Steve Kerr Honors Don Nelson with Pregame Gesture During 'Nellie Night'

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors hosted 'Nellie Night' on Tuesday at Chase Center to celebrate the late Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson. Warriors coach Steve Kerr honored Nelson by opening a can of Bud Light during his pregame media availability, referencing Nelson's tradition of bringing a beer to his postgame media sessions during the Warriors' 2007 playoff run. The NBA had previously prohibited Nelson from bringing beer into the postgame interview room after the eighth-seeded Warriors upset the top-seeded Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs that year. When asked if he would make drinking beer a regular practice, Kerr stated, 'Definitely not. I got a game to coach.' Former Warriors players, including Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes, and Chris Mullin, as well as members of Nelson's family, attended the game. Fans received commemorative 'Nellie' pins upon entry, and souvenir 'Nellie Night' beer koozies were available for purchase. The Warriors will wear a 'Nellie' band on their uniforms throughout the 2026-27 season. Nelson served as the Warriors head coach for 11 seasons across two stints from 1988 to 1995 and 2006 to 2010, and he passed away on August 9 at the age of 86.