There are very few words left to describe the season the Golden State Warriors are having, spearheaded by Stephen Curry who might not be the best player in NBA history, but he’s certainly putting together one of the most impressive offensive campaigns ever seen in this league.
The latest chapter in the story of the history chasing defending NBA champions took place in Washington, as the Warriors carved up the Wizards in a 134-121 win. A lot of things happened in this game. Draymond Green had another triple double (12 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists, 5 blocks). John Wall enjoyed the high pace to score 41 points with 10 assists on 17-of-25 shooting. Klay Thompson looked good with 24 points. But there was Curry, doing things it seems only he can this season, while also looking like someone who will go down in history not just as the best shooter ever in the NBA, but as one of the greatest players.
Curry scored 51 points on 19-of-28 from the field, with 11 three-pointers on 17 attempts. He scored 25 points in the first quarter alone, the sixth time this season he has more than 20 points in one quarter. He was 13-of-14 from the field in the first half, putting in a more human second half, while shooting 8-of-9 from beyond the arc. He had 286 3-pointers last season, an NBA record (he’s also second, fifth and this season is 10th on the all-time list). Right now he’s 54 three-pointers behind that mark, with 33 games to go. Curry is averaging 4.9 three-pointers per game this season. The best thing about Curry is how much fun he seems to be having doing these incredible things.
The shots that you know feel good go in, and some of the shots that you’re like, ‘Oh that’s off,’ they end up going in. It’s a fun feeling, and you want to ride that until you can’t anymore.
The Warriors are now 45-4. That 72-10 or better looks closer and closer for a team that isn’t falling apart or heading into some sort of slump. A loss here, a loss there. The closest to bad form we’ve seen from them this season in terms of results has been two losses in three games. We’ve seen not-so-great games from them a number of times, but their level of execution seems to be much higher than anyone else in this league, which sometimes is difficult to comprehend who such a gap has developed over one and a half seasons.
Next up for the Warriors? The Oklahoma City Thunder, in Oakland. More of a test for the Thunder than the Warriors. At this point, they don’t have to prove anything, although the hunger and motivation to keep this wonderful ride going doesn’t seem to be withering. One championship isn’t enough. All these stats and milestones aren’t enough. Records are great, championships are better. And the Warriors want to go down as a historic team. They already are, but a second championship ring while also setting a new record for wins in a regular season will make it official.