Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was visibly frustrated and disappointed after a controversial referee call decided his team’s narrow loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Warriors fell 99-98 on Thursday night at the Mortgage Matchup Center, with the game ending in dramatic and disputed fashion.
A Call That Changed the Game
With the score tied 98-98 and the clock winding down, it appeared the Warriors and Suns were headed to overtime. Phoenix’s Dillon Brooks missed a rushed shot that hit the side of the backboard, setting up what looked like a final rebound scramble.
However, officials called a foul on Warriors guard Moses Moody as he went up for the rebound. Suns guard Jordan Goodwin stepped to the free-throw line and calmly made the shot with just 0.4 seconds remaining, sealing a one-point victory for Phoenix.
Steve Kerr Reacts in Disbelief
After the game, Kerr made it clear he was stunned that such a call decided the outcome.
Kerr Defends His Team’s Execution
“Tonight we executed really well,” Kerr told reporters. “It’s hard to believe the game was decided on that call — on an air ball that hits the side of the backboard.”
Kerr added that members of the Warriors bench believed Moody made clean contact with the ball.
“Everybody’s tangled up,” Kerr said. “That better be a foul if you’re going to decide a game on a play like that. It’s disappointing we didn’t get to go to overtime, because I thought our guys did a great job down the stretch.”
Warriors’ Ongoing Clutch-Time Struggles
The loss dropped Golden State to 5-10 in close games during the 2025-26 NBA season. Entering Thursday, the Warriors ranked 24th in the league in clutch performance, a troubling trend for a team trying to stay competitive.
Despite strong execution late, the Warriors couldn’t overcome mistakes earlier in the game, including blowing a 14-point lead against the Suns.
Steph Curry Points to Bigger Issues
Star guard Steph Curry acknowledged the frustration but emphasized that the final call wasn’t the only reason for the loss.
Recurring Problems Hurt Golden State
“Same story,” Curry said after the game. “Turnovers. Offensive rebounds. Especially on the road, it’s hard to give teams momentum. You give them belief, and they start hitting shots.”
Those issues have followed the Warriors throughout the season and contributed to their current 13-15 record.
Confidence in Short Supply
The Warriors are searching for consistency and confidence, especially in close games. While Kerr believed his team showed poise late on Thursday, the controversial ending left a sour taste and added to the growing frustration.
Conclusion
Steve Kerr’s frustration reflects a broader issue facing the Warriors this season: close games that slip away at the final moment. While a questionable referee call denied Golden State a chance at overtime, recurring problems like turnovers and rebounding continue to haunt the team.
As the season progresses, the Warriors will need sharper execution, stronger focus in clutch moments, and perhaps a bit of luck to turn narrow losses into wins.
