Warriors Return to Court, Honor 'Brother' Milojevic

Warriors Pay Tribute

The Golden State Warriors returned to the court after the death of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic and honored their 'brother' in a pregame ceremony. The team stood side by side with the Atlanta Hawks wearing matching shirts that read 'Brate', the Serbian word for 'brother'. The shirts featured a heart with the initials 'DM' and Milojevic's nickname 'Deki'.

Before the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr encouraged his team to 'dive in headfirst and get lost in the game' as a way to cope with their grief. Kerr commended his players for their efforts to make the transition and settle into the game.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic and Houston Rockets center Boban Marjanovic also wore the tribute shirts in their respective games to honor Milojevic.

Remembering Milojevic

During the pregame ceremony, Kerr addressed the fans at Chase Center and asked them to join him in honoring Milojevic, describing him as a positive presence and 'like my older brother'. The tribute included a minute-long ovation and the playing of the Serbian national anthem.

Warriors players took off their tribute jerseys and placed them on the seat that Milojevic sat in during his time with the team. They were joined by his family, who were presented with a bouquet of white roses. Klay Thompson, in particular, expressed his love for Milojevic's family, calling him a beloved member of the team.

Getting Lost in the Game

Despite the emotional weight, the Warriors followed Kerr's advice and tried to focus on the game. Although tears were shed and emotions ran high, the players did their best to get lost in the competition. Kerr acknowledged that playing was a way for the team to temporarily escape the sorrow they had all felt during the past week.

The Warriors secured a 134-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in their first game back. It was a bittersweet moment for the team as they honored Milojevic's memory while showcasing their determination on the court.