In a remarkable display of skill, Steph Curry scored 48 points and made a record-setting twelve 3-pointers during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 10, 2024. Despite this impressive performance, the Golden State Warriors lost the contest 136-131, highlighting a troubling pattern for the team this season.
With his scoring feat, Curry surpassed Michael Jordan for the most 40-point games after turning 30, achieving his 45th such game. Jordan had held the record with 44, while other notable players like Damian Lillard and Kobe Bryant also ranked among the elite in this category. Curry’s twelve 3-pointers add to his already unmatched record for games with a dozen 3s, reinforcing his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
Yet, the victory eluded the Warriors, who now have a disappointing 5-9 record in what the NBA defines as “clutch” games—situations where the score is within five points in the final five minutes. Although Curry had a few late-game missteps, including a missed layup and a turnover, the team’s struggles have been more extensive throughout the season.
The Warriors have faced significant challenges, particularly with turnovers and rebounding. In the game against the Blazers, they committed 18 turnovers, which has been a consistent issue. Rebounding woes have also plagued the team, as they currently rank 19th in that category, a surprising statistic given their recent injury struggles in the frontcourt.
Curry’s spectacular individual performances, including 39 points in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and 38 points in an earlier defeat to the Blazers, have not translated into wins. The team’s current season record stands at 13-14, raising questions about their cohesion and competitiveness.
Defensive Struggles and Coaching Decisions
The Warriors’ defense has been particularly vulnerable, especially against younger and more athletic teams. This was evident in the game against the Blazers, where players like Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jerami Grant exploited the Warriors’ defensive lapses. Coach Steve Kerr expressed frustration, stating that the team missed another opportunity to secure a win despite Curry’s record-breaking efforts.
Kerr has utilized nine different starting lineups throughout the season, revealing a lack of continuity that is apparent in the team’s defensive performance. After a stretch of games where they held opponents under 100 points, the Warriors have allowed over 120 points in back-to-back losses. Kerr acknowledged the need for improvement and took responsibility, saying, “When you make 24 threes, and Steph makes 12 of them, you should win the game.”
Curry shared the blame for the losses, emphasizing that the team needs to execute better for the full 48 minutes. “Tonight was a mixture of everything,” he said, highlighting the collective responsibility for the team’s struggles. His teammate Draymond Green, returning after a week away from the court, also weighed in, advocating for changes to address the issues affecting their performance.
Until the Warriors identify and rectify their shortcomings, they risk continuing to lose games, even as Curry adds to his scoring accolades. The contrast between individual brilliance and team performance presents a complex challenge for the franchise as they navigate the rest of the season.
