stephen Curry exploded for 49 points Friday night, leading the Golden State Warriors to a victory over the San Antonio Spurs and tying Michael Jordan‘s record for the most 40-point games after turning 30. Curry’s performance snapped a six-game road losing streak for the Warriors and marked his first 40-plus point outings in consecutive games as 2022.
Curry entered the contest knowing he was one 40-point game shy of Jordan’s record of 44 achieved after his 30th birthday. After reaching the milestone with a fourth-quarter three-pointer – one of nine on the night – Curry subtly acknowledged the achievement, flashing the numbers “2” and “3” with his fingers as he jogged back on defense, a nod to Jordan. ”I threw it up backward though,” Curry said. “That’s the second time I’ve done that. But that’s pretty cool just from an individual accomplishment perspective. Longevity is something I pride myself on.”
The Warriors star scored 28 of his 49 points on off-the-dribble jumpers, his highest such total in a single game as 2015, according to GeniusIQ. This dominant showing came after a recent bout with illness that sidelined him for three games and a struggling 13-point performance in his return against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr delivered a motivational speech before the game, drawing parallels between a basketball team and a band. ”He rarely talks about his Chicago days,” Curry said. “He gave some references to how they approached their team and their identity by comparisons to a band coming together. You got your lead singers, your bass, your acoustic, electric, drummer, stagehands, guys plugging in the speaker.He said he was just above the guy plugging in the speaker.” Curry jokingly acknowledged his role as the “lead singer” on Friday night, making a statement with both his pregame sneaker choice and his on-court performance.
The victory over the Spurs represents a crucial turnaround for the Warriors, who had been struggling on the road. The game was also notable as Curry’s 44th 40-point game since turning 30, equaling a mark previously held solely by Michael Jordan. AP Photo/Eric Gay
