Steph Curry, 38, Stuns in 44-Point Masterclass, Ties LeBron James Mark in Warriors’ Gritty Win

MINNEAPOLIS — At 38 years old, Steph Curry continues to defy time, delivering plays few others in the league can execute. His latest showcase came during the Warriors’ hard-fought 119-114 victory over the Timberwolves, where he erupted for 17 points in just six minutes — highlighted by a deep, heat-check 31-footer that swished through the net without hesitation.

Curry finished with 44 points, and every basket counted as Golden State held off a determined Minnesota squad — even after building a commanding 24-point lead following halftime. The Timberwolves were playing their first game since learning star Anthony Edwards will miss time due to knee surgery.

In recording his first 40-point game of the season, Curry etched his name alongside an elite legend once again. His 15th 40-point performance since turning 35 places him in a tie with LeBron James for the most such games in NBA history.

“I just see him doing what Steph Curry does,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said postgame. “I’ve been watching him for so long that it never surprises me when he gets hot. What makes him special is it can happen at any time.”

Despite struggling early — going 2-of-8 from the field — Curry caught fire midway through the second quarter. He knocked down his first three-pointer just over three minutes into the frame, followed by another on the very next possession, drawing energy from his teammates on the bench.

From there, Curry couldn’t miss. He landed six of his next eight shots, rattling off 19 points as the Warriors surged into halftime with a 64-48 advantage.

Although the lead ballooned to as much as 24 points midway through the third quarter, the Warriors still needed strong support from their captain to maintain control against a resilient Timberwolves team missing their top scorer.

And Curry responded — this time from the free throw line.

Sixteen of his 44 points came via charity stripe trips, including 12 crucial attempts in the final half. That output marked the second-highest total of his career from the foul line — and made history in another way: it was the first time in his career he sank every one of his 16 free throw attempts in a single game.

“They were pressuring pretty much all the way out to half court, so you’re gonna have those driving lanes,” Curry explained. “Thankfully it helped us in a couple lulls that we had, getting to the line, getting easy buckets — which we needed all of them.”

His performance wasn’t limited to shooting brilliance. Playing only his fifth game of his 18th NBA season — and coming off a year marred by knee injuries that limited him to among the fewest games of his career — Curry demonstrated fearless athleticism.

Early in the third quarter, he dove aggressively for a loose ball, colliding with rookie sensation LaMello Ball in the process. The collision sent both players sprawling, yet Curry escaped unscathed — much to the relief of Warriors fans watching closely.

“I think that’s just more indicative of how good I feel, considering the age and miles and how last year went,” Curry reflected. “That I even tried it shows I had the confidence I could get down there. There’s situations where you find yourself in where you’re just playing basketball and reacting — and that’s one of those.”

Curry exited the game with 9:10 remaining, having already locked in his 40-point night while helping secure a 100-87 lead. Though head coach Steve Kerr hoped to give him additional rest, Curry ended up playing just shy of his prescribed 32-minute cap — marking his first 30-minute appearance of the season.

“I honestly didn’t know until after the game, which was kind of nice — we were just kind of in the moment, playing,” Curry admitted. “A little different flow to it when I got hot in the second. Had to play a little bit of a longer stretch. So it’s nice to keep building and feel good coming out of it.”

Source link