On Tuesday night, Steve Kerr described Stephen Curry's performance as nothing short of "audacity." In a game packed with playoff implications, Curry delivered an astonishing 52-point effort, despite battling a painful tailbone and celebrating his 37th birthday just days earlier. Kerr remarked, "Fifty-two points with people draped all over him all game long. The conditioning. The skill. The audacity. The belief."
The Golden State Warriors have made a remarkable climb in the Western Conference, jumping from 11th place to 5th in just two months. With only seven regular-season games remaining, they are currently safe from the play-in round. However, each game remains crucial as the Warriors aim to solidify their playoff position. Curry emphasized the importance of these moments, stating, "We love playing meaningful basketball, and this was a meaningful game."
Much of the Warriors' revival can be attributed to the audacious trade for Jimmy Butler on February 6, a move that Kerr believes "saved our season." The pairing of Curry and Butler has turned the Warriors back into a highlight reel team, generating excitement and anticipation for the playoffs. The NBA wants to see Curry's brilliance showcased in full playoff series rather than just a few games in a play-in scenario.
In the recent game, the synergy between Curry and Butler was evident. Curry exploded with 19 points in the first quarter and finished the half with 32. When Butler is on the court, he complements Curry's style, while also taking charge when Curry is resting. Kerr noted, "The Butler addition has made all the pieces fit," and the results speak for themselves: the Warriors are 18-2 when both superstars play together. Curry praised Butler, saying, "He just always makes the right play."
The last time the Warriors played at the FedEx Forum, they were facing a downward spiral, suffering a loss with only 93 points on December 19. Curry had what many considered his worst game as a professional, scoring just two free throws and no field goals. Reflecting on the transformation since Butler's arrival, Kerr remarked, "Completely different team." Curry humorously claimed to have "amnesia" about that game, focusing instead on his current success.
The FedEx Forum holds significant memories for the Warriors, from high-stakes playoff battles to pivotal moments leading to their championships. Curry's performance added another chapter to this storied history. He finished the game with 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and an impressive 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. Curry also achieved a personal milestone, passing Jerry West on the NBA's all-time scoring list, moving into 25th place.
While Curry's individual brilliance was on full display, it was clear that this victory was a result of team effort. Players like Moses Moody contributed with crucial plays, including a late three-pointer after Butler's steal from Ja Morant. Draymond Green also showcased his defensive prowess, proving that the Warriors are playing organized and energized basketball.
The Warriors' path to the playoffs is filled with challenges, including upcoming games against the Lakers, Nuggets, and Rockets. However, with the audacity of Curry and the revitalized team dynamics, the Warriors are poised for an exciting finish to the season. As Curry said, they are fueled by the audacity to rise and shine in these critical moments.
