the pressures elite athletes face.

Curry appreciates Kerr’s direct coaching style, asserting that it fosters trust within the locker room. “He actually probably gets on me more now than ever,” Curry stated, underscoring their evolving relationship. “You got to coach me.”

As the season unfolds, both players are aware of the legacy they continue to build. Kerr, reflecting on his time with Curry, acknowledges the importance of their partnership in achieving historic heights for the Warriors.

“The sun in our solar system is Steph,” Kerr remarked. “You take Steph out of this, none of this has happened. I think we should never forget that.”

Their story is not only about titles and victories but also about the connections formed through shared experiences and challenges. With their futures uncertain, both Kerr and Curry remain committed to one another and the franchise, eager to write another successful chapter in their storied partnership.

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