When will Steve Kerr return to coach the Golden State Warriors?

The Golden State Warriors have had a few days of rest after eliminating the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 6 of their semifinal round playoff series, and now they will heading to Game 1 of the Western Conference finals with head coach Steve Kerr back in command.

Kerr cleared covid-19 protocols in time for Golden State’s finals series against the Dallas Mavericks. He had tested positive for the virus and was out since Game 4 of the semifinals.

Brown competently filled in for Kerr

Associate head coach Mike Brown, who will lead the Sacramento Kings next season, took Kerr’s place for three games. Brown had an unbeaten streak as Warriors playoff head coach heading into Game 5, but the Grizzlies put an end to his winning run.

Golden State bounced back in Game 6 to close out the series at home and capture their finals seat in the West.

Warriors continue to miss Gary Payton

The Warriors won’t be at full force in Game 1, as Kerr announced that point guard Gary Payton II will still be out due to a fractured elbow. Payton suffered the injury almost two weeks ago in Game 2, after Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks hit his head as he attempted a layup, causing him to fall hard to the floor on his arm.

Kerr has said Payton’s recovering enough to join the series would be a “long shot”, although he said he still believes that it is possible.

The 56-year-old head coach will be back on the sidelines when the Warriors face the Mavericks on Wednesday, May 18, for Game 1 of the Western Conference final-round series.