National Basketball Association

Steve Kerr is already flip-flopping on his plan to rest the Warriors

Published Mar. 24, 2016 9:55 a.m. ET

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The Golden State Warriors are 64-7, which means they can only afford two more losses this season if they want to break the NBA's 72-win record set by the Chicago Bulls two decades ago. It's possible, if not probable, they pull it off, but by going full throttle towards the end of an 82-game haul, there's the inherent risk that someone on the team will suffer a serious injury and damage the Warriors' shot at defending their title.

Regular-season records are gravy, but it's all meaningless if Golden State falls before reaching its ultimate goal. This is why resting key pieces down the stretch may be the smartest option, but Warriors head coach Steve Kerr -- who played for the Bulls team that currently owns the record -- says he won't stop his players if they want 73 wins (via ESPN):

This is cool. Kerr knows that his guys will be immortalized forever if they break Chicago's record, and a title on top of that will mean they're arguably the best team in NBA history. But if they lock up the one seed before an upcoming three-games-in-four nights stretch (two being against the San Antonio Spurs -- one on the road the day after they're in Memphis to take on the Grizzlies) then rest only makes sense. 

It's one final grind that could take an unnecessary toll on their bodies, especially if they've already locked up home-court throughout the postseason.

But, then again, this feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And, clearly, Golden State wants to make history. Right on to Kerr for refusing to stand in their way -- if everybody is healthy.

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