Steve Kerr defends his choice to bench Draymond Green during the Warriors vs. Clippers game.

The Golden State Warriors, led by Steph Curry, lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 112-104 on Sunday night, their first setback of the 2024–25 NBA season.

However, Steve Kerr may have suffered more than just a loss as Curry was forced to leave the game with just under eight minutes remaining in the fourth after rolling his ankle and immediately going back to the locker room.

With Curry gone, Kerr went with an unusual lineup down the stretch, one that did not include star forward Draymond Green.

Coach Kerr elected to bench Green five seconds before Curry got hurt. The former Michigan State standout did not see any more action after Kevon Looney entered the game for him.

Following the loss, Kerr spoke to the media regarding his late-game decision against Green, revealing the reason for sitting the former Defensive Player of the Year.

“We just went with a group that was playing well,” Kerr said.

Green still finished the game playing the third-most minutes (27) for Golden State, tallying just two points, both of which came from the free throw line, five rebounds and two assists. Looney, who has come off the bench to start the season, finished out the remainder of the contest in place of Green.

Green (34) is in his 13th season with Golden State and has become one of the best players in team history, which has left some fans wondering why he received the benching treatment late in a winnable game. The No. 35 pick in the 2012 NBA draft anchored the defense that brought the Warriors four NBA titles, creating a dynasty with Curry and former Warriors guard Klay Thompson.

Coach Kerr and company will get back-to-back home matchups against the New Orleans Pelicans starting Tuesday, Oct. 29, before hitting the road for a five-game trip that will bring them all the way to Boston, Massachusetts.