Curry and Butler's SHOCKING STRUGGLE: Which Star Player Could Leave the Team for GOOD?

The Golden State Warriors (21-19) faced a disheartening defeat against the Atlanta Hawks (20-21) in their home arena, Chase Center, on Sunday, with a final score of 124-111. This loss marks a troubling trend for the Warriors, who are struggling to find their rhythm this season.

Despite the loss, Stephen Curry shone brightly with a game-high 31 points, and Jimmy Butler contributed substantially with 30 points. However, the rest of the Warriors' roster faltered significantly, collectively shooting just 21-of-50 from the field, including a dismal 5-of-25 from three-point range.

Warriors Struggle Beyond the Superstars

The disparity in performance was stark, as Curry and Butler alone accounted for 61 points on 21-of-40 shooting. In contrast, the remaining Warriors shot poorly, finishing 10-of-42 from beyond the arc. While the Hawks deserve credit for their defensive efforts, it's clear the Warriors must do better, especially when their core stars are drawing the defense's focus.

Interestingly, the Hawks employed a strategy rarely seen against elite scorers like Curry and Butler: they refrained from double-teaming them when mismatches arose. This allowed Curry and Butler to score, but it also meant fewer opportunities for their teammates to take advantage of open shots. The Warriors' inability to shoot effectively, even against a competent defense, raises concerns as they navigate the season.

This ongoing struggle highlights the need for the Warriors to bolster their roster. The persistent calls for acquiring Michael Porter Jr. seem more relevant than ever, as nights like these illustrate the potential pitfalls of relying solely on star players.

A Draft Decision That Haunts

The game also brought to the forefront the lingering ramifications of the Warriors’ 2020 draft decision to select James Wiseman second overall, bypassing dynamic talents like LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, and Tyrese Maxey. Although Wiseman was chosen to address the team’s need for a center, many analysts have speculated that the Warriors underestimated the potential impact of guards available at that time.

At that draft, they could have also considered Onyeka Okongwu, who was ultimately picked sixth overall. Okongwu's performance on Sunday was a reminder of what could have been for the Warriors. He registered 18 points, 12 rebounds, and a remarkable eight assists, showcasing his development into a legitimate starting center. In stark contrast, Wiseman is currently a free agent, leaving many to ponder how different the Warriors' season could have been with a player of Okongwu’s caliber on their roster.

The Hawks' Surprising Success Without Trae Young

Meanwhile, the Hawks' performance raised eyebrows, especially following their decision to trade Trae Young. Many anticipated that the team would struggle without him, but instead, they appeared more cohesive and effective. Dyson Daniels stepped up as the primary playmaker, contributing 11 points and nine assists while leading a balanced offensive attack.

Key performances from Jalen Johnson (23 points, 11 rebounds, six assists) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (24 points) further illustrated the Hawks' depth. While Luke Kennard added 22 points, newcomers Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum found their footing, blending well into the Hawks’ system even in their first game with the team.

The Hawks' improved performance has sparked discussion about the effectiveness of their current lineup without Young, particularly in terms of defensive efficiency. Statistical analysis from Cleaning the Glass indicates that the Hawks have been 15.6 points per 100 possessions better with Young off the court this season. This raises questions about the team's long-term strategy and their offensive identity moving forward.

In conclusion, the Warriors face critical decisions ahead as they navigate a challenging season characterized by roster shortcomings and strategic miscalculations. Meanwhile, the Hawks' success without their former superstar may redefine how they approach building their team in the future. As the season progresses, both teams will need to adapt quickly to avoid being left behind in an increasingly competitive landscape.