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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — During a memorable ceremony in the locker room, Wilhelmina Attles, widow of the legendary Hall of Famer Al Attles, handed Steve Kerr the game ball after he surpassed her late husband to become the winningest coach in Warriors history.
Kerr celebrated his 558th regular-season win on Saturday night as the Golden State Warriors triumphed over the New York Knicks, 97-94.
Receiving the game ball, Kerr expressed, “It was an incredible moment to be recognized by the Attles family, and it was truly special to have them present.” He continued, “Al Attles will always be Mr. Warrior, and the idea of achieving this record feels surreal. However, as I mentioned earlier, it reflects the strength and stability of our organization and the talent we’ve maintained during my 11 years here. I feel very fortunate to be part of this team and this city. I’m deeply honored, especially considering Al’s immense legacy and what he represents for the franchise.”
At 59, Kerr has been a steadying force for the Warriors, leading them to their first championship in four decades during his inaugural season (2014-15). He has consistently relied on his exceptional coaching staff for support.
During the start of the 2015-16 season, interim head coach Luke Walton led the Warriors to a remarkable 24-0 record and an overall 39-4 before Kerr came back after a lengthy absence due to severe complications from back surgery.
Those wins are counted toward Kerr’s overall record, which now stands at 558-302, achieved in his 860th game compared to Attles’ 1,075 games.
“This record feels surreal… I’m incredibly fortunate to be part of this organization and this city,” Kerr remarked after becoming the Warriors’ all-time leader in regular-season victories (558) 💯 pic.twitter.com/TyShMON4l3
— NBA (@NBA) March 16, 2025
Al Attles passed away in August at the age of 87. He was the head coach of the 1975 NBA champion Warriors and dedicated over sixty years to the organization in various roles, including player, coach, general manager, and team ambassador.
Kerr once honored Attles by donning a retro 1970s suit and acknowledged the significant impact Attles had on the franchise throughout his extensive career. “He certainly looked far better in that leisure suit than I do,” Kerr commented.
“Growing up in Los Angeles as a Lakers fan, I remember hearing Chick Hearn talk about Al Attles, watching him on television, and seeing their championship victory in ‘75—he was truly an iconic figure in the NBA,” Kerr reflected. “I never imagined I’d be coaching in the NBA, so to find myself here, surpassing such an icon, seems unreal. I feel incredibly blessed to lead the life I do and follow this journey.”
Draymond Green attributes the transformation of the Warriors’ culture to Kerr, noting the familial atmosphere he has fostered, which is evident on the court.
“He has changed everything,” Green stated. “He has been crucial to the evolution of this organization. The lessons he has imparted about winning have been invaluable to me, and I’ve tried to absorb every small piece of wisdom. There’s one playoff-related winning secret he taught me that I won’t disclose until my playing days end; it’s a pretty remarkable concept.”
A former NBA guard who played alongside Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls, Kerr served as the general manager of the Phoenix Suns from 2007 to 2010 and worked as a TV color commentator before taking over as head coach of the Warriors.
He often emphasizes his luck in coaching stars like Stephen Curry, Green, and Klay Thompson—a trio that has led to four NBA championships, though Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks during the last offseason.
Kerr has also leveraged his status to address social issues, including gun violence and racial inequality.
“He’s brought out the best in each of us,” Curry said. “We often joke that either of us could have ended up in New York. Fate brought us here instead.”
