In a spectacular display of shooting prowess, Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a thrilling 121-115 victory over the Orlando Magic, scoring an impressive 56 points. This remarkable performance included an astounding 12 three-pointers, one of which was launched from beyond midcourt, just as the first half concluded. Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed his confidence in Curry's abilities, stating, “As soon as he let it go, I said, ‘That’s in.’” Kerr emphasized that such moments have become a regular occurrence for Curry over the past few years, setting a positive tone for the team's second half.
Upon returning to the court, Curry outscored the entire Magic team in the third quarter, tallying 22 points to Orlando's 21. This game marked Curry's 1,000th regular-season start, highlighting his enduring presence in the league. “A lot of guys contributed to the win,” Curry noted, “but it’s nice to have a flurry like that and have fun with it.” His performance not only showcased his scoring ability but also solidified his place in NBA history.
This game was significant for Curry as he surpassed Patrick Ewing on the NBA's all-time scoring list, moving into 26th place with a career total of 24,867 points. Shooting 12 for 19 from beyond the arc, he achieved the feat of making 10 or more three-pointers for the NBA-record 26th time in his career. Although his 56 points fell just six shy of his career high, the performance was a testament to his exceptional talent.
Steve Kerr shared his admiration for Curry, stating, “It never gets old watching it, I can tell you that.” He remarked on how both Warriors fans and even the Magic fans recognized they were witnessing the greatest shooter in NBA history. Kerr highlighted not just the successful shots but also the elegance of Curry's shooting style, describing it as “the fluidity and the beauty of his motion.”
The highlight of the first half was undoubtedly Curry's 50-footer that provided the Warriors with much-needed momentum heading into halftime. Teammate Draymond Green acknowledged Curry's impact, saying, “In the first half we had nothing going, and he just kind of kept us afloat.” Curry's ability to take over games was evident as he continued his dominance in the third quarter.
Curry's legacy of outstanding performances on February 27 is notable, having previously scored 54 points with 11 three-pointers against the Knicks in 2013 and 46 points against the Thunder in 2016, with 12 three-pointers. Reflecting on his successful night, Curry explained, “When you have nights like these, you get them in all different types of ways... you’ve got to have the footwork, the balance, the confidence to shoot it no matter what.”
After the game, Curry gave his jersey to his mother, who was in attendance, showcasing his appreciation for family support. He emphasized the importance of creativity in his shooting practice, stating, “I try pretty much every shot at some point, just to let your creativity kind of flow.” His ability to test his range and enjoy the game is a key aspect of what makes him such a formidable player in the NBA.
In conclusion, Stephen Curry's 56-point game against the Orlando Magic not only reinforced his status as one of the greatest shooters in the history of the sport but also exemplified the joy and creativity he brings to the game of basketball. As fans continue to witness his remarkable talent, Curry's legacy only grows stronger.
