Curry Breaks Jordan’s Record, But Warriors Fall to Blazers

Stephen Curry made history on December 10, 2023, by surpassing Michael Jordan for the most 40-point games after turning 30, achieving 45 such games with a remarkable performance against the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite his impressive tally of 48 points and a record-breaking 12 three-pointers, the Golden State Warriors fell short, losing 136-131.

Curry’s achievement places him in an exclusive category. With nearly 5,000 players having competed in the NBA, none have matched his scoring prowess at an advanced age. Other notable scorers, including Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Jordan himself, have not produced similar scoring binges after the age of 30. Curry’s impressive performance included four 40-point games this season alone.

In the game against the Blazers, Curry’s 12 three-pointers further extended his lead in the category, where he has five games with a dozen 3s. His closest competitor, Klay Thompson, has recorded three such games, while no other player has more than one. Despite this individual success, the Warriors’ struggles continued, marking their fifth loss in nine “clutch” games this season, defined by a score within five points in the final five minutes.

Curry acknowledged his mixed feelings about the recognition, stating, “Cool recognition and longevity. Obviously, I’d like to celebrate it with a win.” His sentiment reflects a growing concern for the Warriors, who have repeatedly seen standout performances from Curry overshadowed by team losses.

The issues plaguing the Warriors are multifaceted. Turnovers have been a significant problem, with the team committing 18 during the game against the Blazers. Additionally, rebounding has been a challenge, as the Warriors ranked 19th in that category. Their struggles are compounded by a lack of athleticism, evident in their last-place standing for 2-point shots made per game, averaging just 23.7.

Defensive weaknesses have also emerged, particularly against dribble-drive threats. The team’s demographic disadvantage, with young players, has made it difficult to maintain defensive integrity. The Blazers capitalized on these vulnerabilities, showcasing a more athletic lineup that exploited Golden State’s slow rotations.

Head Coach Steve Kerr faces the challenge of addressing these persistent issues. Following the game, he expressed his frustration, pointing to a lack of cohesion. “When you make 24 threes, and Steph makes 12 of them, you should win the game,” Kerr remarked, indicating his responsibility for the team’s performance. Kerr acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, “We’ve got to find a way to connect the game. That’s my job.”

The Warriors have experimented with nine different starting lineups this season, which has contributed to their inconsistency. After a brief period of defensive strength, the team has now allowed over 120 points in consecutive losses. Curry, while acknowledging his own mistakes, urged for better execution from the entire roster. “We’re not executing well enough for 48 (minutes), and there’s a lot of things you can point at,” he stated.

Draymond Green, returning from a brief absence, defended Kerr’s approach, emphasizing the need for adjustments. “If you’re not winning, you have to change something,” Green asserted. He reinforced the urgency for the team to find solutions to their ongoing problems.

As the Warriors navigate this turbulent season, they will need to address these shortcomings to capitalize on Curry’s historic achievements. Without significant improvements, further losses may be on the horizon, even as Curry continues to redefine scoring records in the league.