Steve Kerr throws subtle shade at refs for allegedly favoring Lakers

Mar 20, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr encourages his players during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr on Saturday took a passive-aggressive approach to criticize NBA referees Derek Richardson, John Goble, and Mitchell Ervin.

Kerr’s Warriors lost 145-144 in double overtime to the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif.

Golden State was 5.2 seconds away from a win before LeBron James came through with a pair of clutch free throws for the Lakers in the closing moments. The ending left Steph Curry angry enough to rip his jersey (video here).

Kerr expressed his frustrations in a different manner relative to his star point guard.

During his postgame press conference, the Warriors coach pointed out the Lakers’ 43-16 advantage in free throw attempts. When pressed further on it by a reporter, Kerr said he wasn’t going to comment but continued to rattle off lopsided free throw stats.

“I might comment on the free throws that they shot, but my mom is here right now and I want to be on my best behavior. So I’m not going to comment on their 43 free throws to our 16. I’m not going to comment on Steph shooting three free throws in 43 minutes,” said Kerr.

Steve Kerr: “I’m not going to comment on their 43 free throws to our 16. I’m not going to comment on Steph shooting three free throws in 43 minutes.” pic.twitter.com/C2iGHDkUsE

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 28, 2024

The Lakers came into Saturday’s contest averaging 24.6 free throw attempts per game — seventh in the NBA. But the Warriors also rank among the NBA’s top half in free throw attempts with 22.7 per game.

Kerr’s indirect shade toward the officials was at least much more tame compared to one other coach’s fiery tirade after a similar loss to the Lakers earlier this season.