Kerr guards against letdown in Game 2

Steve Kerr is well-schooled on the Spurs’ defining characteristic: resilience. During Gregg Popovich’s 22 years patrolling San Antonio’s sideline, Kerr — a reserve guard for Popovich for four seasons (1998-2001, 2002-03) — has watched the Spurs storm back from numerous series deficits.

It is why, after Saturday afternoon’s 113-92 win over San Antonio in Game 1 of the first round, Kerr reminded his Warriors about human nature. The fact that Golden State feels good about itself after a rough end to the regular season makes it susceptible to a letdown in Game 2 on Monday.

“This is when they’re at their best,” Kerr said of the Spurs. “They go in, we let our guard down and we’re in trouble.” After struggling with complacency throughout the regular season, the Warriors played with renewed intensity on both ends of the court Saturday. They closed off driving lanes, shot 54.3 percent from the field, had assists on 32 of their 44 field goals, corralled 21 more rebounds than San Antonio and rid the game of doubt by the end of the third quarter.

What the Spurs lack in firepower without Kawhi Leonard, however, they tend to make up for in effort and coaching. After being blown out by Houston in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals in May, San Antonio proceeded to take the series in six games.

Kerr recognizes that Popovich, one of his dearest friends and mentors, will make necessary adjustments in hopes of a bounce-back win Monday. Improved effort figures to be central to the game plan.

The onus is on Golden State to match Saturday’s energy level.

“The biggest thing with us is we are incredibly talented and fast,” Kerr said. “If we’re playing together and playing hard, we have an advantage. There’s a reason we’re the two seed.” Injury updates: Leonard is expected to miss the rest of the postseason as he continues to rehabilitate his right quadriceps injury, according to a Yahoo Sports report.

Leonard, who was limited to nine regular-season games and hasn’t played since Jan. 13, is rehabbing with his personal medical staff in New York. He has yet to be cleared by his doctors, and it appears unlikely at this point that he’ll be cleared in these playoffs.

Meanwhile, Golden State came out of Game 1 relatively healthy. Its only two players expected to miss Game 2 came as no surprise: Stephen Curry (left MCL sprain) and Patrick McCaw (lumbar-spine contusion).