Warriors coach Steve Kerr clears COVID-19 protocols ahead of Western Conference finals – The Athletic

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has cleared COVID-19 protocols and will return to the sidelines ahead of Golden State’s Western Conference finals series. Kerr has been out since Game 4 after testing positive for COVID-19.

During his absence, associate head coach Mike Brown — who on Monday was announced as the next head coach of the Sacramento Kings — stepped in as acting head coach. Coming into Game 5, Brown was undefeated as a playoff head coach for the Warriors, but his streak was broken as Golden State fell to the Grizzlies. The Warriors won Game 6 with a 110-96 victory to advance.

Kerr announced that Gary Payton II won’t play to open the conference finals, but has not been ruled out entirely for the series. Payton injured his elbow during Game 2 against the Grizzlies as a result of Memphis’ Dillon Brooks winding up and making contact with Payton’s head on a transition layup attempt, causing a hard fall.

“It would be a long shot for him to play, but I think it’s a possibility,” Kerr said.

The Western Conference finals begin on Wednesday, as Golden State will face the winner of Dallas and Phoenix’s Game 7 Sunday night.

(Photo: Bart Young / NBAE via Getty Images)