Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr leapfrogged Al Attles as the franchise’s winningest coach after they defeated the New York Knicks 97-94 at the Chase Center on Saturday night. This was the 558th career regular-season victory for Kerr as he overtook Al Attles’ franchise record.
After the victory, Kerr was presented with the historic game ball by the Attles family. Kerr said it was a great moment for him after he was honored in such a fashion by the franchise and the Attles family.
“It was a great moment being awarded the game ball by the Attles family,” Kerr said. “It was really beautiful to be honored by their presence, and obviously Al Attles is Mr. Warrior forever. The record, it’s kind of surreal to even think that this could happen, but it’s a reflection of our organizational strength, stability and a talent level over the last 11 years since I’ve been here.
“I’m incredibly lucky to be part of this organization and part of this city and very humbled by the honor because of Al’s greatness and what he means to the franchise.”
Meanwhile, Attles served as head coach for 14 years and led the Warriors to their first championship in 1975.
After the win, Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown and New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green congratulated Kerr in a video message.
“Congratulations,” Jackson said in the video. “And it’s been my pleasure to be around you as a player, watch you succeed as a general manager and now as a coach, all those championships and those wonderful years. Congratulations.”
Phil Jackson won three of his six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls with Kerr on his roster.
“That was pretty cool,” Kerr said. “Phil, one of my mentors, the basketball education and coaching education I received from him and [former Bulls assistant] Tex Winter, I think about them literally every day. We do drill work and practice that we’ve been doing for 11 years. That goes straight back to my days in Chicago. Our offense, a lot of it is based on the triangle.
“Watching Phil over the years handle players and the relationships he built with them. Pretty special to see him offer those congratulations. That was very moving for me.”
The Warriors will next take on the Denver Nuggets on Monday.
