Steve Kerr is a baseball junkie. To better explain basketball-related matters, the Warriors’ head coach leans on analogies to America’s favorite pastime whenever possible.
While reading up Wednesday on the World Series, Kerr came across a Justin Verlander quote in which the Astros’ ace admitted that he’d risk burnout if he was completely locked in mentally throughout the regular season. It resonated with Kerr because, as Golden State chases its third NBA title in four years, it does so with an eye toward self-preservation.
Kerr faces a bit of a conundrum: How does he make sure his team gives enough effort to win games, but doesn’t exert itself so much that it will be drained for the games that matter most?