On December 10, 2023, Stephen Curry made history by surpassing Michael Jordan’s record for the most 40-point games after turning 30 years old. In a thrilling contest against the Portland Trail Blazers, Curry scored 48 points and hit 12 three-pointers, yet the Golden State Warriors ultimately fell short, losing 136-131. Despite Curry’s remarkable performance, the Warriors’ ongoing struggles were once again laid bare.
With this achievement, Curry became the sole member of an elite group, now boasting 45 games with at least 40 points after the age of 30. Jordan had previously held the record with 44 games. This season alone, Curry has recorded four such games, while other notable players like Damian Lillard and Kobe Bryant trail behind with 31 and 30 games, respectively.
Curry expressed mixed feelings after the game, acknowledging the significance of his accomplishment but emphasizing the disappointment of not securing a victory. “Cool recognition and longevity,” he stated in the locker room, adding, “Obviously, I’d like to celebrate it with a win.”
The Warriors’ performance has become increasingly concerning. They now hold a 5-9 record in “clutch” games, defined by the NBA as contests where the score is within five points in the final five minutes. Although Curry made crucial mistakes late in the game, including a missed layup and a turnover, the team’s struggles have been evident all season.
What has been the root of the Warriors’ issues? Turnovers have plagued the team, with a staggering 18 against the Blazers. Furthermore, they rank 19th in rebounding—a significant concern given their ongoing injuries affecting the frontcourt. The Warriors have also struggled to generate effective shots inside the arc, recording an average of just 23.7 two-point shots made per game, placing them last in the league.
Defensively, the Warriors have faced challenges in containing dribble-drive threats. The team’s youth and inexperience have become apparent, especially against a more athletic Blazers squad. Players like Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant exploited this weakness, taking advantage of slow rotations and exposing the Warriors’ defensive frailties.
The central question remains: what changes must be made for a team led by such an extraordinary talent as Curry? Head coach Steve Kerr faces a significant challenge as he navigates a roster characterized by instability. In recent games, Kerr has utilized nine different starting lineups, leading to a lack of continuity that has affected both the offense and defense.
Kerr assessed the game as another missed opportunity and took responsibility for the team’s performance. “When you make 24 three-pointers, and Steph makes 12 of them, you should win the game,” he said. He emphasized the need for the coaching staff to connect the game better, admitting, “We’ve got to find a way to connect the game. That’s my job.”
Curry, on the other hand, shifted some blame to the players, noting that the team has not executed effectively for a full 48 minutes. “Tonight was a mixture of everything,” he remarked, indicating that the responsibility does not solely fall on the coach.
Defensive stalwart Draymond Green, who returned to the lineup after a brief absence, echoed Curry’s sentiments. He stated that it was unfair to place the blame solely on Kerr, emphasizing the need for the players to step up. “If you’re not winning, you have to change something,” he said, reinforcing the urgency for the team to figure out their issues.
Until the Warriors can resolve their problems, they risk continuing to lose valuable games, even as Curry adds to his already impressive scoring record. The combination of individual brilliance and collective dysfunction will need to be addressed if the team hopes to return to the heights they once enjoyed.
