Stephen Curry’s Stellar Performance Rescues Warriors in Sacramento

Sequels are typically associated with the movie industry, but Stephen Curry delivered a sequel on Friday night, this time in Sacramento. His last appearance at the Golden 1 Center was during the first-round NBA playoff series between the Warriors and Kings on April 30. Curry had scored 50 points, single-handedly leading his team to victory, extinguishing the hopes of the Kings’ fans and dimming their spirits.

Curry returned for Part II in Sacramento on Friday, and his performance was nearly as spectacular as the original. With his teammates struggling for most of the game, Curry took it upon himself to seize control at crucial moments, ultimately leading the Warriors to a 122-114 victory.

Guard Moses Moody, who contributed 10 points and three steals, expressed his amazement at Curry’s performance, stating, “That dude never fails to amaze me, as much as everybody else.”

Kings guard De’Aaron Fox attempted to impede Curry but found it nearly impossible, as Fox noted, “Ask anybody. It’s almost impossible – unless you’re blocking his shot, which is hard to do. Once his shot starts going in, you just try to make it tough for him, get the ball out of his hands. Something. But that’s a difficult thing to do, especially once he has it rolling.”

Curry’s game-high 41 points, achieved on 14-of-19 shooting from the field, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc, tell only part of the story. His impeccable timing was evident.

In the first half, when no other Warrior scored more than seven points, Curry’s 18 points kept them competitive, allowing Golden State to lead 60-57 at halftime. During the first seven-plus minutes of the third quarter, while his teammates contributed seven points, Curry added 16 more, helping the Warriors establish a 10-point lead with 4:52 left in the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, when the Kings mounted a comeback, Curry sealed the game with a crucial three-pointer, extending the lead to 120-112 with 43.4 seconds remaining.

As the Warriors navigate the early weeks of the season, there will likely be more occasions when they depend on Curry’s brilliance. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure make him a crucial asset for the team.

While challenges are to be expected, particularly with new acquisitions like Chris Paul and the need for the team to adapt, Curry remains a steadfast pillar of strength for the Warriors. Moody emphasized Curry’s commitment to excellence and preparation, stating, “He puts the work in. He amazes me just as much in practice. He’s not taking breaks. He’s preparing to be great. I’m just blessed to get the opportunity to see it day in and day out – not just in the games.”

The rivalry between the Warriors and Kings is gaining traction, with competitive matchups and intensified fan engagement. The Golden 1 Center can become an especially fervent venue when hosting the Warriors. Curry appears to thrive in this environment, even crediting the quality of the popcorn for enhancing his mood before the game.

As Curry continues to shine, he might want to be cautious about praising the popcorn too much, as it could lead the Golden 1 Center to tweak its recipe.