As we creep closer to Christmas and the opening of the NBA 's unofficial trade season (restrictions on a number of potential trade candidates will lapse on December 15), five teams have seemingly separated from the field...
The Golden State Warriors didn't simply run out of the gate to open the 2021-22 NBA season. Their chosen method of entry? Being shot out of a cannon...
Stephen Curry Drops 22 as Warriors Beat Short-Handed Trail Blazers
Dec 9, 2021
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry warms up before the team's NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in San Francisco, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The Golden State Warriors capped a four-game homestand with a 104-94 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Stephen Curry led the way with 22 points as Golden State improved to 21-4.
Curry, who entered the game 16 three-pointers away from breaking Ray Allen's all-time record, shot 6-of-17 from downtown and now trails Allen by nine. The Warriors finished their stay at the Chase Center with a 3-1 record.
The Blazers fell to 11-15 and have now lost four straight games and seven of their last eight. Norman Powell had a team-high 26 points in the loss. Portland was without its starting backcourt of Damian Lillard (abdomen) and CJ McCollum (collapsed lung).
Notable Player Stats
G Stephen Curry, GSW: 22 points
G Jordan Poole, GSW: 20 points
F Norman Powell, POR: 26 points
Dubs Regain Composure After Curry's Record-Chase Distracts Early
It appeared as though one thing was clearly on Golden State's mind to start the game, and it was to get Curry his three-point record.
The Warriors offense lacked fluidity as Curry chucked up triples at an inefficient rate. He made just two of his first nine three-point attempts and finished the first half 4-of-12. Only one of his field-goal attempts came from inside the arc in the first two quarters.
Warriors shoot 17-for-50 overall for the first half, 7-for-29 from 3. Curry 4-for-12 w/a few forced ones. Undermanned Portland quad hanging around down 2 w/all of the focus in the building seemingly on a run for the record.
Golden State was able to pull away in the second half once the players settled in and got back to running the offense the way they have throughout the season. The Warriors' ball movement improved as they had seven assists on their nine field goals in the third quarter.
Golden State shot 16-of-33 (48.4 percent) in the second half, but its game total of 33-of-83 (39.8 percent) was its worst shooting night of the season.
The Warriors were never in danger of losing Wednesday's game, earning their third wire-to-wire win of the season. But they let an undermanned Blazers team hang around early because of a lack of focus on offense.
Once Golden State regained its composure, it showed why it is considered to be among the top contenders for an NBA title this season.
Blazers Run Out of Gas in 2nd Half
Portland was able to keep the game close early on thanks in large part to the sloppiness of the Warriors. Nassir Little was on his way to a career night with 18 points in the first half.
But Little went down with a cramp in his calf early in the third quarter and did not return to the game. From there, the Blazers just didn't have enough firepower to keep up with the Warriors.
Powell did his best to keep the game competitive, scoring 16 of his 26 points in the second half. But he was the only one to have anything going as Portland shot 7-of-21 in the third quarter.
Five players scored in double figures for the Blazers, but the team struggled from three-point land and shot just 8-of-30 (26.7 percent) from beyond the arc in the game.
Replacing the production of Lillard and McCollum is no easy task, but Portland needs to figure out an identity on offense while the two of them are out. The Blazers are in danger of falling behind in a competitive Western Conference.
What's Next?
The Warriors will embark on a five-game Eastern Conference road trip starting Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Blazers will return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
Steve Kerr Likens Steph Curry to Michael Jordan, Talks 'True Sign of Greatness'
Dec 7, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Stephen Curry #30 and Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors smiles during the game against the LA Clippers on November 28, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
"I think Steph in a lot of ways is like Michael Jordan because there are so many moments that stand out that they all kind of bleed together," Kerr told reporters Tuesday. "... Maybe that's the true sign of greatness."
There isn't really a signature moment of Curry's career, which isn't a criticism but instead a reflection of how many times he has electrified NBA crowds. Ask fans about their favorite play from the 33-year-old and you're bound to get a variety of answers.
Or perhaps it's the time when Curry weaved through the Los Angeles Clippers before hitting a step-back three-pointer, with Kerr reduced to standing in bemusement on the sideline.
How about when he dropped Chris Paul on the baseline?
Curry is unlikely to be remembered as the greatest player of his generation with LeBron James leading that race. And he probably won't be the greatest scorer, either, a title that will fall to Kevin Durant at this rate.
But nobody in the NBA today creates must-see television quite like the seven-time All-NBA guard. Nothing in the league can compare to him dropping 25 points in a single quarter—something he achieved on Oct. 21 against the Clippers.
The myth surrounding Curry is bound to only grow once he retires and new generations of fans learn about the game. Consider the discourse connected to Jordan, especially in thewakeofThe Last Dancedocuseries.
Decades from now, Curry's shooting prowess will take on a life of its own, and older fans will inevitably lament how their younger counterparts weren't around to experience it firsthand.
Now that we're over a quarter of the way into the 2021-22 NBA season, we can start to take a lot of numbers around the league a little more seriously...
