The Golden State Warriors suffered a 113–94 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night at Chase Center, highlighting their ongoing struggle to perform without Stephen Curry. The game’s pivotal moment came early in the third quarter when the 76ers unleashed a 12–0 run that Golden State could never overcome.
During this period, the Warriors shot just 30% overall and managed only four made three-pointers on 14 attempts. With six offensive rebounds given up and only two points scored inside the paint, the team’s energy appeared depleted, allowing Philadelphia to dominate the possession battle and build a decisive lead.
Head coach Steve Kerr expressed frustration, stating,
“They got every offensive rebound, then we turn it over 20 times, there’s no way you can win a game losing the possession battle like that. I was disappointed with the overall effort,”
highlighting the team’s failure to maintain intensity.
Offensive Creation Severely Hampered Without Key Players
Tuesday’s contest further exposed how crucial Stephen Curry’s presence is to the Warriors’ offense. Missing alongside Curry were Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga, who also contribute significantly to scoring and playmaking. The team’s limited aggression was evident in their remarkably low free-throw attempts, with only two shots from the line—the fewest by any NBA team this season.
Golden State became the first team in NBA history to end a game with 30 or fewer two-point attempts and 10 or fewer free-throw attempts, a clear sign of the offense’s lack of rim pressure. Without Butler or Kuminga, no player consistently challenged the defense by driving to the basket, leaving the offense stagnant.
The Warriors struggled to find leadership on the floor as the two guards expected to manage the offense without Curry, Pat Spencer and Brandin Podziemski, combined for nine turnovers and only five assists. Much of the offense clung to three-point shooting, which initially looked effective as the team connected on eight triples in the first quarter, but the streak fizzled with no adjustment once the shots stopped falling.
Ultimately, the Warriors managed just 30 paint points, underscoring their inability to penetrate and create higher percentage scoring opportunities.
Starting Lineup Collapses in Absence of Curry
The team’s usual starting group struggled heavily without Curry. The lineup featuring Curry, Moody, Podziemski, Green, and Horford typically boasts a strong plus-32.4 net rating, but when Curry was sidelined, the revamped starting five’s offensive rating plunged.
Coach Kerr acknowledged the urgent need to reassess the lineup, explaining,
“I have to re-evaluate the lineup, obviously. That group to start the game and the second half couldn’t score. We won’t start the same way next game — we’ve gotta make some changes there. We’re gonna have to sort through some of these combinations and rotations.”
Both teams were missing key stars, including the 76ers’ Joel Embiid and Paul George, as well as the Warriors’ Curry, Butler, and Kuminga. While the Warriors contained Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey to 14 points on 33.3% shooting, Philadelphia found production elsewhere, most notably from rookie V.J. Edgecombe, who tallied 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals over 40 minutes.
No Warrior scored more than 13 points, with Gui Santos and Pat Spencer sharing the team-high mark. The Warriors’ glaring deficiency in generating offense without their top scorers highlights the critical importance of Curry and the others’ returns, expected as soon as Thursday’s game in Phoenix. Moreover, the urgency to acquire another playmaker before the trade deadline is clear.
Trade Rumors and Team Morale Impact Performance
Amid swirling trade discussions involving Draymond Green, there was speculation that these distractions may have dampened the team’s energy on the court. Kerr observed after the game,
“This was not a good vibe for us tonight, but it doesn’t matter what the trade chatter is — it’s everyone’s job to come and bring the energy, bring the fight. The first five minutes, we had guys turning it over and not running back, sulking. It’s about competing, and you have to establish that. That was the most disappointing part about tonight’s game for me.”
Green himself reflected on his situation with a sense of nostalgia and finality, stating,
“I don’t know that it ends at 13 and a half, but if it does, what a f**king run it has been. I’ll take the fine for it.”
Looking Ahead: Adjustments and Returns Crucial for Warriors
The Warriors’ performance on Tuesday underscored their deep reliance on Stephen Curry and other primary creators to maintain offensive fluidity and competitiveness. As they approach the trade deadline, their clear struggle to generate quality looks without key players puts pressure on management to explore moves that will enhance shot creation.
With Curry and Kuminga possibly returning within days, Golden State faces decisions on rotations and potential acquisitions that will define their trajectory in the remainder of the season. Coach Kerr’s plans to reshape the lineup signify a critical juncture as they attempt to regain momentum and avoid further setbacks in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed disappointment with Golden State’s effort against Philadelphia. Unsure if trade deadline played a role.
“That was not a game we can repeat. … We’ve got to bring the juice, bring the energy and bring the competitive spirit.”
More: pic.twitter.com/eC9wQQ6PA1
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) February 4, 2026
Draymond Green on possibility that was his last game with the Warriors: “If it ends, what a f****** run it has been.”
He said he would not be “upset” if they trade him “if that’s what’s best for this organization.” pic.twitter.com/lhCx8OTfst
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 4, 2026
