In a standout performance on March 3, 2024, Steph Curry made history by surpassing Michael Jordan for the most 40-point games after turning 30. Despite scoring 48 points and hitting a remarkable twelve 3-pointers against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Golden State Warriors fell short, losing 136-131.
Curry’s achievement places him in an elite category; he now holds the record with 45 such games, while Jordan had 44. Other notable players include Damian Lillard with 31, Kobe Bryant with 30, and James Harden also with 30. Curry’s twelve 3-pointers add to his own record of games with a dozen 3s, a feat that is unlikely to be matched soon.
Despite his extraordinary performance, Curry expressed disappointment that it did not translate into a victory. “Cool recognition and longevity,” he remarked in the locker room, adding, “Obviously, I’d like to celebrate it with a win. But any time you’re doing anything with certain names in this league, historically, that definitely means something.”
For the Warriors, this loss highlighted a recurring issue: Curry shines, yet the team struggles to secure victories. Currently, the Warriors have a record of 5-9 in what the NBA defines as “clutch” games, which are defined as contests where the score is within five points during the final five minutes. While Curry made crucial mistakes, including a missed layup and a late turnover, the team’s overall performance has been inconsistent.
The Warriors have started the season with a 13-14 record, burdened by a series of defeats where Curry has delivered high-scoring games. He scored 39 points in a loss against Minnesota and 38 points in an earlier game against the Blazers. Against Orlando, he managed 34 points, yet the team still could not clinch the win.
Turnovers have been a significant factor in the Warriors’ struggles this season, with 18 recorded against the Blazers. Rebounding issues persist, as the team ranks 19th in that category, a surprising statistic given the injuries they have faced in the frontcourt. Additionally, the Warriors rank last in the league for 2-point shots made per game, averaging only 23.7, indicating a lack of effective shot creation inside the arc.
Defensively, the Warriors have struggled, particularly against younger and more athletic teams like the Blazers. Players such as Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jerami Grant exploited defensive lapses, taking advantage of slow rotations and a lack of perimeter defense.
Head coach Steve Kerr faces a pressing challenge in addressing these shortcomings. Following the game, he reflected on the missed opportunity, stating, “When you make 24 threes, and Steph makes 12 of them, you should win the game.” He acknowledged his role in the team’s performance and emphasized the need for improvement, noting, “We’ve got to find a way to connect the game. That’s my job.”
Kerr has experimented with nine different starting lineups this season, and the resulting lack of continuity has been evident, especially on defense. After a stretch of holding opponents to under 100 points, the Warriors have allowed over 120 points in consecutive losses.
Curry shifted some of the responsibility for the team’s struggles onto the players themselves, stating, “We’re not executing well enough for 48 minutes, and there’s a lot of things you can point at. Tonight was a mixture of everything.” His teammate Draymond Green, who returned to the lineup after an absence, suggested that changes were necessary for the Warriors to find success. “If you’re not winning, you’re not winning, and you have to change something,” Green said.
As the season progresses, the Warriors must address these issues if they hope to capitalize on Curry’s scoring prowess and improve their performance. Without significant changes, they may face continued challenges, even as Curry continues to build on his impressive scoring record.
