With a remarkable performance on Sunday night, Steph Curry solidified his place in NBA history by surpassing Michael Jordan for the most 40-point games scored after turning 30. During a clash against the Portland Trail Blazers, Curry’s 48-point outing, which included a staggering twelve three-pointers, was not enough to secure victory for the Golden State Warriors, who lost 136-131.
Curry’s achievement marks a significant milestone, elevating his total to 45 games with at least 40 points since reaching the age of 30. Jordan’s previous record stood at 44. This season alone, Curry has already accumulated four of these high-scoring games. Other notable players, including Damian Lillard and Kobe Bryant, trail behind with 31 and 30 such games respectively.
Despite Curry’s record-breaking performance, the Warriors continue to struggle. In what the NBA defines as “clutch” situations, where the score is within five points in the final five minutes, the team has managed only five wins against nine losses this season. Although Curry did miss a layup and committed a turnover in the closing moments of the game, the team’s broader issues remain a concern.
The Warriors’ current record stands at 13-14, a disappointing start for a team with championship aspirations. Turnovers have been a persistent problem, with the team committing 18 against the Blazers. Rebounding is another area of concern; the Warriors rank 19th in the league, a surprising statistic given the injuries they have faced in their frontcourt.
In terms of offensive strategy, the Warriors find themselves last in the league for two-point shots made per game, averaging just 23.7. The lack of athleticism on the roster has hindered their ability to create scoring opportunities inside the arc. Coach Steve Kerr faces the challenge of addressing these shortcomings while managing a team that has seen nine different starting lineups in as many games.
Reflecting on the loss, Kerr characterized the game as another missed opportunity. He acknowledged that with Curry hitting 12 of the team’s 24 three-pointers, the expectation was to win. “We’ve got to find a way to connect the game. That’s my job,” he stated. Despite the team’s struggles, Kerr expressed belief in their potential, emphasizing that they have enough talent to improve.
Curry also weighed in, attributing the defeats to a lack of execution over the full 48 minutes. “There’s a lot of things you can point at,” he remarked, indicating that the problems extend beyond just one player’s performance.
Defensive lapses have been evident in recent games, particularly against a younger and more athletic Blazers team that exploited Golden State’s weaknesses effectively. Players like Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jerami Grant capitalized on slow defensive rotations, underscoring the Warriors’ ongoing issues at both ends of the court.
Following the game, Draymond Green, who returned from injury, defended Kerr’s leadership. He acknowledged the need for changes given the team’s current performance, asserting that adjustments are necessary until they can achieve consistent success. “If you’re not winning, you have to change something,” Green said.
As the Warriors navigate through a challenging season, Curry’s scoring prowess continues to shine, but without a collective effort, the team risks further losses despite individual achievements. The upcoming games will be crucial as they seek to regroup and address the multitude of issues affecting their performance.
