Warriors’ Overtime Strategy Backfires, Pushing Them to Play-In Tournament

San Francisco, CA — In a pivotal overtime match on April 14, 2025, against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Golden State Warriors faced a critical decision that resulted in a devastating loss. With six seconds remaining and trailing by three points, Coach Steve Kerr opted to utilize All-Star guard Stephen Curry as a decoy rather than assigning him the final shot, leading to a missed opportunity by Buddy Hield that ultimately sealed the Warriors’ fate, pushing them into the play-in tournament.

The Warriors were positioned for the tie as they executed a play with Curry setting a screen at the top of the key. Hield, who caught the inbound pass, was set to take the potential game-tying three-pointer. However, after a subpar night with only eight points and a shooting percentage of 40%, Hield missed the critical shot. In contrast, Curry, who had been playing with a taped-up right thumb, had already scored 36 points and made seven three-pointers, demonstrating his readiness to take on the challenge.

As the Clippers secured the rebound and hit their free throws, the Warriors were left with no time to recover. The loss was particularly painful, as it not only impacted the game but also had significant implications for the Warriors’ playoff trajectory, forcing them into a play-in situation rather than securing a direct playoff berth.

Fans and analysts expressed strong dissatisfaction with Kerr’s decision. A notable tweet read: ‘I’d take a 40-foot heave from Steph Curry over a play designed for Buddy Hield with the game on the line.’ This sentiment reflects the frustration among supporters who have seen the Warriors thrive on clutch performances in the past.

Others raised questions about the decision to bypass All-Star Jimmy Butler as a secondary option, given concerns about Butler’s reluctance to attempt three-pointers in recent years. Nonetheless, the scrutiny of Kerr’s late-game decision-making remains a focal point as the team grapples with its playoff positioning.

As the Warriors prepare for the play-in tournament, their prospects hinge on regrouping from this setback. Curry’s health appears stable, evidenced by his remarkable performance despite the thumb injury. However, Kerr’s strategy in critical moments will be closely analyzed in the upcoming games.

This loss could become a haunting ‘what if’ scenario for the Warriors, especially for a team that has built its legacy on clutch plays and strategic coaching. The play-in tournament now stands as their primary opportunity for redemption as they aim for a deep playoff run.