Golden State Warriors Point Guard Stephen Curry turned back the clock Tuesday night on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies. He finished with 52 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 12 made three-pointers in a thrilling 130-125 win. Curry became the first player in league history with 45+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 5+ steals, and 10+ threes. He needed only three quarters to put up that statline.
It was his 27th career game with 10+ threes. Curry came out of the gates firing on all cylinders and never looked back. He became the oldest player in league history with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 made three-pointers in a quarter. Curry accomplished this in the first quarter of the game.
The future Hall of Famer had 32 points and 8 made three-pointers at the half. He was on pace to break his record of 13 made three-pointers in a game and the all-time mark of 14 made three-pointers set by former teammate Klay Thompson. Even though Curry did not reach either mark, the best shooter of all time put on a show. Will Curry be able to continue playing well as the Golden State Warriors enter a crucial stretch to conclude the regular season?
Golden State Warriors Season Summary
The Golden State Warriors, and Curry in particular, have been revitalized by Jimmy Butler coming to town in February. The Warriors went from a team with no chance to be a threat in the Western Conference to one that will be dangerous in the NBA Playoffs. They are 18-2 when Butler and Curry have played together.
Tuesday night’s win improved Golden State’s record to 44-31. They overtook Memphis for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. Golden State’s offense, Tuesday night notwithstanding, has been mediocre. They are 18th in points scored, 26th in field goal percentage, and 16th in three-point percentage.
Even though the Memphis Grizzlies cut through the Golden State defense like a hot knife through butter, defense has been the team’s calling card this year. The Golden State Warriors are eighth in points allowed, 12th in opposing field goal percentage, and 19th in opposing three-point percentage.
Final Thoughts
Golden State and Curry return to the court Thursday night for a marquee matchup on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers. Curry and LeBron James, the defining players of the era, may not have many more matchups against one another. Whenever they face off, it is must-see TV. Thursday’s game is another example of that.
Even though Golden State has been one of the best teams over the last month, they will be fighting to escape the NBA Play-In Tournament. The Warriors have lost in that format and missed the NBA Playoffs. With a veteran-laden team, the team must escape the play-in and get some rest heading into what they hope is a deep playoff run.
