SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Golden State Warriors secured a crucial 104-93 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, despite the absence of their star player Stephen Curry. All-Star Jimmy Butler led the charge for the Warriors with 24 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists, guiding the team to their fifth win of a seven-game homestand.
Curry, fresh off making history as the first player in NBA history to hit 4,000 three-pointers, was granted a night off by coach Steve Kerr for a mental and emotional break. Without him, the Warriors managed to rise to a season record of 40-39, holding steady at the No. 6 spot in the tightly contested Western Conference.
The game saw Young gunner Brandin Podziemski stepping into Curry's shoes, starting in his place and scoring 17 points alongside seven rebounds. Buddy Hield contributed significantly off the bench, adding 15 points and six rebounds, showcasing the deep talent pool of this team. This victory not only marked the team's seventh win in ten games this season without Curry but also demonstrated their resilience in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile, the Bucks faced challenges stemming from a sluggish start and played catch-up for much of the game. Kyle Kuzma was the standout scorer for Milwaukee, nailing five three-pointers and contributing a total of 22 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a commendable performance with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, yet it wasn't enough to unseat the Warriors.
Despite Milwaukee's fresh energy with defensive strategy adjustments, including putting pressure on Butler, they struggled to harness momentum. Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez both chipped in 16 points, but the Bucks couldn’t clinch the desired results. The team is now gearing up for a challenging stretch against strong Western Conference competitors, namely the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Denver Nuggets.
A pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter when Gary Trent Jr. of the Bucks missed a crucial three-point attempt that could have leveled the score. Seizing the opportunity, Podziemski responded by hitting his third three-pointer of the game, effectively sealing the 104-93 win for the Warriors.
This game provided an interesting statistical highlight as well, with Antetokounmpo marking the sixth time this season he made more free throws (10) than field goals (5) throughout a single game. Such a trend raises questions about his performance style that draws defenders to him, resulting in frequent trips to the line.
Looking ahead, the Warriors are poised to finish their season-high seven-game homestand against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night, March 20, 2025, while the Bucks will take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on the same date. As both teams charge forward into the end of the regular season, their performances will be crucial in shaping their playoff spots.
