ATLANTA (AP) - Golden State coach Don Nelson is giving up control of his NBA-worst defense to his assistant coaches.
Nelson said Friday night that assistants Keith Smart and Sidney Moncrief will focus primarily on defense.The 68-year-old Nelson said the move was a concession to his age.
"I've decided to identify one of my weaknesses at this point of my life," Nelson said. "I'm not tough enough anymore. I'm getting soft as I get older and I feel like I haven't done a very good job defensively this year."
The Warriors were last in the NBA with their average of 112.1 points allowed before Friday night's 115-99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Nelson said he announced the changes to make defense a priority.
"At this point I think we need more toughness and young coaches making demands," Nelson said.
Golden State guard Jamal Crawford said after the game the players had not been told about the changes.
"This is the first I've heard of it," Crawford said. "I hope it works. ... We need to get better."
