The Golden State Warriors suffered a devastating 40-point defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics on January 4, marking their worst home loss since a 45-point blowout by the Dallas Mavericks in 1985. This staggering loss comes amid a challenging nine-game stretch, with eight of those games taking place at their home court, Chase Center. The defeat underscores the struggles the Warriors face, having slipped to a 21-21 record after a promising 12-3 start to the season.
The absence of key players has significantly impacted the team's performance. Jonathan Kuminga's ankle injury, sustained on January 4, rules him out for at least three weeks, while Draymond Green is sidelined with a mild calf strain for at least a week. Additionally, Brandin Podziemski and Kyle Anderson missed the game due to abdomen and glute injuries, respectively. These injuries exacerbate the challenges for the Warriors as they attempt to regain their footing.
Despite the setbacks, Stephen Curry delivered a notable performance, scoring 18 points and being one of only two Warriors to reach double figures. However, his efforts were overshadowed by the Celtics' impressive display from beyond the arc, with Jayson Tatum leading his team with 22 points as they hit 20 three-pointers.
"You'd hope to be a better home team than you are on the road…. We'll see how we respond to it and if we can take advantage of this stretch. Tonight was not great — Captain Obvious statement." – Stephen Curry
The Warriors' 85-point performance against Boston is their lowest home score in a game featuring Curry under coach Steve Kerr. The team must improve significantly to maintain their playoff aspirations amidst these adversities. Currently hobbled by injuries to pivotal players like Green and Kuminga, the Warriors recognize the need for a stronger showing as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.
"So, they're coming in with a level of confidence and swagger about 'em and it's exact opposite of what we have right now. So yeah, obviously great memories, but definitely feels like a long time ago." – Stephen Curry
The current roster significantly differs from the triumphant team that surprised everyone in 2022 by making a deep playoff run. The absence of Green highlights this transformation, and the team acknowledges that this stretch will be crucial in defining their trajectory for the remainder of the season.
"Yeah, we have an entirely different roster pretty much obviously," – Stephen Curry
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