In an impressive display of teamwork, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 104-93 on March 18, 2025, despite the absence of superstar Stephen Curry, who took the night off for a much-needed mental break. This significant win not only showcased the depth of the Warriors' roster but also positioned them firmly in the playoff race, as they currently hold the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 40-39.
Jimmy Butler led the charge for the Warriors, scoring 24 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out ten assists. His presence was felt all over the court, as he consistently made crucial plays to keep the momentum in Golden State's favor. "I just tried to step up and keep the momentum going," said Brandin Podziemski, who shone brightly in Curry's absence.
Podziemski contributed significantly as well, scoring 17 points and collecting seven rebounds, including a pivotal three-pointer late in the fourth quarter that helped secure the victory after the Bucks attempted to rally. Buddy Hield added another 15 points and six rebounds off the bench, exemplifying the Warriors' depth and versatility.
Conversely, the Bucks, currently contending for a playoff spot themselves, started slowly and spent most of the game chasing the Warriors. Kyle Kuzma was a standout performer for Milwaukee, contributing 22 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo fell just short of a triple-double with 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. However, despite their individual efforts, the Bucks couldn’t gain the lead, struggling to overcome a sluggish start.
The game featured tense moments, with the Bucks trying to close the gap in the fourth quarter. Yet, as Gary Trent Jr. missed a potentially tying three-pointer, Podziemski seized the opportunity, knocking down his own three-pointer just moments later. This timely shot was crucial, providing the Warriors with the breathing room they needed to finish the game on a high note.
The Warriors improved to 7-3 on the season without their star player, showcasing adaptability and grit. Historically, this win marked a notable triumph as the franchise is now 91-150 in games played without Curry, but recent performances indicate a shift in their fortunes. With only 13 games remaining in the regular season, every match becomes increasingly critical for playoff positioning.
The Bucks, on the other hand, will look to bounce back as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers next. Despite the loss, Milwaukee’s defense remains a strong point, holding opponents to relatively low scoring. However, they will need to develop a more aggressive approach if they hope to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
The Warriors' ability to secure essential victories even in the absence of their leading scorer is a promising sign heading into the final stretch of the season. As they gear up to conclude this crucial seven-game homestand against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night, the team’s chemistry and collective confidence appear stronger than ever. If they can maintain this level of performance, the Warriors could be a formidable force as they aim for another championship run.
