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Warriors’ Steve Kerr Makes His Stance on Al Horford Clear After Bucks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 6:47 AM ET

The Golden State Warriors dropped their second loss of the season on Thursday, falling 120–110 to a Milwaukee Bucks team that was without Giannis Antetokounmpo. The defeat marked a frustrating night for Golden State, which failed to capitalize on the two-time MVP’s absence.

Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with a career-high 32 points, while Stephen Curry paced the Warriors with 27, followed by Jonathan Kuminga’s 24 and Jimmy Butler’s 23 points and 10 rebounds. Despite those efforts, turnovers and poor late-game execution cost Golden State as it slipped to 4-2 on the young season. The loss also brought renewed attention to veteran forward Al Horford, who has struggled to find his rhythm early in his first year with the franchise.

Golden State Warriors center-forward Al Horford (20)David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Horford’s showing in Milwaukee summed up his slow start. The 39-year-old played 20 minutes, scoring just three points on 1-of-6 shooting, with two rebounds, two assists, and 2 blocks. Once one of the league’s most reliable frontcourt presences, Horford’s efficiency has dipped considerably this October, raising questions about how the Warriors will manage his minutes going forward.

Still, head coach Steve Kerr downplayed any concern after the loss, making it clear that the team remains confident in the veteran’s value.

“I’m not worried about Al at all,” Kerr said. “It’s a slow start to the season for him, but he’s Al Horford. He’s still moving really well. He’s a fantastic basketball player, and he’s going to help us win a lot of games this year.”

The five-time All-Star was drafted third overall in 2007 by the Atlanta Hawks and has since played for the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Oklahoma City Thunder. Known for his defensive intelligence, rebound and shooting ability, Horford became a stabilizing force during Boston’s 2024 title run before signing a two-year, $11.6 million fully guaranteed deal with Golden State before the start of the season. His resume, which includes All-NBA and All-Defensive honors, speaks to nearly two decades of steady excellence.

For Kerr, Horford’s early struggles appear to be part of an adjustment period rather than a long-term concern. The Warriors signed him to provide veteran leadership and frontcourt depth, not nightly dominance. If the 60-year-old’s confidence holds true, Horford’s experience may still prove crucial when the Warriors chase bigger goals later in the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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