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Warriors coach Steve Kerr out for Game 3 vs Blazers with illness

In this Jan. 22, 2017 file photo, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr calls out instructions during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic in Orlando, Fla. (Phelan M. Ebenhack / Associated Press)
Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. – Steve Kerr won’t coach the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of their playoff series Saturday night because of an illness.

The reigning NBA Coach of the Year missed the morning shootaround, and the team announced about three hours before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers that Kerr would not be on the sidelines. Top assistant Mike Brown was acting head coach in Kerr’s place.

The Warriors went into the game with a 2-0 advantage over the Blazers in the first-round series.

The Warriors practiced in Oakland on Friday before flying to Portland, and Kerr clearly wasn’t feeling well then.

The 51-year-old still experiences lingering symptoms from complications following two back surgeries after the franchise’s run to the 2015 championship. He missed the first 43 games last season dealing with symptoms such as headaches, nausea and an aching neck. He hadn’t missed a game this season, though he did miss two shootarounds.

Despite his prolonged absence, the Warriors went 73-9 last season and played in the NBA championship game. Kerr was named Coach of the Year.