On March 17, 2024, Stephen Curry etched his name into NBA history by surpassing Michael Jordan for the most 40-point games after the age of 30. During a competitive match against the Portland Trail Blazers, Curry scored 48 points, including a remarkable twelve three-pointers. Despite this record-breaking performance, the Golden State Warriors fell to the Blazers, losing 136-131.
Curry’s achievement places him in an elite category. He now holds the record with 45 games scoring 40 points or more after turning 30, surpassing Jordan’s previous mark of 44. Other notable players in this statistic include Damian Lillard with 31 games and Kobe Bryant with 30. Furthermore, Curry’s twelve three-pointers contribute to his record of games with a dozen threes, a feat he has accomplished five times, while teammate Klay Thompson follows with three.
Warriors Struggle Despite Curry’s Brilliance
Despite Curry’s individual success, the Warriors’ continued struggles in “clutch” situations have become a pressing concern. With a record of 5-9 in games defined by the NBA as close contests—where the score is within five points in the final five minutes—the team has struggled to capitalize on close opportunities. In the latest game, Curry’s late-game missed layup and turnover were pivotal, but they are not solely to blame for the team’s overall performance.
Throughout the season, turnovers have been a persistent issue for the Warriors. In the loss to the Blazers, the team committed a staggering 18 turnovers. Additionally, rebounding has been a challenge, as the Warriors currently rank 19th in that category, a notable feat given their injuries in the frontcourt. The team also struggles to create effective shots inside the arc, ranking last in the league with an average of 23.7 two-point shots made per game.
Defensively, the Warriors have had difficulty containing opponents, particularly younger and more athletic teams. Against the Blazers, players like Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant exploited defensive lapses, taking advantage of slow rotations and mismatches. Coach Steve Kerr characterized the game as yet another missed opportunity, emphasizing the need for better team cohesion.
Addressing the Team’s Challenges
As the Warriors navigate a challenging season, Kerr faces a difficult task in improving the team’s performance. With nine different starting lineups in as many games, the lack of consistency has affected the Warriors’ defensive capabilities. After previously holding opponents under 100 points in three consecutive games, the team has recently allowed over 120 points in back-to-back losses.
In his post-game comments, Curry pointed out that the players must take responsibility for their performance. “We’re not executing well enough for 48 minutes,” he stated. Meanwhile, Draymond Green, who returned to the lineup after an absence, defended Kerr, arguing that adjustments are necessary whenever the team is not winning. “Until we figure it out, he’s going to be changing things, as he should,” Green noted.
As the Warriors look ahead, the urgency to resolve these issues increases. With a current record of 13-14, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Curry can continue to elevate his scoring while the team finds a way to convert those individual efforts into victories.
