San Francisco – Stephen Curry delivered another standout performance, scoring 32 points and reaching a major career milestone in the Warriors’ 115-110 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Curry recorded his 25,000th career point in front of the home crowd, further cementing his legacy.
He became just the 10th player in NBA history to score 25,000 points with a single franchise, joining an elite group that includes Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan, John Havlicek, Reggie Miller, and Jerry West.
Curry notched his 16th 30-plus-point game of the season and matched a season-high with 12 free throws made on 12 attempts (previously on 2/27 vs. Orlando). Over his last 15 games, he’s averaging 30.9 points on 47.5% shooting from the field, 40.2% from three, and 92.3% from the free-throw line, along with 4.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 5.3 made threes per game.
“I love the fact that we came off that long road trip, six-hour flight yesterday, 5:30 game against probably the most physical team in the league,” said Steve Kerr. “They lead the league in fouls, and they play to their strength. Literally, they’re strong in every position and physical. Thrilled with just the competitive spirit, the energy, and the effort that it took to win a key game.”
Draymond Green passed Guy Rodgers (4,855) for second place on the Warriors’ all-time assists list (Curry is the franchise’s all-time leader in the category). His go-ahead 3-point basket with 35.2 to play in tonight’s fourth quarter marked the third time in his career Green has made a game-winning three in the fourth quarter or overtime.
It was a defensive grudge match, with both teams tied in the standings and both holding the sixth seed in their respective conferences. Golden State knew from the start that it would be a battle. Neither team built a significant lead, and the game was intensely physical. The Warriors capitalized at the free-throw line, making a season-high 33 free throws (previously 32 on November 2 at Houston).
“I mean, Detroit just decided we’re going to make somebody else beat us,” Kerr explained. “So Draymond’s guy just backed way into the paint, doubled Steph (Curry). Draymond’s best qualities is his confidence, how brash he is, did not hesitate, just rose and that thing was pure. Just never a doubt. Beautiful to see. Then Moses (Moody) makes the big steal, Draymond knocks down another free throw, and we were able to close the game.”
Photo by GSW/X
