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Golden State Warriors paid an emotional tribute to their late assistant coach Dejan Milojevic in their first match after his death. Milojevic passed away last week at a team dinner in Salt Lake City. After the tragic incident, the Warriors decided to postpone their two games. As the team returned to play against the Atlanta Hawks, players from both sides stood on the sidelines as the Serbian National Anthem played in Milojevic’s honor.
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Warriors coach Steve Kerr led the ceremony and addressed the crowd at the Chase Center with Milojevic’s family in attendance. His speech was followed by a rousing standing ovation, instead of a moment of silence. In his remembrance speech, Kerr said, “ The world lost a beautiful soul last week. Deki was a wonderful friend, a hell of a basketball coach, a great man, and most importantly a beautiful grandson, son, husband, and father.”
He added, “'Rather than a moment of silence, I'd like you to join me in honoring Deki and his beautiful family... I'd like for all of us to give Deki an ovation that he can hear up in heaven.” During the pre-game ceremony, a picture of the late coach was displayed on the jumbotron before the game, with 'FOREVER OUR BROTHER' written. The tribute left the players including Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in tears.
The pre-game match also saw the Warriors players wearing t-shirts that read Brate, a Serbian word that means brother.
It’s been a very long week for everybody: Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, who finished with 25 points in the 134-112 victory, said, “It was tough. It’s been a very long week for everybody in our organization, understanding how we wanted to honor, and pay tribute to Deki and what he meant to our family. It’s tough looking over at his chair. But the coach challenged us to utilize all those emotions and get lost in the game. It was weird at first but this is our sanctuary."
He added, “We know Deki would like nothing more than to see us go out there and compete as best we can. It feels really good to get a win.”
Watch Steph Curry's post-game interview here:
Milojevic became the second Serbian assistant coach to win an NBA championship during his tenure with the Warriors.
