What Steve Kerr learned from the ‘White Lotus’ finale

Golden State’s coach said he was going home after the Warriors’ loss to the Houston Rockets and watching the acclaimed HBO Sunday night drama series. We’ll discuss the lessons Coach Kerr may have learned.

The Golden State Warriors suffered a disheartening loss to the Houston Rockets Sunday night. In response, Steve Kerr went home to study film — of an HBO drama.

The Warriors bounced back strong with a 133-95 win over the Phoenix Suns Tuesday, playing so loose and comfortable that you might think they’d spent a week relaxing at a luxurious wellness resort in Thailand. But it could be that their coach internalized lessons gleaned from the third season finale.

1. Don’t be afraid to shoot

Whether you’re confronting the man who murdered your father, grappling with the contradictions of the violence of your security guard job and your deep Buddhist faith, or you only scored three points in your previous game, it’s natural to feel apprehension or even anxiety about shooting. But just pull the trigger, even if you have to look away before you see the results.

2. Throw it down, big man

Whether a lob from Steph Curry is perfect or your drugged-out father tells you that the coconut milk is off in your pina colada, you need to throw it down, and throw it down hard. What else are you drinking all those protein shakes for?

3. Lock down the biggest weapon

In the past, Devin Booker has caused a ton of damage to the Warriors, but Tuesday night, he missed all five of his three-pointers and turned the ball over five times. Perhaps the Warriors’ perimeter defense was distracted by an attractive health mentor and dancer in previous games with the Suns, but it’s true that their “unlocked drawer” defense was also simply bad strategy for a deadly weapon like Booker.

4. Be ruthless when you get a big opportunity

There are moments in life when you have to simply grab a big prize that’s offered to you. Sure, there might be millions of dollars involved. Yes, the person you’re dealing with may have resorted to unscrupulous means to get what they wanted, whether it’s sitting out games and feuding with Miami Heat management or hiring a group of European assassins to take care of his heiress wife. But ultimately, you have to move boldly to grab the brass ring, even if you feel disloyal to your old friend Tanya, or Andrew, afterward.

5. Give your brother a hand

The Phoenix Suns are a family of narcissists. So when you see your brother-in-law, go ahead and give him some hand action, no matter who is watching.