Game Recap
On Tuesday night in Memphis, Steph Curry delivered a standout performance by scoring 52 points and sinking 12 shots from beyond the arc. The Warriors edged a tough contest against the Grizzlies, finishing 134-125. This game served as a striking contrast to Curry’s previous appearance in Memphis, when he struggled to register a field goal and his team fell by 51 points.
During that earlier setback, frustration could have easily lingered. Instead, Curry brushed aside any residual disappointment. With laser focus on the magnitude of the game at hand, he set out to elevate his play. From the opening tip, Curry made a significant impact by making his first five attempts, which included four three-point strikes. By halftime he had accumulated 32 points, boasting an 11-of-16 shooting percentage overall and 8-of-10 from long distance, helping secure an early advantage for the Warriors.
Curry later reflected on that previous defeat when a reporter inquired if it motivated his performance. He mentioned that the memory had faded and his attention remained solely on tonight’s contest. The win was doubly important for Golden State. Not only did it propel them past Memphis to claim the fifth spot in the Western Conference, but it also extended their lead in the season series as they posted three wins out of four meetings, putting them ahead in the current standings.
This impressive night marked Curry’s 27th contest in which he made at least 10 shots from deep—a record that stands far above the mark set by a former teammate, who recorded nine such performances. According to recent research, this statistic reinforces his standing as the league’s premier marksman. With each three-pointer, Curry continued to solidify his role as the team’s offensive engine while his shooting record helped secure his name in record books.
After taking a week off near the end of last month to recover from a left pelvic bruise, Curry admitted that the break helped him both mentally and physically. “I feel like my rhythm is back, and the pause really did wonders for me,” he explained with a relaxed tone after the game. The protective pad he still wears is a small reminder of the injury, but it does little to hinder his performance, now in full stride.
Curry’s stat line—52 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists—also reached a landmark not seen by a Golden State player since Rick Barry’s 64-10-9 effort against Portland in March of 1974. In addition, tonight he surpassed a scoring milestone by overtaking a basketball legend to move into 25th place on the NBA all-time scoring list. He expressed genuine emotion about this milestone, recognizing its importance as a tribute to the legacy of the icon he had passed.
Team coach Steve Kerr was visibly impressed by Curry’s display of superior skill. Watching him operate against persistent defense throughout the game left Kerr astonished, especially during one play in the second quarter when Curry’s precision drew exclamations from the sidelines. “Fifty-two points while constantly facing tight coverage is something you don’t see every day. I have followed his play for over 11 years and that level of skill is remarkable,” Kerr commented after the game.
Longtime teammate Draymond Green offered his perspective on Curry’s performance, noting he had shared many memorable nights on the court over their 15 seasons together. When asked if this was his greatest game ever, Green quickly dismissed the notion, hinting that Curry has delivered many equally exciting displays in the past.
The night’s statistics and milestones underscore Curry’s unmatched scoring ability and leadership. The Warriors’ victory in Memphis reflects their collective efforts while further solidifying Curry’s place amongst the greats in basketball history.
