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Full Breakdown

Warriors Fall to Hawks in 124-111 Defeat

1/12/2026, 8:52:18 PM

Game Overview: Hawks Dominate Warriors

On January 11, 2026, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Atlanta Hawks at Chase Center, suffering a 124-111 defeat that halted their momentum after winning eight of their previous eleven games. Despite strong performances from Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, who combined for 61 points, the Warriors struggled to maintain control against a well-rounded Hawks team that showcased depth and defensive prowess.

Key Performers: Standout Contributions

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 24 points, while Jalen Johnson contributed 23 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Luke Kennard added a season-high 22 points off the bench, shooting six three-pointers. For the Warriors, Curry scored 31 points, and Butler added 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. However, the rest of the Warriors roster struggled, with De’Anthony Melton being the only other player to reach double digits with 10 points.

Turning Point: Third Quarter Collapse

The game shifted significantly during the third quarter. After a brief Warriors surge that cut the Hawks' lead to one point, Golden State was outscored 24-9 for the remainder of the quarter, leading to a 16-point deficit. The Warriors committed five turnovers in this period, allowing the Hawks to capitalize with 13 points off those mistakes. Overall, Golden State finished the game with 16 turnovers, resulting in 28 points for Atlanta.

Official Statements & Responses

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the Hawks' superior performance, stating, “They just played a great game. We couldn’t turn them over. They shot it lights out.” Curry echoed this sentiment, noting the difficulty in penetrating the Hawks' defense, which featured lengthy and athletic players. He remarked, “We struggled to get paint touches tonight... they were able to keep five bodies on bodies.”

Criticism & Opposition: Accountability for the Loss

Following the game, Butler emphasized the need for accountability among the team, stating, “A lot of miscues... we just didn’t guard anybody. Low effort game, which can’t happen at home.” He highlighted the importance of collective effort, urging teammates to impact the game even when their shots aren’t falling.

What's Next: Upcoming Challenges

The Warriors, now 21-19, will look to rebound as they host the Portland Trail Blazers on January 13, 2026. With the NBA trade deadline approaching on February 5, the Warriors may seek to bolster their roster to address their current shortcomings, particularly in depth and shooting efficiency.

Conclusion: A Need for Improvement

The loss to the Hawks serves as a stark reminder of the Warriors' vulnerabilities, particularly their reliance on Curry and Butler for scoring. As they prepare for their next matchup, the team must address their turnover issues and seek to enhance their overall performance to remain competitive in the Western Conference playoff race.