On November 26, 2023, in a thrilling matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, Steph Curry made history by surpassing Michael Jordan for the most 40-point games after turning 30. With a stunning performance that included 12 three-pointers and 48 points, Curry’s efforts were not enough to secure a victory, as the Warriors lost 136-131.
Curry’s achievement places him in an exclusive category, as he has now recorded 45 games with at least 40 points since reaching the age of 30. This accomplishment puts him ahead of Jordan’s 44 games, while other notable players like Damian Lillard and Kobe Bryant trail significantly with 31 and 30, respectively. The record for most games with 12 three-pointers remains firmly in Curry’s hands, with five such games compared to Klay Thompson‘s three.
Despite Curry’s remarkable scoring, the Golden State Warriors’ struggles continued. The team has now posted a disappointing 5-9 record in “clutch” games, defined by the NBA as contests where the score is within five points in the final five minutes. Although Curry’s late-game performance included a missed layup and a crucial turnover, he has consistently been the standout player for the Warriors this season, even as the team navigates a challenging start with a record of 13-14.
Turnovers have been a persistent issue, with the Warriors committing 18 against the Blazers. Rebounding is another area of concern, as the team ranks 19th in the league despite facing significant injuries among their big men. Additionally, the Warriors’ struggles to create effective shots inside the arc are highlighted by their ranking as the lowest in the league for two-point shots made per game.
The defensive weaknesses of the Warriors became evident against a younger and more athletic Blazers team. Players like Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jerami Grant exploited mismatches, showcasing the Warriors’ difficulties in containing dribble-drive threats. With only one wing player, Moses Moody, under the age of 25, and another, Jonathan Kuminga, sidelined, the team’s challenges in defense were apparent.
As the season progresses, head coach Steve Kerr faces the daunting task of addressing these issues. “Curry might have had a couple of late-game blunders,” he said, “but we’ve got to find a way to connect the game. That’s my job.” Kerr expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity, noting that when a team makes 24 three-pointers, including 12 from Curry, they should win.
Kerr’s coaching has been tested this season, already experimenting with nine different starting lineups. The lack of consistency has affected the team’s defensive performance, allowing over 120 points in consecutive losses after previously holding opponents under 100.
In the aftermath of the loss, Curry acknowledged the need for improvement. “We’re not executing well enough for 48 minutes,” he stated, emphasizing a collective responsibility for the team’s struggles. His teammate Draymond Green echoed this sentiment, asserting that changes are necessary until the team finds a winning formula.
As the Warriors continue their season, they will need to address these challenges quickly. While Curry’s historic accomplishments shine brightly in the record books, the team’s overall performance remains a source of concern, leaving fans wondering how they can capitalize on their star player’s phenomenal talent.
