Imagine a basketball game where a team dominates despite missing their star player—sounds unlikely, right? But that’s exactly what happened when the Boston Celtics faced the Golden State Warriors on February 20, 2026. In a thrilling matchup, the Celtics secured a 121-110 victory, thanks in large part to Jaylen Brown’s stellar performance. Brown delivered his third triple-double of the season with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and a career-high 13 assists, showcasing why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. And here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this win marked Boston’s seventh in eight games, solidifying their momentum as a top contender.
But here’s where it gets controversial: the Warriors were without their two-time NBA MVP, Stephen Curry, who’s sidelined with a knee injury. Is Golden State truly a championship-caliber team without Curry? The stats don’t lie—they’re 6-11 this season when he’s absent. Meanwhile, the Celtics capitalized on his absence, with Payton Pritchard adding 26 points and Sam Hauser contributing 16. Even more poignant? The game marked former Celtic Kristaps Porzingis’s debut for Golden State, though his 12 points couldn’t prevent the loss. Porzingis, traded from Boston to Atlanta and then to the Warriors, has battled injuries, including a left Achilles issue, raising questions about his long-term impact.
The Celtics’ dominance was evident early, as they built a 30-point lead before the Warriors mounted a fourth-quarter comeback. Gary Payton II’s dunk brought Golden State within 12, but Pritchard’s back-to-back 3-pointers sealed the deal. Boston’s 17-2 run in the second quarter, fueled by drives past Porzingis, highlighted their strategic prowess. But is this Celtics team truly unstoppable, or did they simply exploit a Curry-less Warriors squad?
For Golden State, De’Anthony Melton led with 18 points, while Will Richard and Gui Santos added 17 each. Yet, without Curry, their offense lacked the spark that defines their championship identity. As the Celtics prepare to face the Lakers in Los Angeles and the Warriors host Denver, one question lingers: Can Golden State rebound without their star, or is their season destined to hinge on Curry’s return?
What do you think? Is Golden State a contender without Curry, or is their success entirely dependent on his presence? Share your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
