Steve Kerr Honors Don Nelson with Pregame Beer
Warriors coach Steve Kerr paid tribute to the late Hall of Famer with a Bud Light before hosting the Lakers on "Nellie Night."
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr honored the late Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson on Tuesday by taking a sip of a Bud Light during his pregame media availability. The gesture occurred during “Nellie Night” at Chase Center, when the Warriors hosted the Los Angeles Lakers.
The pregame ritual was a direct nod to Nelson, who famously brought a can of Bud Light to his postgame media sessions during the Warriors' surprising 2007 playoff run. The NBA eventually intervened, instructing Nelson that he could not bring beer into the interview room.
Former Warriors players, including Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes, and Chris Mullin, along with members of Nelson’s family, were in attendance for the game. Fans received commemorative “Nellie” pins, and souvenir beer koozies were available for purchase.
The Warriors are also wearing a “Nellie” band on their uniforms throughout the 2026-27 season. Nelson, who coached the Warriors for 11 seasons across two stints (1988-1995 and 2006-2010), passed away on Aug. 9 at the age of 86. He amassed 1,335 wins as a head coach, the second-most in NBA history.