Curry's latest madness: 41 points, an impossible basket, and surpasses LeBron and Jordan with another historic record
The Golden State Warriors star delivered another extraordinary performance this Saturday, shining in the 126-119 victory against the Orlando Magic after overtime.
Stephen Curry continues to challenge the passage of time. The star of the Golden State Warriors once again delivered an extraordinary performance this Saturday, scoring 41 points in the 126-119 victory over the Orlando Magic after overtime. The point guard scored 17 of his points during the last seven minutes of the game and proved again that he is still capable of deciding games when his team needs him most.
The victory allowed Golden State to extend their spectacular comeback after starting the season with three consecutive losses. The Warriors now have seven straight wins and have become the second team in NBA history to achieve such a streak immediately after starting the season with a record of 0-3. The Boston Celtics of the 1950-51 season were the first to do so.
Curry's performance also left several individual records of great value. It was his second game of at least 40 points during the first month of competition and the 77th of his NBA career, which is now in its 18th season. However, the most striking statistic relates to his performance after turning 35 years old: he has accumulated 16 games of 40 points since reaching that age, surpassing LeBron James with 15 and Michael Jordan with 12.
| Stephen Curry's Record | Number |
|---|---|
| Points against Orlando | 41 |
| 40-point games in his career | 77 |
| 40-point games since turning 35 | 16 |
| 40-point games in the first month of this season | 2 |
| Points in the last seven minutes | 17 |
| Consecutive wins for Golden State | 7 |
Curry shows up when the Warriors need him most
The game against Orlando required Curry's best version. The Magic, arriving with a record of 2-7, did not concede defeat even when they were 16 points behind during the first half. Their comeback even allowed them to take a six-point lead in the fourth quarter, forcing Golden State to find solutions to avoid a loss that would have halted their good momentum.
It was then that the point guard took on all the offensive responsibility. Curry scored 12 points during the last 2:21 minutes of regulation time, with two long-distance three-pointers, a layup, and two free throws. He also made one of the most spectacular baskets of the night: a difficult running shot with 25 seconds left that allowed the Warriors to take a two-point lead.
Steve Kerr did not hide his astonishment at the difficulty of that action. "It was an impossible shot," the coach explained. "There were a lot of people. It was some kind of moving shot — a floater, a hook, or whatever you call it — from about 12 feet (almost 4 meters). To make that shot using the backboard... is something unique. I don't think there is anyone else in the world who can make a shot like that."
However, Golden State could not secure the game in regulation time. Jamal Cain took advantage of an offensive rebound to score a layup with two seconds left and tie the game, sending it to overtime.
Kerr manages his star and the bench responds
Curry's physical management also played a role in the outcome. Aware of the importance of managing the minutes of his main star at this stage of his career, Kerr chose to start the overtime without him on the court. The coach wanted to give him some moments of rest while checking if the rest of the team could maintain the lead.
The response was positive. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg finished with 23 points and proved again that he can provide offensive solutions in this early part of the season. Charles Bassey also stood out, scoring the first four points for Golden State in overtime. Soon after, Lendeborg made a three-pointer from the side that allowed the Warriors to establish a five-point lead.
With the game still unresolved, Kerr decided to bring Curry back onto the court. The point guard ended up increasing his playing time to reach his highest total of the season and took charge of closing out the victory. In overtime, he added two floaters and a free throw to complete his 41 points and secure Golden State's seventh consecutive win.
Curry's longevity continues to surprise Kerr
Beyond the numbers and the importance of the victory, the performance once again highlighted Curry's ability to maintain an elite level after so many years in the NBA. The player himself acknowledged that nights like this have a special meaning, especially after experiencing physical issues.
"It makes me very proud of the work done, especially considering some injuries and everything else," Curry commented. "Knowing that I can still reach a certain level is something that motivates you. Especially when it happens in a win like tonight's, where we needed every single one of those points. I value this longevity a lot."
Kerr also wanted to emphasize the effort that goes into that continuity. The coach described his star's longevity as "extraordinary" and attributed his ability to continue competing at the highest level to a combination of physical conditions and daily work.
"Work ethic," Kerr pointed out. "Good genes. He has been blessed with a body that has held up well. But, moreover, he has earned it through strength training, conditioning, and excellent fitness."
The Warriors have gone from a 0-3 start to seven consecutive wins, a collective comeback that already has a place in the historical records of the competition. Curry is the key player in that response, and his latest display confirms that even in his eighteenth season, he still has the resources to change the course of a game practically by himself.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La última locura de Curry: 41 puntos, una canasta imposible y y supera a LeBron y Jordan con otro récord histórico