The Golden State Warriors’ return to the court at the Chase Center was marked by heightened emotions after a nine-day hiatus.
Overcoming the Atlanta Hawks with a 134-112 victory, the game carried special significance following the recent passing of assistant coach Dejan Milojević. The team had also faced game postponements following assistant coach Dejan Milojević’s heart attack and subsequent passing.
Players paid tribute by wearing black shirts bearing the Serbian word “brate” (brother), and a commemorative jersey patch dedicated to Milojević was unveiled for the remainder of the season.
Coach Steve Kerr’s heartfelt address before the game underscored Milojević’s impact, emphasizing his integral role in shaping the team’s identity and camaraderie.
In lieu of a traditional moment of silence, Kerr called for a standing ovation to honor Milojević. Players participated in a pregame tribute, removing special jerseys worn in remembrance and placing them on a designated bench chair reserved for their late coach.
The emotional tribute resonated strongly with players like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, reflecting the deep connection between the team and Milojević.
The assistant coach, who suffered a heart attack during a team dinner, passed away at the age of 46, leading to the postponement of subsequent games.
Despite a closely contested first half, the Warriors surged ahead in the third quarter, securing a decisive 22-point victory over the Hawks. Standout performances included Stephen Curry’s 25 points, Jonathan Kuminga’s impressive 25 points and nine rebounds off the bench, and Kuminga’s flawless 11-of-11 shooting, matching a franchise record set by Chris Mullin in 1990.
Klay Thompson also contributed 24 points to the team’s overall success, showcasing a shooting efficiency of 56% from the field and nearly 50% from three-point range. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 23 points, but the team suffered its third consecutive loss.
The victory, while breaking a two-game losing streak for the Warriors, held significant emotional weight as the team copes with the aftermath of Milojević’s passing. They now sit at 19-20, and will host the Sacramento Kings next on Thursday where they’ll attempt to get back to .500 on the season.
Stephen Curry, expressing gratitude for the fans’ support and acknowledging the challenging week, highlighted the team’s commitment to honoring Milojević through their competitive spirit. The win provided a poignant moment of solace, allowing the team to navigate the complexities of grief while finding comfort in their collective strength on the court.
To read more stories like this, click sports.