
When Stephen Curry gets into a shooting rhythm from beyond the arc, as he did during Thursday night’s game, his coach feels confident that the shots will find their mark. This has been a hallmark of Curry’s career, making him the most prolific long-range shooter in NBA history.
In the Golden State Warriors’ matchup against the Orlando Magic, Curry lit up the scoreboard with an impressive 56 points, leading his team to a 121-115 victory. He sank 12 three-pointers, including a remarkable shot from well beyond midcourt that closed out the first half.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr commented on Curry’s performance: “He’s had so many of those over the last couple of years. As soon as he released the ball, I thought, ‘That’s in.’ I felt it, and I knew it set a positive tone for the second half.”
Curry continued his scoring spree in the third quarter, where he outscored the Magic 22-21, marking his 1,000th regular-season start.
“Many players played a key role in the win,” Curry stated, “but it’s enjoyable to have a moment like this and relish the excitement.”
This remarkable performance marked Curry’s 14th game scoring 50 points or more, allowing him to surpass Patrick Ewing on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, bringing his career total to 24,867 points. With a three-point shooting accuracy of 12 for 19, he made 10 or more three-pointers for the record 26th time in his career, just six points shy of his personal best.
“Watching him play never gets old,” Kerr remarked. “Even Magic fans could appreciate that they were witnessing the greatest shooter of all time, and one of the most outstanding performers ever. It’s not just about making shots; it’s the grace of his motions and the boldness of the attempts he takes.”
Including that 50-footer right before halftime, which provided the Warriors with a crucial boost heading into the locker room.
“In the first half, we struggled, but he kept us in the game,” Draymond Green noted. “He dominated in the third quarter, completely taking control of the game.”
Curry fell just one short of his career record for three-pointers made in a game. He has a history of scoring highlights on February 27, having previously scored 54 points against the Knicks with 11 three-pointers in 2013 and 46 points against the Thunder, hitting 12 threes in 2016.
“When you have nights like this, it happens in different ways … you get into a rhythm where the ball finds you at the perfect times,” Curry reflected. “However, it requires footwork, balance, and the courage to take those shots confidently, no matter how they come, and be prepared for your moment.”
“So, I practice all types of shots, and on some nights, it all just comes together.”
After the game, he tossed his jersey to his mother, who was in attendance, making it an easy throw from just a few feet away.
However, Thursday was primarily about showcasing Curry’s remarkable abilities from long distances.
“I try various shots to let my creativity flow,” Curry said. “It’s a way to enjoy the game and challenge my range, aiming to see the ball swish through the net from different spots on the court.”
