The Boston Celtics’ domination overcame the Warriors, resulting in their worst home loss since the Steve Kerr era.

In the heart of the NBA season, the Golden State Warriors, one of the most iconic franchises of the last decade, faced an unexpected and crushing defeat. The Warriors, a team that has long been led by the sharpshooting prowess of Stephen Curry, the defense of Draymond Green, and the experience of Klay Thompson, suffered their worst home loss since Steve Kerr took over as head coach. In a performance that stunned fans and analysts alike, the Warriors were completely dominated by the Boston Celtics in a game that ended with a 133-88 scoreline, marking a new low in the Steve Kerr era.

This loss was not just about the score. It was about the way the game unfolded. The Warriors, who have been synonymous with offensive brilliance, couldn’t get anything going. Their defense, once among the best in the league, was porous and uninspired. The Celtics, who have been one of the top teams in the NBA this season, took full advantage of the Warriors’ disarray. For Golden State, the game served as a reminder that despite their success, they are not invincible.

Let’s take a deep dive into what went wrong for the Warriors, the lessons they may need to learn from this disastrous loss, and what comes next for a team trying to reclaim its championship aspirations.

1. A Horrific Start to the Game

From the moment the ball was tipped, it was clear the Warriors were in trouble. The Celtics came out with a level of energy and precision that the Warriors simply couldn’t match. The game quickly slipped away from Golden State as the Celtics went on a scoring spree, leading 30-15 at the end of the first quarter. The difference in intensity between the two teams was palpable—Boston’s defense was suffocating, and their offense was clicking on all cylinders.

The Warriors, on the other hand, were disjointed. Their once-fluid offense was stagnant, with each possession looking more forced than the last. There was no movement off the ball, no space to operate, and, most importantly, no rhythm. The Celtics made it clear that they were not going to allow the Warriors to get easy looks, closing out on shooters and locking down driving lanes.

2. The Celtics’ Offensive Onslaught

Boston’s offense was firing on all cylinders. Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ star forward, was spectacular, scoring at will and pulling defenders away from the basket with his perimeter shooting. Tatum’s ability to shoot from long-range while also attacking the rim made him nearly impossible to defend. Jaylen Brown, too, had a strong game, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. The Celtics were also getting contributions from their bench, as players like Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart stepped up to extend the lead.

The Warriors couldn’t find a way to stop the Celtics’ offense. The Celtics were not just scoring efficiently; they were doing so with incredible consistency. They shot 54.5% from the field, including 42% from three-point range, and kept the Warriors on their heels the entire game. The Warriors were unable to disrupt Boston’s ball movement, and as a result, the Celtics scored with ease, often getting open looks from deep or high-percentage shots in the paint.

3. Defensive Breakdown for Golden State

One of the most alarming aspects of the Warriors’ performance was their defensive breakdown. The Warriors have been known for their defense, especially with Draymond Green at the helm. However, in this game, their defensive schemes were ineffective, and they were unable to contest shots or provide proper help on drives to the basket.

The Celtics exploited mismatches, with Tatum and Brown taking advantage of the Warriors’ defenders. Green, typically a defensive maestro, couldn’t keep up with the physicality of the Celtics’ wings. The Warriors also struggled to close out on shooters, leaving open shots from three-point range that the Celtics capitalized on.

Another issue was the Warriors’ inability to defend without fouling. The Celtics, recognizing the Warriors’ struggles, got to the free-throw line often, converting 18 of 20 attempts. Golden State’s defense simply didn’t have the requisite energy or discipline to slow down Boston’s offensive juggernaut.

4. Offensive Woes: Curry, Thompson, and Green Struggle

For the Warriors, their offensive struggles were equally concerning. Stephen Curry, who has carried this team for years, was unable to find his rhythm. Curry finished the game with just 14 points on 6-of-18 shooting, including 2-of-9 from three. He couldn’t break free from Boston’s defense, and when he did have open looks, they didn’t fall. This performance was uncharacteristic of Curry, and it further emphasized how vital his presence is for the Warriors’ success.

Klay Thompson, another key piece of the Warriors’ offense, had his own struggles. Thompson finished the game with just 9 points on 3-of-10 shooting. His inability to get going in the game was one of the key reasons the Warriors were unable to mount a comeback. Thompson, who has been recovering from multiple injuries over the past few seasons, hasn’t quite returned to his old self, and this game was another reminder of that.

Draymond Green, who is typically known for his defensive versatility, playmaking, and leadership, also had an off night. Green finished with only 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 31 minutes of play. His usually high energy was missing, and his inability to provide an offensive spark added to the Warriors’ woes. Green is a critical part of the Warriors’ system, but his struggles in this game showed that even the most reliable veterans are vulnerable on the wrong night.

5. The Role of the Warriors’ Bench

Another aspect of the game that contributed to the Warriors’ downfall was the lack of production from their bench. The Warriors have been able to rely on their young players in previous games, but this time around, their bench failed to provide the necessary spark. Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and James Wiseman all struggled to make an impact. Moody, for instance, had a poor shooting night and finished with just 4 points. Kuminga and Wiseman, both of whom have shown flashes of potential, were also ineffective against the Celtics.

Without strong contributions from the bench, the Warriors were forced to rely heavily on their starters, which exacerbated the team’s struggles. Fatigue set in as the game wore on, and the Warriors had no fresh legs to provide relief.

6. Coaching and Adjustments: What Went Wrong?

Steve Kerr, who has led the Warriors to multiple championships, was unable to find the right solutions on this night. While Kerr has been praised for his ability to make in-game adjustments throughout his coaching career, this game showed that even the best coaches can struggle when their team is outmatched in every aspect.

Kerr made several rotations throughout the game in an attempt to spark his team, but nothing seemed to work. His decision to play Green alongside other forwards was ineffective against the Celtics’ dynamic offense. Additionally, Kerr’s choice to give extended minutes to the younger players on the roster didn’t pay off. The Warriors’ lack of defensive intensity and offensive cohesion seemed to stem from poor execution of Kerr’s game plan.

While Kerr will certainly take the blame for not making the right adjustments, this loss was largely about the Warriors’ inability to perform to their usual standards. A coaching staff can only do so much if the players on the floor are not executing.

7. Implications for the Warriors Moving Forward

This loss to the Celtics represents a wake-up call for the Warriors. They have shown that, despite their championship pedigree, they are vulnerable, particularly on defense and when their stars aren’t firing on all cylinders. This game highlighted several areas of concern that the team must address before the postseason.

7.1. Trading for Depth

One potential move for the Warriors is to explore trades to shore up their bench and add depth. They need reliable contributors who can step up when the starters struggle, particularly in games like this one. The front office may look to add another big man to help with rebounding and interior defense, or they might seek out a bench scorer to relieve some pressure from Curry and Thompson.

7.2. Health and Consistency

Another key factor for the Warriors moving forward is the health of their key players. Curry, Thompson, and Green are all nearing the twilight of their careers, and their bodies have taken a lot of wear and tear over the years. The Warriors need to find a way to keep their core players healthy and consistent throughout the season to maximize their championship window.

7.3. Defensive Identity

The Warriors have long prided themselves on their defense, and that must return to being a focal point of their play if they want to contend for another championship. They need to improve their defense against elite offensive teams like the Celtics and regain the form that made them a dominant force for years.