52+10+8+5! What Level Is Curry At Right Now?

In a remarkable display of brilliance, Stephen Curry once again showed why he is considered one of the greatest players in the history of basketball. On a night where his Golden State Warriors faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies, Curry put on a historic performance that will be remembered for years to come. He finished the game with an astounding 52 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals, leading the Warriors to a 134-125 victory. But it's not just the box score that stands out – Curry's play on the court was simply unbelievable.

From the very first quarter, Curry’s shooting was nothing short of sensational. He opened the game by hitting 5 of his first 6 three-pointers, finishing the first quarter with 19 points. By halftime, Curry had already made 8 threes and scored 32 points, and as the third quarter wound down, he had reached 45 points on 11 made three-pointers. Unfortunately for Curry, his shooting cooled off in the fourth quarter, where he made only 1 of his 5 three-point attempts, preventing him from breaking Klay Thompson’s record of 14 threes in a single game. Still, the performance was one for the ages, filled with milestones that further cemented Curry’s place in NBA history.

After the game, Curry’s career points total rose to 25,205, surpassing Jerry West to claim the 25th spot on the all-time scoring list. It was also Curry’s 15th career game with 50 or more points, surpassing LeBron James and tying Damian Lillard for 6th place in NBA history. At 30 years old, Curry became the first player in NBA history to score 50 or more points 10 times after reaching that age, with Wilt Chamberlain being the second with seven such games. Even more impressively, Curry, now 35, has hit the 50-point mark four times since turning 35, a feat matched only by LeBron James—who has done it twice. Curry also became the first player in history to score 50 or more points, hit 10+ three-pointers, and record 5+ steals in a single game.

In terms of three-pointers, Curry continues to set new benchmarks. This was his fourth game with 12 made threes, surpassing Klay Thompson’s mark of 3 such games. And if we consider the broader context, Curry has made at least 10 threes in a game 27 times in his career. The players behind him on this list combined for just 24 such performances. Curry also holds the record for most games with five or more threes in a quarter, having accomplished this feat 37 times in his career. Damian Lillard, who ranks second in this category, has done so only nine times. Every time Curry steps onto the court, it feels like he’s on the verge of creating a new record, and more often than not, he does.

Looking at this season, Curry’s resurgence has been nothing short of incredible. At 37 years old, he has defied the odds and continues to dominate the NBA. Despite some struggles earlier in the season, where his scoring dipped below his usual standards, Curry has exploded since February. In the 24 games he’s played since then, he has averaged 28.2 points per game, ranking fourth in the league in scoring during that span. His shooting splits of 45.4% from the field, 39.5% from three, and 92.2% from the free-throw line during this stretch are a testament to his efficiency and his ability to perform under pressure.

One of the factors behind Curry’s recent surge has been the addition of Jimmy Butler to the Warriors’ roster. Butler’s arrival has provided Golden State with a top-tier ball handler who has taken some of the playmaking pressure off Curry, allowing him to focus on scoring. This dynamic was on full display in the win over the Grizzlies, where Curry put up 52 points while Butler added 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Butler’s 10 points in the fourth quarter, including a crucial sequence in the final two minutes, were key in securing the win for the Warriors. In the 23 games Butler has played for Golden State, they’ve won 19, helping to push them back into the championship race.

While Butler has certainly played a major role in turning the Warriors’ season around, it’s important to remember that Curry is still the driving force behind the team’s success. Since February, Curry has been a key factor in the Warriors’ offensive explosion. When he’s on the floor, Golden State scores 121.2 points per 100 possessions, and they outscore their opponents by an average of 10.1 points per 100 possessions – both team-best marks. When Curry is off the floor, the Warriors’ offensive rating drops to 109.3 points per 100 possessions, and their net rating falls to just +5.6.

Curry’s cumulative plus-minus during this stretch is an eye-popping +177, leading the team by a wide margin. That figure ranks 13th in the entire league, showcasing how essential he is to the Warriors’ success. While Butler has undoubtedly been a key addition, Curry remains the team’s cornerstone, the constant that keeps the Warriors' championship hopes alive.

There have been whispers this season suggesting that the Warriors might actually be better off without Curry. These opinions are misguided, to say the least. Curry is the greatest shooter in NBA history and one of the most impactful players of all time. No team in their right mind would be better off without such a transcendent talent. Even though Curry’s numbers may not be as gaudy as in past seasons, he is still producing at an elite level. His efficiency, ability to make plays for others, and leadership on both ends of the floor have kept Golden State competitive in the tightly packed Western Conference.

With the Warriors’ victory over the Grizzlies, they moved up to 5th place in the Western Conference standings, just behind the 4th-place Los Angeles Lakers. It’s hard to ignore the longstanding rivalry between these two teams, and the thought of them facing off in a playoff series is enough to excite any basketball fan. The two teams have undergone significant changes in recent years, and with both squads peaking at the right time, a potential playoff matchup between the Warriors and the Lakers would be a must-watch. Given the current form of both teams, it’s difficult to predict who would come out on top. But one thing is for certain – if Curry continues to play at this level, the Warriors will be a force to be reckoned with.

Curry's recent stretch of play has proven that age is just a number for him. Despite being 37 years old, he is playing some of the best basketball of his career. His performance against the Grizzlies was yet another reminder of just how remarkable his skillset is. Curry’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, his basketball IQ, and his leadership are what continue to separate him from other players in the league. His greatness is not just measured in points, but in his ability to elevate his teammates and make those around him better.

In conclusion, Curry’s performance against the Grizzlies, along with his overall play this season, has shown that he is far from slowing down. At 37, he remains one of the most dangerous players in the league and continues to break records that were once thought to be unbreakable. Whether it’s his scoring, his playmaking, or his leadership, Curry has proven time and again that he is among the best to ever play the game. As the Warriors head into the playoff stretch, one thing is clear – as long as Curry is on the floor, they are a serious contender for the championship.