The Golden State Warriors endured their heaviest home defeat under head coach Steve Kerr, losing 125-85 to the Boston Celtics at Chase Center. The 40-point drubbing marks the Warriors’ worst home loss since a 45-point defeat to the Dallas Mavericks in 1985.
Celtics Dominate from Start to Finish
The defending champions, Boston Celtics, showcased their superiority with a commanding performance:
- First-Half Control: The Celtics built a 15-point lead by halftime.
- Explosive Third Quarter: Boston poured in 43 points in the third quarter, solidifying their dominance.
- Star Performances:
- Jayson Tatum: Led all scorers with 22 points.
- Kristaps Porzingis: Contributed 18 points.
- Jaylen Brown: Added 17 points.
The win leaves the Celtics second in the Eastern Conference, trailing only the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Kerr’s Reaction
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, a four-time championship-winning coach and five-time NBA champion as a player, was candid in his assessment:
“We’ve got to flush this one down the toilet and get ready for Sac,” Kerr said, referring to their next matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
He acknowledged the team’s struggles this season:
“We’ve been very competitive all year. Our guys have fought, but we’ve had a handful of these where we get blown out. These are demoralising.”
Warriors’ Playoff Struggles
The Warriors, who last won the NBA Championship in 2022 by defeating the Celtics in the Finals, now sit in 11th place in the Western Conference, just outside the playoff picture.
Key Stats
- Largest Home Defeat Under Kerr: The 40-point loss surpasses any previous home defeat since Kerr became head coach in 2014.
- Historic Defeat: This was the Warriors’ worst home loss since 1985.
- Celtics’ Dominance: Their 43-point third quarter showcased their offensive firepower and defensive resilience.
What’s Next?
- Warriors: Face the Sacramento Kings in a crucial matchup as they try to climb back into playoff contention.
- Celtics: Look to maintain momentum as they push to overtake the Cleveland Cavaliers at the top of the Eastern Conference.
