With just two games remaining in the regular season, the Western Conference standings are razor-thin, and any team could find itself moving from a playoff spot to the play-in tournament. In this high-stakes scenario, the Golden State Warriors let a crucial opportunity slip through their fingers, falling 114-111 to the San Antonio Spurs. After the loss, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a> delivered a direct message to his teammates, emphasizing the importance of finishing strong in their final games.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors">Warriors</a> squandered a double-digit lead for the first time since Jimmy Butler joined the franchise. The defeat not only cost them the sixth seed but dropped them to seventh, putting them in the play-in zone.



Curry made it clear that the team must rise to the occasion in their last two games to prove they’re playoff-ready. “A good team takes care of business the next two and goes from there. We have to prove we’re a good team,” Curry told reporters in the post-game press conference.



“We know where we’re at,” Curry continued. “We know that every game is important. It’s been important over the last two weeks, and we’ve done a lot to give ourselves a chance to climb pretty high considering where we were before the trade deadline. And [losing] these last two home games sucks, like for different reasons”.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250410_BUS_374354_curry-22-1024x576_55f40e82.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-374385" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/10185311/curry-22-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/10185311/curry-22-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/10185311/curry-22-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/10185311/curry-22-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/10185311/curry-22-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/10185311/curry-22-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/10185311/curry-22-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/10185311/curry-22.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter at Chase Center. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Steve Kerr highlights key turning point in loss</h2>



The Warriors struggled mightily whenever Curry was off the court. According to insider Anthony Slater, Golden State went -16 during non-Curry minutes. Head coach Steve Kerr pointed to these stretches as critical moments that swung the game.


 

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“I thought that was key to the game,” Kerr said, via Slater of The Athletic. “Top of the second, top of the fourth. We played two great quarters tonight, first quarter and third quarter“.



“And then both of those quarters, top of the second, top of the fourth, they blitzed us. I think they went 19-3 in the second quarter,” Kerr added. “And then to go into the fourth with a 12-point lead and then immediately, I think it was maybe a 12-4 start in the fourth. Those were the two key stretches of the game”.



<h2>Draymond Green’s honest take on the loss</h2>



Following the tough loss to the Spurs, Draymond Green didn’t hold back his frustration, calling out the team’s lack of focus. He highlighted their costly mistakes and expressed confidence that the Warriors would bounce back with the poise expected of a championship-caliber squad.



“We’re not children. We’re adults. Champions. We know what it takes,” Green said after the game. “We messed around with the game and we lost. That’s how it goes”.

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Warriors star Stephen Curry delivers clear message to teammates after shocking loss to Spurs - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/atlanta-hawks">Atlanta Hawks</a> have had an underwhelming season by most standards — but they’ve still punched a ticket to the Play-In Tournament. That raises a familiar question: should other teams fear them once the postseason lights come on? Are the Hawks a legitimate sleeper pick to make a run? There’s no better person to weigh in than their star point guard, Trae Young.



In a recent appearance on The Haynes Briefs Podcast with NBA insider Chris Haynes, Young offered an honest assessment of where the Hawks stand in the Eastern Conference.



“I understand the space that we’re in right now,” Young said, via Joshua Buckhalter of Soaring Down South. “There’s probably two — or maybe three — teams in the East that people really see as contenders. And for us, I don’t think we’re there yet, and I feel like that’s okay. I feel like here in a couple years we could be, or next year we could be.”



Still, Young believes this group has the potential to turn heads over the next few weeks. “That doesn’t mean we can’t go in and surprise people and make some noise,” he added. “But it’s about having the right mindset during this whole process and making sure we don’t lose sight of the bigger picture: getting better every day.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250410_BUS_374357_GettyImages-2202187206-1-1024x576_7b96209c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Davion Mitchell #45 of the Miami Heat" class="wp-image-346607" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/01192243/GettyImages-2202187206-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/01192243/GettyImages-2202187206-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/01192243/GettyImages-2202187206-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/01192243/GettyImages-2202187206-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/01192243/GettyImages-2202187206-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/01192243/GettyImages-2202187206-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/01192243/GettyImages-2202187206-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/01192243/GettyImages-2202187206-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Davion Mitchell #45 of the Miami Heat</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Underdog mindset can be dangerous</h2>



This isn’t just wishful thinking. Recent history shows that low expectations can be a weapon. In 2023, the Miami Heat clawed their way into the playoffs through the Play-In and made a Cinderella run to the NBA Finals. The 2021 Hawks, led by a younger <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/trae-young">Young</a>, shocked the league by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals as a fifth seed.


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Teams that enter the postseason without the weight of expectation often play freer, looser, and with more belief — and that mentality can be lethal when the game slows down in the playoffs.



<h2>Offensive firepower still runs through young</h2>



At the heart of Atlanta’s chances is Trae Young himself — a proven offensive engine. His ability to shoot from deep, orchestrate pick-and-rolls, and create off the dribble makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether it’s a late-clock isolation or a momentum-shifting three, Young has the ability to take over.



