In his illustrious 16-season career, Stephen Curry continues to dazzle and redefine greatness on the hardwood. The Golden State Warriors’ superstar achieved yet another milestone on Tuesday night, putting on a shooting clinic against the Memphis Grizzlies, scoring a staggering 52 points in a 134-125 victory. His performance was highlighted by a blistering 12-of-20 from beyond the arc, as he nearly matched his career-high for triples made in a single game, falling just two short of his former teammate Klay Thompson’s record for the most 3-pointers in NBA history.
This victory was crucial for the Warriors as they jockey for playoff positioning in a tight race with the Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves. With this win, the Warriors improved to 44-31, tying Memphis in record but also securing the crucial tiebreaker thanks to their dominance in their season series, having won three out of four matchups against the Grizzlies.
Curry’s night was not just about scoring; he also made history by becoming the third player ever to record at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five steals in a single game, joining the likes of Rick Barry and Anthony Davis. He finished the night with 50 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and five steals. It’s a rare feat, with only four players achieving this unique stat line—most notably, Joel Embiid, who accomplished it with five blocks in a game last season.
As Memphis fought to stay in the game, Ja Morant hit a crucial 3-pointer that trimmed the Warriors’ lead to just five points with 35.1 seconds remaining. But Curry showcased his clutch gene, wisely orchestrating the offense by setting up Jimmy Butler for a foul that resulted in two free throws and a seven-point cushion for Golden State—a critical step toward sealing the victory. The game culminated with Curry confirming the win with two additional free throws of his own.
Butler was solid on the night, contributing 27 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Draymond Green impressively notched a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, showcasing the balanced attack of the Warriors.
Curry’s first half alone was a spectacle, as he poured in 32 points, hitting 8-of-10 from three. This performance not only highlights his shooting prowess but also ties him with LeBron James for the third-most 30-point halves recorded since the NBA tracked detailed play-by-play stats beginning in the 1997-98 season. It’s a reminder of the incredible offensive firepower he brings to the team.
For Memphis, Morant led the scoring with 36 points and hit 5-of-8 from deep. Valuable contributions also came from Jaren Jackson Jr., who added 22 points and seven rebounds before fouling out. Desmond Bane chipped in with 19 points and five assists, and Zach Edey was a force in the paint, grabbing 16 boards and blocking four shots.
The Grizzlies now find themselves in a tough spot, having lost four consecutive games and eight of their last ten, a troubling trend since the departure of head coach Taylor Jenkins. Meanwhile, the Warriors continue to build momentum, riding a three-game winning streak and starting April on a high note after a stellar 11-4 March. Every game now matters even more as they aim to solidify their place in the playoff picture.
