The Golden State Warriors are fighting to maintain their position as the No. 6 team in the Western Conference standings to avoid the play-in tournament. However, a tough 124-115 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night has left them just half a game ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Stephen Curry was sidelined for the Warriors after sustaining a pelvic contusion in Thursday’s game against the Toronto Raptors. He had returned to the lineup after sitting out Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks for rest.
“Bad loss,” Green expressed to reporters following the game, as reported by NBC Sports Bay Area. “It’s a terrible loss. When you’re in a position we’re in, we’ve got a chance to compete for something.”
“Eleven games left with everything to play for, you shouldn’t have a loss like this,” he added. “Too much on the line. Got to win the games you’re supposed to win. Obviously, Steph’s out. Still a game we should win. So, it’s a terrible loss.”
The Hawks were propelled by Trae Young’s 25 points and 10 assists, with strong contributions from Georges Niang and Onyeka Okongwu. Dyson Daniels also made an impact with 11 rebounds and three steals, boosting his case for NBA defensive player of the year recognition.
The victory was crucial for the Hawks to maintain their 1.5-game lead over the Orlando Magic for the No. 7 spot in the East. While they initially held a significant lead, the Warriors managed to narrow the gap before ultimately falling short.
Despite Curry’s absence, Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 25 points and eight assists, supported by Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski.
Next up for the Warriors is a matchup against Miami on Tuesday, where Butler will face his former team. Despite the narrative surrounding the game, Butler remains focused on the trajectory of the squad.
“Yeah, I was traded from there, yada, yada, yada,” Butler remarked after the game. “Yeah, it didn’t end the way that people wanted to, yada yada yada. But that’s so far behind me now. I don’t even think about it. I don’t pay attention to nothing except for the trajectory of this squad.”
Butler appears to be in a favorable position with the Warriors, who are set to make the playoffs and have a chance to climb in the standings. On the other hand, the Heat are struggling in the Eastern Conference play-in race, having lost 10 consecutive games and 11 of their last 12.