In a poignant tribute to their late assistant coach Dejan Milojevic, the Golden State Warriors coaching staff, led by head coach Steve Kerr, honored him with a heartfelt pregame ritual.
“Tonight was just about the emotion and just trying to get through it. I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but all the coaches took a shot of something called Rakija, which is before the game, which is a Serbian brandy.”
“So we all took a shot of that in Decky’s honor and we won, so we might have to keep doing that before every game.”
Steve Kerr says the whole coaching staff took a shot of Serbian liquor for Deki before tonight's game 🥃 pic.twitter.com/jsTW13tyGw
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 25, 2024
Kerr revealed that, in an emotional nod to Milojevic’s Serbian heritage, all the coaches took a shot of Rakija, a Serbian brandy, before the game as a tribute to their beloved colleague.
Kerr acknowledged the difficulty of the evening, emphasizing the emotional nature of the game dedicated to Coach Deki. The coaching staff’s gesture with Rakija, a Serbian tradition, was a symbolic and personal way to remember Milojevic, who passed away from a heart attack during a team dinner in Utah.
The pregame ceremony at the Chase Center was marked by deep emotions as the Warriors paid homage to Milojevic’s impact on the team. Players visibly moved, and participated in a video tribute, with several shedding tears for their late coach. The Warriors wore special jerseys with Milojevic’s name on the back during the game, emphasizing the profound loss felt by the team.
Kerr’s revelation about the Rakija ritual added a touch of camaraderie and shared grief within the coaching staff. The Warriors went on to win the game against the Atlanta Hawks, turning the emotional evening into a victory, prompting Kerr to humorously suggest that the Rakija tradition might continue before every game.
The celebration at the Chase Center wasn’t just about the game; it was a testament to the legacy of Dejan Milojevic. The players and coaching staff came together, not only to compete on the court but to honor a cherished member of their basketball family.
Warriors Return On Court With Victory Since Shocking Tragedy
In an emotionally charged return to the court after the shocking tragedy of assistant coach Dejan Milojevic’s passing, the Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a poignant 134-112 victory. The game marked the first for the Warriors since Milojevic’s sudden death from a heart attack during a team dinner in Salt Lake City, adding a somber atmosphere to the evening.
The pregame ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to Milojevic, who was affectionately known as “Deki.” Both teams stood united for the Serbian national anthem, honoring Milojevic’s heritage, and each Warrior player placed an extra jersey with Milojevic’s name on the back on one of the coaching chairs. Special black T-shirts with the word “BRATE,” meaning “brother” in Serbian, were draped over the seats, emphasizing the strong bond shared by the team.
Amidst the grief, the Warriors found solace and strength on the court. The Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson led the way with 25 and 24 points, respectively. Young talent Jonathan Kuminga delivered an outstanding performance, making all 11 of his shots and tying a franchise record with a perfect shooting night.
The emotional rollercoaster of the past week was evident as players and coaches wore T-shirts bearing Milojevic’s signature greeting, “BRATÉ,” during pre-game warmups. The atmosphere in the Chase Center was a mix of sorrow and resilience, with both teams donning the tribute shirts in solidarity.
The victory served as a powerful tribute to Milojevic’s legacy, with the players and coaching staff demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. As the Warriors navigated the game, it became a collective expression of love for their late assistant coach. The emotional night emphasized the impact Milojevic had on the Warriors’ family, creating a lasting memory that transcended the basketball court.
“Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support”
