The Golden State Warriors seem a world away from the jubilant team that hoisted the NBA championship trophy just two years ago. Now, a mere whisper of their former dominance, they’re locked in a desperate fight for a play-in spot in a jam-packed Western Conference. Every game carries the weight of a potential season-ender, every mistake magnified under the harsh spotlight of their fading championship hopes.

On Wednesday night, the Warriors’ woes deepened with another self-inflicted wound. Just four minutes into their crucial matchup against the Orlando Magic, Draymond Green, a pivotal piece of their championship puzzle, found himself ejected from the game. This early exit came hot on the heels of renewed talks regarding Green’s previous suspension, adding a layer of frustration to an already tense situation. Considering their precarious position in the standings, losing a key player against a tough Eastern Conference opponent felt like a potential knockout blow.

The gravity of the situation wasn’t lost on Steph Curry, the Warriors’ undisputed leader. Cameras captured him visibly shaken, tears welling in his eyes as he watched Green storm off the court. For Curry, who has poured his heart and soul into this franchise, Green’s ejection symbolized another missed opportunity, another hurdle on their increasingly improbable path to the playoffs.

Oof. That’s the look of a man who seems to know he’s watching the end of a Golden Warriors era in real time while one of his teammates continually doesn’t have his eye on the prize. What a grim time for the Warriors.