SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Golden State Warriors took a significant step forward in their quest for a championship this past Tuesday night, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 104-93 in a game that showcased their resilience and depth without their superstar, Stephen Curry.
Jimmy Butler led the charge, scoring 24 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists. In his first game with the Warriors after being traded, Butler proved his worth in what was a critical matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks.
Stephen Curry, who had recently made history by becoming the first player in NBA history to sink 4,000 3-pointers, was given the night off by head coach Steve Kerr for a mental and emotional break after dealing with a back injury. This decision came just one night after the Warriors suffered a disappointing loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Without Curry, the Warriors executed a game plan that highlighted their defensive strength and offensive versatility. Buddy Hield contributed off the bench with 15 points and six rebounds, while Brandin Podziemski filled in for Curry, scoring 17 points and collecting seven rebounds.
The team’s ability to win without one of the league's top scorers not only speaks to their depth but also elevates their standing among the league's elite contenders. This performance improved their record to 40-39 with 13 games remaining in the regular season, keeping them firmly in contention for the playoffs with the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
Milwaukee, led by Kyle Kuzma’s 22 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 20 points, struggled to find their rhythm and played from behind for most of the game. Despite Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard each contributing 16 points, the Bucks could not overcome a sluggish start that hampered their momentum throughout the night.
This game was not just about the Warriors winning; it was a testament to their character and determination. According to Draymond Green, who played a crucial role in the win, the team approached the game with a mindset of proving something to themselves, showing that they could compete and excel even without their leader on the floor.
"We tamed ourselves without our superstar," Green emphasized after the game. In a standout defensive performance, Green found himself matched up against Antetokounmpo for a significant portion of the game, guarding him on 60 percent of his floor time. Antetokounmpo, typically a formidable scorer, could only muster three points against Green’s relentless defense, shooting 0-for-7 when guarded by the former Defensive Player of the Year.
With Curry set to return for their next game against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, March 20, the Warriors are looking to capitalize on this momentum. Coach Kerr confirmed that Curry is ready to return after resting a back injury that's been nagging him for the past week. "He’s doing great. He’s going to play tomorrow," Kerr announced.
Curry, who has been managing this back issue since it flared up before a game last week, including their match against Sacramento, has been careful with his recovery. In a recent interview, he mentioned how the injury reminded him of past issues but remains optimistic about his fitness moving forward. "It was just a weird thing that popped up, and it was more just managing it,” Curry explained.
As the Warriors prepare for their final stretch of the regular season, the victory against the Bucks illustrates not just their potential but also the importance of teamwork and resilience. As they face formidable teams ahead, including the Lakers and the Suns, the Warriors' recent performances, especially their ability to win under pressure, position them as serious contenders going into the playoffs.
With Butler fitting in seamlessly and showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes scenarios, the Warriors seem to have found a formula that can lead to success. Moving forward, the emphasis will be on maintaining high standards in effort, energy, and execution—a mantra that could very well define their journey this season.
As for the Bucks, they must regroup quickly as they head to Los Angeles to face the Lakers in their next outing. The game against the Warriors served as a reminder of the high stakes in the increasingly competitive Western Conference.
Ultimately, both teams have much to prove as the postseason looms. The Warriors appear to be channeling their strengths while bolstering their confidence as they march towards another potential championship run, embracing their roles and remaining focused on the goals ahead.
