Warriors Honor Late Assistant Coach in Emotional Victory Led by Curry
In a poignant tribute to their late assistant coach, Dejan Milojevic, the Golden State Warriors secured a resounding 134-112 victory against the Atlanta Hawks at their home game. The emotional atmosphere at the Chase Center was palpable as the Warriors donned black shirts bearing the Serbian word “Brate,” meaning “brother,” and unveiled a jersey patch featuring the initials of the departed coach inside a heart.
The 46-year-old Milojevic tragically suffered a heart attack during a team dinner, leading to his untimely demise the following morning. The NBA community mourned the loss of a beloved figure who had contributed immensely to the Warriors since joining the team in 2021 after a successful playing career in Spain.
The heartfelt dedication from the team was exemplified by star player Steph Curry, who delivered a 25-point performance, leading the Warriors to victory. Post-game, Curry shared his emotions, saying, “It was tough. Been a very long week for everybody in the organization. You know Deki would love nothing more than to see us go out there, compete, and have fun as best we can.”
The emotional rollercoaster continued as Curry, now a 4x NBA champion, made history by playing in his 920th career game, surpassing the records of Serge Ibaka and Robert Reid. His remarkable season averages of 26.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game underscored his enduring excellence on the court.
While the win against the Hawks showcased the Warriors’ resilience and determination, it doesn’t entirely alleviate the challenges they face this season. With a record of 19-22 and trailing the 10th-placed Utah Jazz by three wins, the Dubs grapple with injuries and inconsistencies, with the added drama involving Draymond Green further complicating matters.
As the Warriors navigate through adversity, Curry and his teammates are set to face the Sacramento Kings, hoping to build on the momentum gained from their emotional triumph against the Hawks. The memory of Coach Milojevic will undoubtedly serve as a driving force for the team, fostering unity and a renewed sense of purpose as they strive for success in the remainder of the season.
The 4x NBA champion shared his thoughts on how the win was dedicated to “Deki”:
“It was tough. Been a very long week for everybody in the organization. Understanding how we wanted to play, honor, tribute, and celebrate what he meant to our family. Having his family here, you know, giving them this reception from our fans. It’s tough looking over at his chair. You know Deki would love nothing more than to see us go out there compete and have fun as best we can.”
“You know Deki would love nothing more than to see us go out there compete and have fun as best we can.”
Steph on all the emotions of tonight’s game 💙 pic.twitter.com/DRuVa3DmyH
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 25, 2024