The Golden State Warriors hit the hardwood 15 times during the month of November and netted 13 wins along the way...
UConn Women's Basketball Star Azzi Fudd Signs NIL Contract with Steph Curry's Company
Dec 1, 2021
Connecticut's Azzi Fudd during UConn's men's and women's basketball teams annual First Night celebration, Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
UConn freshman sensation Azzi Fudd has
signed a "multidimensional name, image and likeness contract" with SC30 Inc., a brand created by Golden State Warriors superstar
Stephen Curry.
Janie McCauley of the Associated Press
reported Wednesday that Curry will mentor the 5'11" guard to help
balance the demands of college classes, basketball and "being a face for
female athletes."
"Azzi Fudd is the best choice to
start a brand relationship like this because she is the next face of
women's basketball and has been a part of SC30 Inc. and the Curry
Brand family since she was an invitee to the All-American Camp," Curry said.
Fudd was the No. 1 prospect in
the 2021 women's recruiting class based on the ESPNW rankings. The
Virginia native was a standout performer at St. John's College High
School in Washington, D.C.
The guard is averaging 7.5
points through her first four college appearances while serving in a
sixth-woman role for the star-studded Huskies.
Fudd said she's "really excited" about the partnership with Curry and SC30, per McCauley:
Since I first met Steph at his camp
a few years ago, I've stayed connected to him and have always admired
his incredible talent and accomplishments, but also his humility and
the impact he has on people. As I continue to focus on becoming the
best player and student I can be while in college, I also look
forward to broadening my understanding of business and life beyond
basketball. This partnership with Steph and his SC30 team will help
me do that. I'm really excited about everything we'll do together in
the future.
Meanwhile, Curry explained the NIL deal
will go beyond basketball and focus on teaching the rising star about
finding the "right partners" for success off the court:
Our values are aligned when it comes
to family, and in terms of hard work and for the appreciation of
blessings in your life. For me, this is the right time because I have
identified the platforms that I have, aligning purpose over profit,
and the ability to collaborate with the right partners for the right
opportunities. I want to be able to unlock that for Azzi, and for
other talented athletes and influencers that see the world the same
way I do. It is my hope that we can inspire the next generation of
athletes and non-athletes who want to do amazing things.
Curry is one of the best in the sports
world to learn from in that regard. Forbes estimates the two-time NBA
MVP earns $40 million annually from endorsement deals.
Fudd and the Huskies are back in action
Friday when they open Big East play by visiting Walsh Gymnasium to
take on Seton Hall.
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) shoots over Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
A matchup between the NBA's two hottest and best teams ended with the host Phoenix Suns beating the Golden State Warriors 104-96 at Footprint Center on Tuesday.
A sensational Suns defense held the Warriors under 101 points for the first time all year. Golden State also committed 22 turnovers, and Warriors point guard Stephen Curry shot just 4-of-21 (3-of-14 from three-point range) for 12 points.
The Suns played most of the game without shooting guard Devin Booker, who left midway through the second quarter with a left hamstring injury.
His teammates stepped up, with Deandre Ayton leading the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
Chris Paul added 15 points, 11 assists, six rebounds and five steals, and Mikal Bridges added four more steals to guide the defensive effort.
Warriors guard Jordan Poole led all scorers with 28 points.
The Suns and Warriors are now tied atop the Western Conference with 18-3 records. Phoenix has won 17 straight to get there, while the Warriors' seven-game winning streak was snapped.
Notable Performances
Warriors SG Jordan Poole: 28 points, 5 rebounds
Warriors SF Otto Porter Jr.: 16 points, 6 rebounds
Warriors F Draymond Green: 8 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists
Suns' Defense, Buoyed By Bridges, Overcomes Booker's Injury To Win
Things looked bleak for the Suns when Booker left the game with 5:59 left in the second quarter. At that juncture, the Warriors were leading 48-43 after opening up a nine-point lead earlier in the period.
From that moment forward, the Suns allowed just 48 points over the final 30 minutes of play, including six in the final 5:59 of the first half and 18 in the fourth quarter.
Curry had trouble getting open looks all night, with the Suns' length and defensive tenacity presenting serious problems. Ayton got out on Curry to deflect this outside shot:
Curry, who averaged 28.6 points per game entering Tuesday, shot just 1-of-7 from two-point range.
He wasn't the only Warrior on the wrong end of great Suns' defensive plays, as a Poole pass to Curry got deflected by Bridges before he went all the way for his only points of the game:
Bridges played 41 minutes and had as many points as turnovers (two), but this is one of those times where the box score doesn't adequately tell the story of how valuable he was on this evening.
As ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Gerald Boourguet of PHNX Sports noted:
Mikal Bridges just had one of the most impactful two-point performances you’ll ever see.
His defense in particular set the tone for the team, whether it was amassing one of his five steals or blocks or getting in Curry's face. He's even getting some Defensive Player of the Year love from Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer:
Draymond is my DPOY favorite so far this season but Mikal Bridges belongs in the conversation.
