The Golden State Warriors traveled to Atlanta to face the Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 22, 2025, but were unable to hold off a strong performance from the Hawks, ultimately losing 124-115. This loss halted the Warriors’ two-game winning streak and brought their record to 41-30. The Hawks improved their own record to 34-36.
Game Context and Pre-game Situation
The Warriors entered the game without their star player, Stephen Curry, who was sidelined due to a pelvic contusion. His absence was a key factor in the team’s struggles, especially in terms of both offensive efficiency and defensive consistency. Curry has been instrumental to Golden State’s success this season, and his absence was felt across the board.
On the other hand, the Hawks, who have had a somewhat inconsistent season, were eager to secure a win, and they capitalized on the Warriors’ vulnerability. The Hawks were coming off a loss and were motivated to perform in front of their home crowd.
Key Performances and Statistics
- Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks):
- Young was the catalyst for the Hawks’ success in this game, recording 25 points and 10 assists. This marked his 41st double-double of the season, and his playmaking ability was critical in keeping the Warriors’ defense off-balance. He facilitated the offense, and his ability to score and create for teammates put significant pressure on Golden State. His performance in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter, was crucial in ensuring the Hawks held off the Warriors’ attempts to come back.
- Georges Niang (Atlanta Hawks):
- Niang was a massive contributor off the bench, scoring 23 points, including 6-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. His three-point shooting was deadly, and he was part of a balanced offensive effort that saw the Hawks shoot an impressive 57% from the field. Niang’s spacing and ability to hit from deep forced Golden State to stretch their defense, which opened up lanes for the Hawks’ primary playmakers.
- Onyeka Okongwu (Atlanta Hawks):
- Okongwu’s double-double performance (22 points, 12 rebounds) was a key factor in the Hawks controlling the paint. He was a physical presence inside, finishing plays at the rim, and his ability to clean the glass helped limit the Warriors’ second-chance opportunities. Okongwu’s performance also served to neutralize Golden State’s attempts to gain momentum through small-ball lineups, where they usually thrive.
- Jimmy Butler (Golden State Warriors):
- Butler filled the void left by Curry with 25 points and 8 assists. While his scoring and playmaking were commendable, it wasn’t enough to carry the team to victory. The Warriors struggled to generate consistent offense, especially in the first half, where they found themselves down by 20 points at one point. Butler’s leadership and ability to create offense were necessary, but he couldn’t overcome the collective output of the Hawks’ offense.
- Moses Moody (Golden State Warriors):
- Moody had a solid game, scoring 20 points, but his efforts didn’t match the intensity needed to break Atlanta’s rhythm. His outside shooting kept the Warriors in the game at times, but the Warriors’ inability to make stops in crucial moments hindered any chance of a successful comeback.
Defensive Struggles and Tactical Breakdown
Golden State’s defensive struggles were evident throughout the game, particularly in the absence of Curry, who is also one of their better perimeter defenders. With Curry sidelined, the Warriors were left without a consistent option to handle the Hawks’ shooters, especially Georges Niang, who exploited the space created by Atlanta’s ball movement.
The Hawks shot a blistering 57% from the field, which included a high rate of three-point shooting. Golden State failed to close out on shooters quickly, and the absence of Curry on the perimeter allowed the Hawks to thrive from deep. The Warriors also struggled to contain Atlanta’s pick-and-roll offense, as Young and Okongwu had excellent chemistry, frequently finding each other for easy baskets.
In contrast, Golden State’s offense wasn’t nearly as efficient. While the Warriors managed to put up 115 points, their offensive flow was disrupted without Curry, and they lacked a reliable option to control the game’s tempo. They also suffered from inefficient shooting at times, which compounded their defensive struggles.
Turnovers and Transition Play
Turnovers were another issue for Golden State, with the Warriors committing 16 turnovers compared to Atlanta’s 11. The Hawks capitalized on these turnovers, turning them into fast-break opportunities that led to easy points. This is another area where the absence of Curry was felt, as he often orchestrates Golden State’s transition game and can limit mistakes by keeping the offense organized.
Warriors’ Comeback Attempt
Despite the early deficit, Golden State mounted a strong comeback in the second half. They rallied in the third and fourth quarters, cutting into the Hawks’ lead, but they couldn’t sustain their momentum. The lack of a go-to scorer down the stretch hurt the Warriors, as Atlanta’s defense tightened, especially in the final minutes of the game.
The Warriors did show resilience, but their inability to get stops and contain Atlanta’s shooters ultimately proved costly. Their defense allowed Atlanta to build leads early, and Golden State’s offense couldn’t overcome that gap.
What is next for the Warriors
The Warriors are now 41-30 on the season, and with Curry’s status uncertain, they’ll need to adjust to life without him for the time being. Their next games will be critical as they try to stay competitive in the Western Conference playoff race.
- Key Concerns: Golden State’s defense without Curry will continue to be a concern, especially against high-scoring teams like Atlanta. The Warriors will need to find a way to improve defensively, and players like Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Klay Thompson will need to step up more consistently in Curry’s absence.
- Hope for Curry’s Return: The Warriors are hopeful that Curry will return soon during their current road trip. His return would immediately bolster both the Warriors’ offense and defense, providing a much-needed scoring punch and leadership. His ability to lead in clutch moments is invaluable, especially in high-stakes games.
Conclusion
In summary, the Warriors’ loss to the Hawks on March 22, 2025, highlighted some of their key vulnerabilities, especially without Stephen Curry. While Golden State’s offense remained potent, they were unable to match Atlanta’s efficiency and depth. The Hawks, led by Trae Young, Georges Niang, and Onyeka Okongwu, were able to exploit the Warriors’ defensive lapses, sealing the victory. Going forward, Golden State will need to tighten their defense and find ways to win without their star player as they face increasingly difficult matchups in the closing weeks of the season.
