Kerr has been Warriors’ X-factor this postseason

Coaching in the NBA playoffs is anything but easy.

Just ask Golden State Warriors assistant coach

Mike Brown, who stepped into the Warriors’ head coaching role when

Steve Kerr was out with COVID during Golden State’s semifinal series with the Grizzlies.

“Steve, if you’re watching, get healthy quick,” Brown implored Kerr after Game 4 of that series.

It was half a well wish to his friend and colleague, and half a comically tinged cry for help. The Warriors did trail by as many as 55 points the following game.

In the regular season, head coaches can keep their eyes on the big picture. Every squad is “building for something” — though that something is oftentimes never declared, much less achieved.

But in the playoffs, that wide perspective must be maintained, all while every second must be managed.

In the postseason, the smallest decisions have big consequences — both good and bad — and there’s no quarter for the coaches who make those calls.

Yes, being a head coach in the NBA playoffs is often a thankless job.

But after the Warriors’ Game 2 win over the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference finals, it feels like an appropriate time for Warriors fans to send some thanks Kerr’s direction.

Going into late Sunday’s Game 3, the Warriors have a 2-0 lead because of the great play of Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins and

Kevon Looney, yes, but credit must be given to Kerr, too, for pressing all the right buttons in this series.

The Warriors’ defensive game plan — managed by Brown, it should be noted — has been nerve-racking but effective. Dallas is tiring out as the game progresses, leaving the Warriors opportunities to blitz them in the second half.

On the offensive side, Kerr’s motion offense has proven to be the perfect antidote to Dallas’ no-big matchup zone. The Warriors’ back screens and cuts have carved up the Mavericks in the first two contests.

But it was the bold decision Kerr made in Game 2 that should bring about the most kudos.

There’s no question that Kerr prefers the Warriors’ veterans at this juncture of the season. Vets know the system, know the stakes and know-how to get their job done.