It's usually an award for bigs but Bridges has been extraordinary all season, just like tonight vs. Steph.
Somehow, Bridges is only +12000 to win it on FanDuel—the 29th-highest odds.
The Suns needed to win this game with a strong defensive effort to dispatch the Warriors with Booker out, as losing their sweet-shooting guard significantly hindered the offense. The beauty of this Suns team, however, is that it can win in a variety of games.
One of them is outlasting their opponent in a defensive slugfest more akin to 1990s basketball than today's game, and that's what happened Tuesday as Phoenix tied the record for the franchise's longest winning streak.
Blip on Radar Screen for Warriors
The Warriors entered this game as winners of 18 of their first 20 contests. Their two losses were by a combined seven points.
They outscored their opponents by 13.7 points per game, and their 13.6 net rating was the only one in the league in double digits, per Basketball-Reference.
An ugly loss to the Suns doesn't change the fact that the Warriors have been the most dominant team in basketball.
Curry isn't shooting 4-of-21 every night, and that might stand as his worst offensive performance of the season when the story of the 2021-22 campaign is written.
The Warriors also aren't committing 22 turnovers every night.
The fact that this was a one-possession game with under four minutes left despite their sloppiness shows that the Warriors can hang with the league's elite (on the road no less) despite failing to play anywhere near their best.
If anything, there's reason to point at some encouraging positives. Jordan Poole continues to be one of the most improved players in the NBA, as evidenced by his 16 first-quarter points:
Gary Payton II continues to be an energetic and productive force off the bench, which helps the Dubs arguably sport one of the deepest second units in the league. His work on both ends is going to be a major asset come playoff time:
This wasn't a good evening for the Warriors, but they can take a lot of good from it knowing that they are a championship-caliber unit that can coast to 60-plus wins.
What's Next?
Phoenix will host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.
The Warriors' next game will be against Phoenix, who will visit Chase Center on Friday at 10 p.m. ET.
Steph Curry Says Watching NBA Bubble Was 'Lowest Point' of His Basketball Experience
Nov 30, 2021
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors smiles during the game against the LA Clippers on November 28, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
The rise and fall of the Golden State Warriors appeared to be swift.
One moment, they were the three-time champions who reached the NBA Finals in five straight years. The next, Kevin Durant left in free agency, Klay Thompson suffered a pair of injuries that would cost him two full seasons and the Dubs went those two years without so much as reaching the postseason.
That included a 15-50 mark in the 2019-20 season, and Steph Curry told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports that the restart in the Orlando bubble after the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the campaign was the worst moment for him:
Watching the bubble was the lowest point of those two years. There was a part of me that felt it was nice to get refreshed, and a part of me really missed playing on that stage. That was the first time in seven years of not being in the playoffs. We know each player had their own experiences in the bubble, but I would have loved to have been there competing. I would say that was the lowest point in terms of my basketball experience because I felt so far away from it. This is what I love to do.
Things have been looking up for the Warriors this season. The team is an NBA-best 18-2, Curry is yet again playing like an MVP candidate (28.6 PPG, 6.8 APG, 42.3 percent from three), Thompson is getting close to make his long-anticipated return, and 2020 No. 2 overall draft pick James Wiseman should make his season debut at some point in January.
Not that Curry blames people who are surprised by the team's torrid start after their past two seasons, or those who didn't think the team could make another title run.
"Well, why would they think we could?" he told Haynes. "We had some of the worst situations happen with [Kevin Durant] getting hurt and leaving, Klay being out and then his Achilles, and our brand of basketball looked different with who was out there on the court."
He continued:
You have to understand how quickly things can change around the league. And there was a little doubt that crept in with us wondering would the business take over before we get to have a chance to get back with the injuries and decisions that need to be made all the while you're working your ass off to get back physically and mentally into this very spot. We always felt that if we could just get some pieces, we can be right back where we wanted to be.
Indeed, the Warriors went from Kevin Durant to D'Angelo Russell in the summer of 2019. They eventually traded Russell to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins and a 2021 top-three-protected first-round pick that they used on Jonathan Kuminga.
Wiggins has played well this season, averaging 19 points per game, while Kuminga remains a work in progress as a rookie. Jordan Poole (18.1 PPG, 3.4 APG) has been a revelation, while Draymond Green remains the keystone to the team's defense and its best playmaker on offense (7.8 APG).
If Thompson can return to the level that made him one of the best sharpshooters of his generation and Wiseman takes a step in his sophomore campaign, these Warriors are only going to get more dangerous. Clearly, they already have a good thing going.
"You remember how much fun it is," Curry said of trying to get back to the postseason. "I know the bubble was different, but you're watching teams that you know everything about. That was hard because we know what it's like to prepare for the playoffs and into a championship chase and how much fun that is. That's the motivation I needed. That's why I'm enjoying the ride we're on now, and we're not done."
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant don't share a locker room or even a conference anymore, but they could spend the 2021-22 NBA campaign together in one respect. They're in pole position to decide the MVP race...
