A 51-Point Disaster: Curry’s Worst Game Ever—And Kerr Was Smiling?

The Golden State Warriors endured one of their most humiliating defeats in recent memory, falling 93-144 to the Memphis Grizzlies in what can only be described as a nightmarish performance. What makes this loss particularly shocking is the high expectations surrounding the game, as Dennis Schröder made his Warriors debut as a starter alongside Stephen Curry.

However, instead of delivering a statement game, Golden State was overwhelmed from start to finish. The Grizzlies dominated every aspect of the contest, leaving fans and analysts questioning the state of the Warriors and their season’s trajectory.

Memphis Grizzlies: A Rising Juggernaut

The Grizzlies showcased why they’re considered one of the top teams in the league. With a 54.1% overall shooting percentage and a blistering 56.3% from three-point range (27-of-48), Memphis dismantled Golden State’s defense. Their depth was on full display, as all 12 players who took the court scored at least five points.

Even without monster games from their stars, the Grizzlies were unstoppable. Ja Morant scored just 9 points, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17, and Desmond Bane chipped in 15. It was the supporting cast that carried the day, with Santi Aldama posting 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Jake LaRavia contributed 19 points.

This performance underscores Memphis’s resurgence as a contender. After struggling with injuries last season, their rotation players gained valuable experience, making their bench one of the strongest in the league. Now sitting at 19-9 and second in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies are firmly back in the championship conversation.

Warriors Collapse: Historically Bad

For the Warriors, this game wasn’t just a loss; it was an embarrassment. Golden State shot a dreadful 27.8% from the field (20-of-72) and a mere 30% from three-point range (9-of-30) through the first three quarters. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the deficit had ballooned to 50 points, rendering the final frame little more than garbage time.

Schröder’s much-anticipated debut was a disaster. The veteran guard played 22 minutes, shooting 2-of-12 from the field and 0-of-4 from beyond the arc. He finished with just 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists while committing 4 turnovers.

But the most shocking aspect of the night was Stephen Curry’s historically poor performance. Curry went 0-for-7 from the field, including 0-for-6 from three-point range, scoring only 2 points from the free-throw line. In his 24 minutes on the court, he recorded just 3 rebounds and 1 assist, finishing with a career-worst -41 plus-minus rating.

The only player with a worse plus-minus? Draymond Green. Green played 19 minutes, posting an astounding stat line of 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, and 4 turnovers, finishing at -42.

Kerr’s Curious Demeanor

As the Warriors spiraled to their worst defeat of the season, cameras captured head coach Steve Kerr seemingly unbothered on the sidelines. At one point, he was seen laughing and chatting with his assistants, a stark contrast to the dejected expressions of his players, particularly Curry, who sat on the bench draped in a towel, visibly frustrated.

Kerr’s reaction, or lack thereof, sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some argued that his calm demeanor was a sign of perspective, recognizing that one game doesn’t define a season. Others viewed it as a lack of urgency in addressing the Warriors’ growing list of issues.

A Team in Decline?

This blowout loss is part of a troubling trend for the Warriors. After starting the season strong, they’ve gone 2-9 over their last 11 games, plummeting from first to tenth in the Western Conference standings. During this stretch, their offense has been particularly concerning, ranking 27th in the league with an average of just 106 points per 100 possessions.

Kerr’s rotational decisions have come under scrutiny. While an expanded rotation worked well early in the season, the recent slump has raised questions about whether it’s time to tighten the lineup.

Reports also suggest the Warriors are actively seeking an All-Star-caliber player to pair with Curry. A trade involving multiple assets could address their roster’s current limitations and provide the spark they desperately need.

Curry’s Rare Struggles

Curry’s performance against Memphis marked just the seventh time in his career that he failed to make a field goal. However, it was the only instance where he played more than 12 minutes in such a game.

While this outing was undoubtedly an outlier, it highlights the pressure on Curry to carry the Warriors during their struggles. Despite a few strong games—such as his 26-point, 10-assist effort against the Mavericks—the two-time MVP has yet to deliver a signature performance this season. He has only three games with 30+ points and none with 40 or more, a far cry from his usual standards.

For the Warriors to turn their season around, Curry will need to regain his form and deliver the type of dominant games he’s known for.

Moving Forward

The Warriors have little time to dwell on this defeat, as the schedule only gets tougher. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Golden State must address their offensive struggles and find ways to maximize Curry’s impact.

Whether it’s through internal adjustments, rotational changes, or a blockbuster trade, the Warriors must act quickly to salvage their season. Otherwise, nights like this could become all too common.