In a remarkable display of scoring prowess, Steph Curry shattered a long-standing record previously held by Michael Jordan during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 26, 2023. Despite Curry’s impressive performance of 48 points and a record-setting 12 three-pointers, the Golden State Warriors fell short, losing 136-131.
Curry’s achievement places him in an elite category, as he now holds the record for the most 40-point games after turning 30, surpassing Jordan with a total of 45. His scoring ability at this advanced stage of his career stands out among basketball greats, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and current player Damian Lillard, each of whom has fewer such games.
Warriors Struggle Despite Curry’s Brilliance
Although Curry’s individual accolades are significant, they highlight a persistent issue for the Warriors: despite his exceptional performances, the team continues to struggle in tightly contested matches. Currently, Golden State holds a record of 5-9 in “clutch” games, defined by the NBA as contests where the score is within five points during the final five minutes.
In this latest game, Curry did not escape criticism entirely, as he committed a missed layup and a late turnover. Nevertheless, his efforts throughout the season have been overshadowed by a broader pattern of inconsistency within the team. Golden State’s poor performance in clutch situations has been exacerbated by a lack of execution and high turnover rates, with the team recording 18 turnovers against the Blazers.
Rebounding has also become a significant challenge for the Warriors, who currently rank 19th in that category, a statistic made more troubling by the injuries impacting their frontcourt. Additionally, the team’s offensive struggles are evident, as they rank last in the league for 2-point shots made per game, averaging just 23.7.
Coaching Challenges and Team Dynamics
Coach Steve Kerr faces a daunting task in addressing the team’s shortcomings. Following the loss to the Blazers, he expressed frustration over missed opportunities, noting, “When you make 24 threes, and Steph makes 12 of them, you should win the game.” Kerr took responsibility for the team’s struggles, stating that he must find a way to “connect the game” effectively, as the Warriors’ record of 13-14 reflects underutilization of their talent.
The Warriors have dealt with significant lineup changes this season, utilizing nine different starting lineups in as many games. This lack of continuity has particularly affected their defensive capabilities, resulting in back-to-back games where they allowed over 120 points after previously holding opponents under 100 points for three consecutive games.
Curry, reflecting on the team’s performance, pointed to a lack of execution, saying, “We’re not executing well enough for 48 minutes, and there’s a lot of things you can point at.” Meanwhile, Draymond Green, who returned to the lineup, defended Kerr’s decisions, stating, “If you’re not winning, you have to change something.”
As the Warriors continue to adjust their strategy and player rotations, the pressure mounts to translate individual brilliance into team success. Until the issues are resolved, the Warriors may face additional challenges, even as Curry adds to his scoring legacy.
