Curry Matches Jordan’s Record, Drops 49 on Spurs/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Stephen Curry delivered a stunning 49-point performance to lift the Golden State Warriors over the Spurs, 109-108. The veteran tied Michael Jordan’s record for most 40+ point games after turning 30. Victor Wembanyama impressed, but Curry’s clutch finish stole the show.
Curry’s Historic Night Quick Looks
- Steph Curry ties Michael Jordan’s post-30 scoring record with 44th 40+ point game.
- Curry drops 49 points, including 14 in the final 7 minutes.
- Warriors overcome a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to edge Spurs 109-108.
- Curry embraces hostile crowd, hits clutch free throws with 6 seconds left.
- Victor Wembanyama posts 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks in strong showing.
- Curry switched from Kobe Bryant’s shoes to Curry Brand mid-game.
- This performance comes a day after Curry ended his Under Armour partnership.
- Golden State improves to 1-1 in NBA Cup group stage.
Deep Look
Steph Curry Erupts for 49, Ties Jordan’s Scoring Record in Warriors’ Thrilling Win Over Spurs
SAN ANTONIO — Standing at the free-throw line with six seconds on the clock, the crowd roaring, and the game on the line, Stephen Curry wore a familiar grin. In the heart of enemy territory, the 37-year-old Warriors star thrived — as usual — under pressure.
With two clutch free throws, Curry sealed a remarkable 109-108 comeback victory for the Golden State Warriors over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. More than just a win, the performance marked another milestone for Curry: his 44th game with 40 or more points after the age of 30, tying NBA legend Michael Jordan for the all-time record.
“Just to be in that type of company — it’s pretty cool,” Curry said postgame. “Longevity is something I take pride in.”
Curry Powers Warriors in Classic Duel
Curry erupted for a season-high 49 points, scoring 31 in the second half alone, as Golden State overcame a 10-point deficit with under eight minutes to play. His fourth-quarter barrage included 14 points in the final 7:12, outdueling San Antonio’s rising superstar Victor Wembanyama in a back-and-forth thriller.
The win brought Golden State to 1-1 in the NBA Cup group stage, while the Spurs also fell to 1-1 in West Group C.
Playing in just his third game back after missing time with illness, Curry showed no signs of rust. He played the entire third quarter, dropping 17 points and hitting four of eight from deep. As the crowd at Frost Bank Center — and Wembanyama’s rowdy supporter section, the Jackals — jeered, Curry fed off the energy.
“Absolutely,” Curry said. “You’ve got to find something to take the nerves out. For me, that’s just embracing the moment, smiling, and having a good time.”
Wembanyama Impresses, But Curry Closes
Wembanyama showcased why he’s one of the league’s most anticipated young talents. The 7-foot-4 rookie notched 26 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in 38 minutes. He also spurred the home crowd late, urging them to raise the noise level as Curry stepped to the line with the Spurs ahead 108-107.
Curry, unfazed, calmly knocked down both free throws.
“It was pretty fun,” Curry said. “When he started that with their fans behind the basket, I kind of played into it. Thankfully, I made them.”
Afterward, Wembanyama credited Curry but acknowledged missed opportunities.
“We didn’t take away what we should have,” he said.
New Shoes, New Era?
The game came one day after Curry publicly ended his 13-year business relationship with Under Armour, declaring himself a footwear free agent. During warmups, Curry paid tribute to Kobe and Gigi Bryant by wearing the Nike Kobe 6 “Mambacita” shoes before switching into his own Curry Brand sneakers.
“I thought about Kobe a lot,” Curry said. “It gave me some good energy.”
The gesture, coupled with his on-court dominance, reminded fans and brands alike that Curry remains a valuable asset — on and off the court.
“This just confirms he’s still a top-tier investment,” one NBA executive commented anonymously.
Tensions and Technicals
The game was far from smooth. Warriors coach Steve Kerr received a technical foul midway through the fourth quarter after Jimmy Butler — playing out of position in a lineup tweak — was called for pushing Wembanyama out of bounds. The resulting free throws extended the Spurs’ lead to 92-82.
But Curry answered in vintage fashion, going on a personal scoring run that flipped the game in Golden State’s favor. With every three-pointer, fadeaway, and layup, the tide turned.
“Once he gets it going, we just try to get him the ball,” said Warriors guard Gary Payton II. “He’s not sick anymore. He’s got his bounce back.”
Historic Feat, Familiar Finish
Curry now shares the record for the most 40-point games after age 30 with Michael Jordan — a stat that only underscores the brilliance of his longevity.
It was also Curry’s second straight standout performance against the Spurs. On Wednesday, he scored 46 points in a 125-120 win.
“I love these moments,” Curry said. “To be able to still perform at this level — it means a lot.”
For a Warriors team looking to climb in the Western Conference and make noise in the inaugural NBA Cup, Curry’s form is a timely boost.
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