Following the Golden State Warriors’ defeat by the Celtics, Steph Curry makes an honest statement.

On a night that will be remembered as one of the most humbling defeats in recent memory for the Golden State Warriors, Steph Curry’s words resonated with both the pain of a tough loss and the clarity of a seasoned leader who understands the challenges his team faces. Following the Warriors’ 133-88 drubbing at the hands of the Boston Celtics, Curry did not sugarcoat his thoughts. Instead, he provided an honest and transparent reflection on what went wrong and where the Warriors stand as they navigate a challenging season.

Curry’s honesty in the post-game press conference was striking for its vulnerability and realism. “We got beat in every aspect of the game,” Curry admitted, his voice a mixture of frustration and resolve. “It’s not often we find ourselves in this position, but the reality is, we’ve got a lot of work to do. This game is a wake-up call, and we have to respond.”

While the Warriors have enjoyed immense success in the past decade, including four NBA championships, this defeat served as a reminder that even the best teams can experience setbacks. For Curry, this loss wasn’t just about the final score—it was about the lack of effort, intensity, and execution that ultimately led to the overwhelming defeat. Here, we delve into Curry’s post-game reflections, the larger implications for the Warriors, and what lies ahead for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.

1. The Severity of the Loss: A Harsh Reality

Curry’s honest assessment began with the recognition that the Warriors had been outclassed in virtually every facet of the game. “They were the better team tonight,” Curry said, acknowledging the Celtics’ dominance on both ends of the floor. From the opening tip, it was clear that Boston was the more aggressive and focused team. While Curry and his teammates tried to mount a challenge, the Celtics’ defensive schemes and offensive execution were simply too much to overcome.

The Warriors’ inability to respond to Boston’s pressure was evident in their performance. The team that had prided itself on defense in recent years struggled to contain Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the Celtics’ supporting cast. On offense, the Warriors were disjointed, with Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green all failing to find their rhythm. The Celtics, in contrast, were efficient, fluid, and relentless in their pursuit of victory. The final score, a 45-point blowout, was a testament to how thoroughly the Warriors were outplayed.

Curry did not shy away from the fact that the team was caught off guard by the Celtics’ intensity and focus. “We weren’t ready,” he admitted. “They took it to us, and we couldn’t match their energy. It’s something we’ve got to learn from.”

2. Lack of Defensive Discipline: A Troubling Pattern

One of the most significant issues that Curry pointed out in the aftermath of the loss was the Warriors’ defensive struggles. As a team known for their offensive brilliance, the Warriors’ defense has often been overlooked. However, it has been a key component of their championship successes, particularly during their run in the mid-2010s when they were considered one of the best defensive teams in the league. In this game, however, the Warriors’ defense was anything but stellar.

The Celtics shredded the Warriors’ defense with ease, hitting open shots from all over the floor. Curry was quick to point out that the Warriors allowed Boston far too many easy looks, especially from the three-point line. “We let them get comfortable,” Curry said, his frustration evident. “When you give a team like the Celtics that much space, they’re going to make you pay. We didn’t do a good enough job of closing out on shooters, and we weren’t physical enough inside.”

The Warriors’ defensive breakdowns were glaring, as the Celtics scored 133 points, the most the Warriors have allowed at home in the Steve Kerr era. The inability to limit Boston’s offensive execution was particularly troubling given how much pride the Warriors have taken in their defense over the years. Curry’s admission that the team’s defensive lapses were a major factor in the loss was a candid acknowledgment of just how far the Warriors have fallen in this department.

3. Offensive Struggles: A System Out of Sync

On the offensive end, the Warriors had their own issues to address. As a team that thrives on ball movement, spacing, and three-point shooting, the Warriors were unable to generate the same kind of fluid offensive sets that have defined their success in the past. Curry, Thompson, and Green—all vital to the Warriors’ offensive flow—struggled to find any rhythm. Curry finished with just 14 points on 6-of-18 shooting, including 2-of-9 from three-point range. Thompson had just 9 points on 3-of-10 shooting. Green, normally a defensive anchor and playmaker, had only 4 points and 5 rebounds.

Curry’s reflection on the offensive struggles was blunt. “We weren’t executing,” he said. “When we’re not knocking down shots and moving the ball, we’re not the team we need to be. We weren’t playing to our identity. We’ve got to get back to that.”

The lack of offensive cohesion was evident throughout the game. The Warriors, known for their ball movement and quick decision-making, were stagnant in their approach, with too much isolation play and too few open shots. Curry was also unable to find his usual space, as the Celtics’ defense swarmed him on every possession. Thompson, too, seemed to be a step behind, struggling to get into his shooting rhythm. For the Warriors, this was a rare off-night, but Curry recognized that the team couldn’t rely on individual brilliance to overcome a lack of teamwork.

4. A Call for Change: A Shift in Mindset

Despite the crushing nature of the loss, Curry’s post-game comments were not entirely negative. In fact, his words conveyed a sense of resolve and the understanding that this defeat, though painful, could serve as a catalyst for change. “We’ve been through tough losses before, but this one is different,” Curry remarked. “We’ve got to look in the mirror and recognize what we need to do better. This game is a reminder that no matter how much we’ve accomplished, we still have a long way to go.”

Curry emphasized the importance of adopting a renewed mindset. “We’ve got to be hungrier. We can’t take things for granted. We’ve got to get back to competing at the level that made us champions.” His words highlighted the fact that the Warriors, despite their championships and accolades, are not immune to adversity. They must work harder, dig deeper, and rediscover the intensity that has defined their winning ways.

Curry’s statement also underscored the need for the Warriors to evolve. The league has changed, and so too must the Warriors. “We can’t keep doing the same things over and over again and expect different results,” Curry said, echoing the sentiment that the Warriors need to adjust their approach. This game was a stark reminder that the Warriors’ dominance is not guaranteed, and they must continue to adapt if they want to remain competitive in the ever-evolving NBA landscape.

5. Looking Ahead: The Road to Redemption

As painful as the loss to the Celtics was, Curry’s comments indicated that he believes in the Warriors’ ability to bounce back. While the team’s struggles are evident, Curry’s leadership and unwavering confidence in his teammates remain a beacon of hope. “We’ve got the talent,” Curry said. “We just need to put it together. This is a long season, and there’s still a lot of basketball left to play.”

For the Warriors, the road to redemption begins with acknowledging their flaws. They must work on improving their defense, sharpening their offensive execution, and maintaining the team-first mentality that has been the hallmark of their success. It’s not going to be easy, but with Curry leading the charge, the Warriors have the potential to turn things around.

The defeat to the Celtics was a sobering moment for the Warriors, but it was also an opportunity for growth. Curry’s honesty and determination set the tone for the next steps. The Warriors will need to dig deep, rediscover their championship mindset, and learn from their mistakes. If they can do that, they may yet have another title run in them.