On December 10, 2023, in a thrilling match 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 a total of 48 points, Curry became the only player to achieve 45 such games, moving past Jordan’s 44. Despite his individual brilliance, the Golden State Warriors suffered a narrow defeat, falling 136-131.
Curry’s record-breaking achievement is a testament to his scoring prowess. No other player, including legends like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, has matched Curry’s scoring output at this stage of his career. His 12 three-pointers not only added to his impressive tally of games with a dozen threes—five in total—but also showcased his unique place in NBA history.
Following the game, Curry expressed mixed feelings about the accolade. “Cool recognition and longevity,” he stated, acknowledging the significance of his achievement. Yet, he lamented, “Obviously, I’d like to celebrate it with a win.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing struggle for the Warriors, who continue to grapple with their performance despite Curry’s offensive fireworks.
Warriors Struggle in Clutch Situations
The defeat to the Blazers highlighted a recurring issue for Golden State: while Curry excels, the team often falls short. The Warriors now stand at 5-9 in what the NBA classifies as “clutch” games—defined as contests where the score is within five points during the final five minutes. Although Curry was not solely responsible for the loss, he did miss a layup and had a crucial turnover late in the game.
The Warriors’ start to the season has been rocky, with a current record of 13-14. This includes several near-misses, such as a 39-point outing in a loss to Minnesota and a 34-point performance that couldn’t secure a win against Orlando. As Curry continues to shine, the overall team performance raises questions about what is going wrong.
Turnovers have proven to be a significant hurdle for the Warriors. Against the Blazers, they committed 18 turnovers, a figure that reflects their ongoing struggles. In addition, the team ranks 19th in rebounding, a challenge exacerbated by injuries affecting their frontcourt. The Warriors also face issues in creating shots inside the arc, finishing last in the league with an average of just 23.7 two-point shots made per game.
Defensively, the Warriors have not fared much better. They have struggled to contain dribble-drive threats, a problem evident against the more athletic Blazers team, which exploited Golden State’s weaknesses. Players like Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant capitalized on defensive lapses, showcasing the need for improvement.
Coaching Decisions and Future Adjustments
The question of how to turn the team’s fortunes around falls to head coach Steve Kerr. After the loss, Kerr described the game as another missed opportunity, acknowledging that despite Curry’s outstanding performance, the team as a whole needed to perform better. “When you make 24 threes, and Steph makes 12 of them, you should win the game,” Kerr remarked, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion.
Throughout the season, Kerr has experimented with different lineups, having deployed nine different starting combinations in as many games. The lack of consistency has visibly impacted the team’s defensive performance, which has fluctuated significantly. Following three consecutive games of holding opponents under 100 points, the Warriors have now allowed over 120 in back-to-back losses.
Curry, reflecting on the team’s issues, noted, “We’re not executing well enough for 48 minutes, and there’s a lot of things you can point at.” His remarks underscore the complexity of the challenges facing the team, which has to find a way to balance individual brilliance with cohesive team play.
Draymond Green, who returned from injury for this game, voiced his support for Kerr, asserting that the blame for the Warriors’ struggles should not rest solely on the coach. “If you’re not winning, you’re not winning and you have to change something,” he said, acknowledging the need for adjustments.
As the season progresses, the Warriors must address these challenges to avoid further losses, even as Curry continues to break records. The combination of individual talent and team dynamics will determine their success as they strive for improvement in the coming games.