Say what you will about him, but Young has consistently shown he can deliver in tough environments, particularly in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> postseason.



<h2>The youth movement might be the x-factor</h2>



What could truly elevate the Hawks is the rise of their young core. Rookie wing Zaccharie Risacher has emerged as a versatile two-way contributor, providing shooting range and defensive presence that belies his age. His ability to guard multiple positions gives the Hawks a much-needed edge in matchup flexibility.


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Meanwhile, Dyson Daniels — acquired midseason — has injected life into the rotation with his defense, hustle, and pace. His ability to guard up and switch across positions adds a layer of toughness this team lacked early in the season.

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Can the Atlanta Hawks be a playoff threat? Trae Young weighs in - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> suffered a tough loss in a crucial play-in matchup on Wednesday night, falling 119-111 to the Chicago Bulls — a direct rival in the Eastern Conference standings. But despite the setback, there was a major bright spot for Miami: the return of Andrew Wiggins, a player who could become a pivotal postseason asset.



It’s been a frustrating stint for Wiggins in Miami so far, as the forward had missed the previous six games due to a hamstring injury. After Wednesday’s return, he spoke to the media in the locker room and shared his thoughts about getting back on the court. “I felt solid,” Wiggins told The Miami Herald. “If you’re out there on the court, then no complaints. You’ve got to be 100 percent, so I felt good.”



He added that the focus now is on continuing to build toward peak shape for the postseason. “Yeah, I mean, just rehabbing, putting in work, trying to fix the issue — and it feels good being back,” Wiggins said. “The team’s fighting. It’s a big game we lost, but we’ve just got to stay with it and believe in ourselves. The journey is going to be a little harder, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.”



<h2>Wiggins’ game vs the Bulls</h2>



Wiggins logged 27 minutes in his return, showing promising flashes of his all-around <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> game. He finished with 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-6 from deep, and added six rebounds, five assists, and one steal.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="559" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250410_BUS_374344_andrew-wiggins-1024x559_0de91f85.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=559" alt="andrew-wiggins" class="wp-image-371539" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06221814/andrew-wiggins-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06221814/andrew-wiggins-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06221814/andrew-wiggins-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06221814/andrew-wiggins-1536x838.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/06221814/andrew-wiggins.jpg 1980w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat looks to pass the ball during the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Kaseya Center on March 27, 2025 in Miami, Florida</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Season stats since arriving in Miami</h2>



Since joining the Heat, the 30-year-old forward has been a steady contributor. He’s currently averaging 19.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range. Those numbers not only provide scoring balance alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, but also inject NBA playoff-tested experience into a team looking for an edge in tight postseason matchups.


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<h2>Spoelstra on Wiggins’ Return</h2>



Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra gave <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/andrew-wiggins">Wiggins</a> credit for adjusting as the game went on. “He was better in the second half,” Spoelstra said postgame. “And look, it’s not easy being out and then all of a sudden going back in. If this was just a normal NBA game, he probably would’ve had a much better flow.”



Spoelstra also emphasized the intensity of the game, saying it resembled postseason basketball. “This had a playoff feel to it, but I thought in the second half he was getting his legs underneath him. Twenty-seven minutes — we’re fine with that. The trainers feel good about where he’s at. I think he’ll be much better going forward.”

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A bittersweet night unfolded at the American Airlines Center for Dallas Mavericks fans. While they honored their former star, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/luka-doncic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luka Doncic</a>, the team suffered a tough loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavs’ general manager, however, was the focal point of frustration among supporters. Now, a former NBA champion has shared a potential solution to mend the relationship between the Mavericks and their fanbase.



Harrison, in a surprising turn of events, believed that acquiring Anthony Davis would be the key to securing a playoff spot. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-mavericks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mavericks</a> are still in contention, but they now face the challenge of advancing through the Play-In Tournament.



When the trade for Davis was announced, the Mavericks appeared to be in a strong position. However, significant setbacks, including injuries to key players like Davis, have derailed their progress. With Doncic now back in Dallas, Harrison’s tenure as the team’s general manager appears increasingly uncertain.



In light of the current situation, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins offered a potential solution on ESPN, especially after the Phoenix Suns were eliminated from the playoffs. “There’s a way for Dallas to make this right,” Perkins said. “People feel like they didn’t get enough with Davis and that it might’ve been better to have Austin Reaves. But once the season ends, the Mavericks should go after Kevin Durant.“



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250410_BUS_374274_Kevin-Durant-1024x576_ef2f02a4.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-349077" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/05114248/Kevin-Durant-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/05114248/Kevin-Durant-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/05114248/Kevin-Durant-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/05114248/Kevin-Durant-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/05114248/Kevin-Durant-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/05114248/Kevin-Durant-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/05114248/Kevin-Durant-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/02/05114248/Kevin-Durant.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 16, 2023.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Perkins’ message to Harrison</h2>



Perkins has some advice for Mavericks general manager. Amid a challenging season for the Suns, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durant</a>’s struggles since his move from the Warriors, the prospect of reuniting Durant with Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis is becoming more intriguing.


