Warriors coach Kerr ill, may miss remainder of playoffs

[April 24, 2017]  (The Sports Xchange) - Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Sunday he will not be on the sidelines for Monday's Game Four against the Portland Trail Blazers, and he might be out for the rest of the playoffs.

Kerr is experiencing symptoms from complications following two back surgeries two years ago. Recently the symptoms have worsened and he has been having severe headaches, neck pain and nausea.

"This is not going to be a case where I'm coaching one night, not coaching the next. I'm not going to do that to our team, our staff," Kerr told reporters on Sunday. "We're hoping that in the next week or two, whatever it is, I can sort of make a definitive realization, deduction, or just feel that I'm going to do this or not."

Kerr was not on the sidelines for the Warriors' 119-113 victory on Saturday that gave them a 3-0 series lead. Assistant Mike Brown acted as head coach in that game and will do so again on Monday. It is possible Brown will be Golden State's coach for the rest of the playoffs.

Warriors forward Kevin Durant has missed the past two games with a calf injury, and he is listed as questionable for Game Four.

With the Warriors having a chance to complete a sweep of the Blazers on Monday, the team may decide to give Durant more time to heal.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr watches from the sidelines during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Golden State standout guard Stephen Curry said, according to ESPN, "(Kerr is) obviously going through a lot physically and that's first and foremost for him to take care of himself, make sure he's on the road to recovery and feeling like himself."

(Editing by Gene Cherry)

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