ATLANTA (AP) — In a matchup that showcased the resilience of the Atlanta Hawks, the Golden State Warriors fell to a 124-115 defeat on Saturday night, March 22, 2025, at the State Farm Arena. The Warriors were left scrambling in the absence of their star guard Stephen Curry, who sustained a pelvic contusion in Thursday's victory over the Toronto Raptors.
From the start, it was clear the Warriors were struggling. They were outscored in the first quarter, 40-23, and never found their rhythm. Coach Steve Kerr's team faced criticism from fans who took to social media to express their frustrations. One fan tweeted, "Steve Kerr is a terrible coach," while others echoed similar sentiments, calling for accountability from the coaching staff.
Despite being without Curry, the Warriors showcased some offensive talent. Jimmy Butler stepped up to lead the team with 25 points, while Moses Moody contributed 20 points. However, the overall performance wasn’t enough to compete against the Hawks, who held the lead for almost the entirety of the game.
Trae Young, the Hawks’ star point guard, was instrumental to their victory, securing 25 points and delivering 10 assists for his 41st double-double of the season. He managed to control the game effectively, particularly in the absence of his counterpart Curry, who usually brings a high level of intensity to these matchups.
Georges Niang added significant firepower for the Hawks, netting 23 points, including sinking six of nine from three-point distance, while Onyeka Okongwu posted a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. The Hawks capitalized on their opportunities, showcasing a balanced attack that kept the Warriors off balance.
As the Warriors struggled to adapt, Brandin Podziemski emerged as a shining light. He finished with 19 points, shooting an impressive 63% from three-point range. Podziemski’s ability to step into a larger role in Curry’s absence has proven crucial, as he averages 15.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in games without the star guard.
The Hawks’ victory ensured they would maintain or improve their position as they seek to solidify their playoff standings. They managed to lead by as many as 22 points during the contest, emphasizing their dominance. A pivotal moment in the game came in the fourth quarter when Niang hit a three-pointer that pushed the Hawks’ lead further, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
The Warriors, who have dropped to a 41-30 record, now must face the Miami Heat in their next outing on Tuesday, March 25, with hopes of bouncing back. Coach Kerr remained optimistic, briefing the media after the game that he is “very hopeful that at some point [Curry] will join on the trip,” as they continue to evaluate his condition.
This match also highlighted the emotional rollercoaster for fans, who were vocal about their opinions toward the team’s performance and coaching decisions. One fan lamented on social media, commenting, “The players should just walk off the court. The fans are sick of all the nonsense.” This sentiment captures the mounting pressure on Kerr as he attempts to navigate the season without his star player.
As the NBA season continues to unfold, the Golden State Warriors face an uphill battle. Their recent form has seen only three losses since the All-Star break, but the loss to Atlanta shocks the momentum they had begun to build. The Warriors remain in a competitive position in the Western Conference, but as teams like the Clippers and Timberwolves inch closer, every game will be crucial.
Looking ahead, the upcoming match against the Heat could be a litmus test for the Warriors to assess their depth without Curry. Until then, Kerr and his team will be keeping a close eye on the evaluations of their MVP's injury.
For the Hawks, this victory serves as a stepping stone as they prepare to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Their ability to perform consistently will be pivotal as they seek to advance deeper into the playoffs.
