In a touching display of solidarity, the Golden State Warriors honored the memory of their beloved assistant coach, Dejan Milojević, who tragically passed away due to a heart attack. The team embarked on an emotional journey to cope with their loss, and their first game back since the devastating incident was nothing short of extraordinary.

Milojević, affectionately nicknamed the "Serbian Charles Barkley," was an integral part of the Warriors coaching staff for three seasons and played a crucial role in guiding the team to their 2022 NBA championship. Known for his passion and lighthearted approach, Milojević mentored key players like Dario Šarić, Kevon Looney, Draymond Green, and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis.

Beyond his impact on the Warriors, Milojević was a respected figure among European NBA players. He was a mentor to Serbian star Nikola Jokic, a two-time NBA MVP with the Denver Nuggets, as well as Slovenian sensation Luka Dončić.

Stephen Curry, the Warriors' star player, sought solace and guidance after the devastating loss. Coincidentally, three friends sent him the same Bible verse, which spoke about patience and waiting on the Lord during trials and tribulations. Curry reflected on this verse and its meaning during his mourning process.

The news of Milojević's passing deeply affected Curry, as he couldn't help but think of his own family after seeing the coach's wife and children in Utah. The loss hit home as he understood the importance of cherishing time with loved ones.

Milojević's wife, Natasa, and their children, Nikola and Masa, were all present in Salt Lake City to bid their final goodbyes. Milojević's dream was to coach in the NBA, allowing his children to pursue their dreams of attending college in the United States.

The Warriors organization rallied together to create a heartfelt tribute to their fallen comrade. During their game against the Atlanta Hawks, the team wore heart-shaped patches bearing Milojević's initials, "DM," on their jerseys. Additionally, a "DM" logo was placed on the court at Chase Center as a constant reminder of his impact. The players donned black T-shirts with the Serbian word for brother, "Brate," to honor their fallen colleague.

Warriors president Brandon Schneider credited senior vice president Amanda Chin for organizing the pregame tribute. Chin, along with her team, designed jerseys, court decals, and pins to honor Milojević. They also planned a video tribute featuring highlights and quotes from the players and social media posts.

The Serbian national anthem was played before "The Star-Spangled Banner," further emphasizing the strong Serbian connection within the NBA. Emotional moments were shared between players from both teams, including Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, who were visibly affected by the loss. Bogdan Bogdanović, a Serbian player on the Hawks, had planned to have dinner with Milojević before his untimely passing.

Despite the overwhelming emotions, Stephen Curry brought a sense of calmness to the court by sinking a three-pointer just 21 seconds into the game. The Warriors went on to secure a resounding 134-112 victory, providing some solace amidst the grief and turmoil the team has been experiencing.

Following their triumph, Curry expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to pay tribute to Milojević and shared that the game had helped the team navigate their immense loss. He acknowledged that basketball was a sanctuary and a way to honor their fallen coach.

The Golden State Warriors' tribute to Dejan Milojević exemplified the strength and unity within the team. As they continue to grieve, the impact of their late assistant coach will forever be remembered and cherished.