Warriors vs Jazz: Why Is Steve Kerr Missing From Tonight’s Clash?

With a four-game winning streak under their belt, the Golden State Warriors are finally starting to turn things around after a tough season. They will try to assert their dominance yet again tonight against the Utah Jazz, as they make a stop at the Delta Center arena. This will be the first showdown between the two teams this season. They were otherwise initially supposed to meet on 17th January, but the matchup was postponed following the sudden demise of the Warriors’ Assistant Coach Dejan Milojevic.

Amidst their struggle, the Warriors lost Milojevic on 17th January after he was hospitalized in Salt Lake City following a medical emergency. In light of this unfortunate incident, Steve Kerr will not be present with the Warriors tonight in Utah as he is currently in Serbia for Milojevic’s funeral.

Kenny Atkinson will step in for Steve Kerr tonight

ESPN’s Kendra Andrews took to X to break the news. She wrote, “Steve Kerr will miss tonight’s game in Utah, as he’s in Belgrade for the funeral of Dejan Milojević. Kenny Atkinson will coach.” Asst. Coach Atkinson will fill in for Kerr in his absence. In addition, Kendra informs that the Dub Nation’s General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr, Player Development Coach Chris DeMarco, Asst. Coach Ron Adams and Basketball Operations Consultant Zaza Pachulia are also in Serbia, in attendance at the funeral.

Milojovic was buried on Monday in his home country Serbia in the capital city of Belgrade. It was a rainy day and Kerr was seen holding an umbrella, with a profound sorrow on his face amidst the somber gathering. Hundreds of people were present to pay their respects to the former NBA Champion Asst. Coach. In a heartfelt gesture, Milojovic’s former Serbian teammates carried his casket, which was beautifully adorned with flowers.

Warriors without Kerr tonight: Expected lineup

The Warriors’ PG Chris Paul is still out recovering from an injured hand. Apart from him, only Gui Santos (left knee soreness) is on the team’s injury list tonight. So, in the starting lineup, we can expect Steph Curry (PG), Klay Thompson (SG), Andrew Wiggins (SF), Jonathan Kuminga (PF), and Draymond Green at the center.

Read More- Steve Kerr Divulges Warriors’ “Challenge” for Accommodating Klay Thompson Amid Struggles: “Changed Circumstances”

The team has won seven of their last ten games, as they head off to clinch another win tonight. The Jazz shouldn’t be a tough team to beat, who are struggling on the offensive end. Who do you think will win tonight? Can the Warriors maintain their winning streak against the Jazz? Share your thoughts!