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“That’s how you make it right if you’re Nico Harrison… Go get [Kevin Durant] to pair alongside [Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis],” Perkins said, addressing Harrison after the Mavericks’ setback against the Lakers, following the “Fire Nico” chants that echoed through the arena on Wednesday night.



<h2>Durant’s potential move to the Mavericks</h2>



Perkins raises an important point: after the Doncic trade, Mavericks fans are eager for another superstar to rally behind. Durant, one of the league’s premier players, might be a logical target after his less-than-successful stint with the Suns. The possibility of Durant joining the Mavericks next season could be a reality.



Reports suggest that the Suns might struggle to retain Durant after this season, due to complications with his contract and administrative issues. The early playoff exit could prompt Durant to explore his options, with a move to another team, like the Mavericks, seeming plausible.



This scenario is promising for the Mavericks. If Harrison wants to win back the support of the fans, he needs to fill the void left by Doncic. Durant could provide the missing piece for a franchise that hasn’t won an NBA title since the 2010-2011 season.


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Lakers star Luka Doncic opens up about his mindset after watching Mavericks’ tribute video

Nico Harrison could fix things at Mavs after Doncic trade by bringing one particular star, claims an NBA champ - Bolavip US

NBA champ claims that Nico Harrison could fix things at Mavs after Doncic trade

The NBA world was rocked by the unexpected firing of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone and General Manager Calvin Booth. While the team had struggled to meet preseason expectations, the move still came as a shock. In the wake of the decision, franchise star <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nikola-jokic">Nikola Jokic</a> sent a powerful warning to the league as the Nuggets gear up for the playoffs.



The firing of Malone, mere days before the postseason, was spearheaded by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets">Nuggets</a> owner Josh Kroenke. The team had endured a four-game losing streak that threatened their standing in the Western Conference. However, after a confidence-boosting 124-116 victory over the Sacramento Kings, Jokic made his stance clear about the team’s mindset heading into the playoffs.



“I think Josh [Kroenke] got the response that he wanted,” Jokic said after the win. “People say we are vulnerable, but the beast is always most dangerous when they’re vulnerable. So maybe he woke up the beast”.



Despite skepticism about how the Nuggets would fare without Malone, Jokic proved that his team remains formidable. The reigning MVP notched his 32nd triple-double of the season with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, demonstrating that Denver is anything but fragile following their coach’s departure.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250410_BUS_374280_Malone-Jokic-1024x576_16e321eb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-335917" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/13155220/Malone-Jokic-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/13155220/Malone-Jokic-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/13155220/Malone-Jokic-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/13155220/Malone-Jokic-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/13155220/Malone-Jokic-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/13155220/Malone-Jokic-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/13155220/Malone-Jokic-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/13155220/Malone-Jokic.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets high fives head coach Michael Malone on December 12, 2023. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Jokic acknowledges Malone’s firing is just business</h2>



Michael Malone’s 10-year tenure with the Nuggets helped transform Jokic into an MVP-caliber player and brought Denver its first <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> championship. Still, the Serbian star understands that Malone’s departure is part of the business.


 

 

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“Where I come from, it’s part of the sport. People come and go,” Jokic said. “It was 10 years with the coach, and we went through everything. We were bad, we won a championship. We have some great memories. But, you know, it’s part of the business”.



<h2>Kroenke about the decision to move on from Malone</h2>



While Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke didn’t give a detailed explanation for firing Malone, he addressed the timing of the move and its implications for the franchise’s goals. 



“This decision was not made lightly, and it was evaluated very carefully,” Kroenke said in a statement. “We are doing this with the goal of giving our team the best chance to compete for the 2025 NBA Championship and deliver another title to Denver and our fans everywhere”.



“While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, as Coach Malone played a pivotal role in building the foundation of our championship-caliber program, it is a necessary step to ensure we can compete at the highest level moving forward,” Kroenke continued. 


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“Championship-level standards and expectations remain for the current season, and as we look to the future, we aim to build on the foundation Malone laid during his record-breaking 10-year tenure in Denver,” he added.

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Nikola Jokic issues strong warning to the NBA after Nuggets fire head coach Michael Malone - Bolavip US

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NBA - Page 134

Warriors star Stephen Curry delivers clear message to teammates after shocking loss to Spurs

Can the Atlanta Hawks be a playoff threat? Trae Young weighs in

NBA News: Heat’s Andrew Wiggins opens up about how he feels in return from injury

NBA champ claims that Nico Harrison could fix things at Mavs after Doncic trade

Nikola Jokic issues strong warning to the NBA after Nuggets fire head coach Michael Malone