Thursday showcased a classic Stephen Curry performance as he scored 29 points in the Golden State Warriors’ 120-100 victory over the Miami Heat. Although Curry struggled in the first half, making just 2 of 10 shots, he caught fire in the second half, draining six three-pointers and narrowly missing a fourth straight 30-point game by a single point.
With those six threes, Curry became the first NBA player aged 38 or older to record four consecutive games with at least five made three-pointers. Additionally, he surpassed Oscar Robertson to move into 17th place on the all-time scoring leaderboard. The Warriors have now triumphed in six straight games after starting the season 0-3.
The night was made more meaningful at Chase Center with Curry’s former “Splash Brother,” Klay Thompson, in attendance. Before their NBA matchup, Curry had already claimed bragging rights when his alma mater, Davidson, defeated Thompson’s Washington State in a college game earlier in the week. “We got the dub,” Curry joked, referring to the win that also carried some friendly financial stakes.
Thompson, coming off a clutch, 30-point overtime win against the Clippers the night before, cooled off against Golden State, finishing with 11 points on 3-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-7 from deep. During the game, the two veterans shared memorable moments, including Thompson blocking Curry’s early layup attempt and a foul that led to Curry responding with a one-handed three-point shot.
“It’s still surreal playing against him because we’ve been through so many battles together,” Curry reflected. Since Thompson’s move to the Dallas Mavericks over two years ago, the iconic “Splash Brothers” duo has been split, and with Thompson at 36 and Curry at 38, both understand their time on the court is limited and cherish every matchup.
Thompson praised Curry’s enduring skill and agility, saying, “He’s still super crafty and to see him move like a young athlete near 40 is incredible. He deserves all the accolades and respect—he’s one of a kind, and the game will miss him when he eventually retires.”
Curry echoed the sentiment, telling NBA TV, “Each time we play against him it’s one step closer to the end. We’re just trying to appreciate it.”
Fan Take: This matchup highlights the enduring brilliance of two of the NBA’s greatest shooters and the special bond they share, reminding fans of the beauty of basketball rivalries forged in friendship. Their continued excellence and mutual respect not only deepen the narrative of the sport but also inspire a new generation to appreciate skill, longevity, and sportsmanship.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
