Curry Shines Bright in Warriors’ Narrow Victory
Stephen Curry showcased his extraordinary scoring prowess on Friday night, erupting for 49 points and leading the Golden State Warriors to a narrow 109-108 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. With this win, the Warriors improved to 1-1 in Group C of the NBA Cup standings, bringing their overall record to 8-6. The game was a testament to Curry’s relentless drive and skill, but it also highlighted pressing concerns for the team as the trade deadline approaches.
Curry’s Historic Scoring Among Older Guards
In the annals of NBA history, few performances stand out like Curry’s recent display. As Carson Breber of Volume Sports noted, the record for the most points per game by a guard aged 37 and older was previously held by Dwyane Wade at 15.0. However, following Curry’s scoring outburst in San Antonio, he is now averaging an impressive 29.1 points per game. Even Michael Jordan, who was recognized as a small forward during his age-38 and age-39 seasons, averaged 22.9 and 20.0 points per game, respectively.
What Curry is achieving at this stage of his career is astonishing. While Jordan did have consecutive 45-plus-point games at age 38, he required 70 field-goal attempts to reach those numbers. In contrast, Curry accomplished his scoring feat with just 51 attempts. LeBron James, who averaged 30.3 points in his age-37 season, set a high bar for late-career excellence, but even he fell short of Curry’s recent two-game total of 95 points.
The Need for Support as Trade Deadline Approaches
Despite the excitement surrounding Curry’s performance, the rest of the Warriors’ roster struggled significantly. The non-Curry players shot a dismal 22-of-64 from the field and a meager 8-of-28 from three-point range. Only Jimmy Butler, with 21 points, managed to score more than 10, while Richard’s 4-of-7 shooting was the only bright spot among the remaining players.
This lack of offensive support raises serious questions about the Warriors’ depth and potential for championship contention. As the trade deadline looms, the front office must consider aggressive moves to bolster the roster. While Jonathan Kuminga alone may not have enough trade value to attract a significant player, a package deal involving Kuminga along with one or two first-round picks could potentially land a player like Trey Murphy III. Such a strategic acquisition could elevate the Warriors back into the conversation alongside other contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets.
Draymond’s Defensive Prowess Against Wembanyama
Another intriguing subplot from Friday’s game was the challenge posed by rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. The 7’4″ French phenom delivered impressive stats in recent outings, tallying 57 points, 27 rebounds, 14 assists, and four blocks over his last two games. However, when matched against the veteran Draymond Green, Wembanyama faced significant hurdles. According to NBA.com, he managed only 8-of-21 shooting (38.1 percent) and committed six turnovers while being guarded by Green.
Despite Wembanyama’s height advantage, Green’s experience and defensive acumen allowed him to disrupt the rookie’s rhythm effectively. His strength and low center of gravity proved advantageous in key moments, including a crucial boxout on the final possession, preventing Wembanyama from tipping in De’Aaron Fox’s missed shot.
As the Warriors continue their season, Curry’s brilliance remains a beacon of hope. However, the need for additional support and strategic adjustments looms large as they navigate the challenges ahead.
