On December 3, 2023, in a thrilling game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Steph Curry made history by surpassing Michael Jordan‘s record for the most 40-point games after turning 30. Despite Curry’s impressive performance, including 48 points and a staggering 12 three-pointers, the Golden State Warriors suffered a narrow 136-131 loss.
Curry’s achievement places him in an elite category, as he now holds 45 games with at least 40 points after the age of 30. This record eclipses Jordan’s previous mark of 44 games. The distinction underscores Curry’s sustained excellence in scoring, especially when considering that other notable players such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have significantly fewer 40-point games after 30.
Despite Curry’s individual success, the Warriors faced familiar hurdles. The team now holds a record of 5-9 in “clutch” games, defined by the NBA as contests where the score is within five points in the final five minutes. Curry’s late-game mistakes, including a missed layup and a turnover, contributed to the defeat, although these moments have been rare in an otherwise stellar season for him.
The Warriors’ struggles are multifaceted. Turnovers continue to plague the team, with 18 committed against the Blazers. Additionally, the Warriors rank 19th in rebounding—a concerning statistic given their injury struggles in the frontcourt. Inside shooting has also been problematic, with the team struggling to convert 2-point shots, averaging just 23.7 per game, which is the lowest in the league.
Defensively, the Warriors have had difficulty containing their opponents, particularly against younger and more athletic teams like the Blazers. The Warriors’ lack of athleticism has been evident, with players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga struggling to match up against quicker opponents. The Blazers capitalized on these weaknesses, utilizing players like Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant to exploit mismatches and create scoring opportunities.
Steve Kerr, head coach of the Warriors, expressed frustration over the team’s performance. He noted the missed opportunity despite Curry’s record-breaking night. “When you make 24 threes, and Steph makes 12 of them, you should win the game,” Kerr stated. He acknowledged the need for the team to improve their overall execution and connectivity on the court.
Kerr’s coaching strategy has faced challenges, with nine different starting lineups in as many games, which has disrupted team chemistry. The Warriors have struggled defensively, conceding over 120 points in back-to-back losses after previously holding opponents under 100 in three consecutive games.
Curry reiterated the need for accountability among the players, 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 a brief absence, defended Kerr’s approach. Green emphasized that changes are necessary until the team finds a winning formula.
As the Warriors continue to navigate the season, the combination of Curry’s historic achievements and the team’s inconsistent performance raises questions about their future prospects. Until they address these issues, the Warriors may face further challenges, even as Curry adds to his impressive scoring record.
