Stephen Curry experienced an unprecedented performance setback as the Golden State Warriors endured a historic defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Stephen Curry, renowned for his scoring prowess, finished a game without a field goal in his 16-year career for the first time after playing 24 minutes. The Warriors fell behind by as many as 57 points and concluded the game with a staggering 144-93 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Curry acknowledged the challenging game, admitting, “We ran into a buzz saw. We obviously know we are better than that. I’ve got to be better than that.” This 51-point losing margin emerged as the largest in the NBA this season, with the Warriors suffering their ninth loss in 11 games after an impressive 12-3 season start.
Curry’s shooting was off, going 0-for-7, missing all six attempts from beyond the arc. This marked only the fifth instance in Curry’s career where he played without converting any field goals, underscoring the formidable defense set up by the Grizzlies.
Despite their struggles, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr remains optimistic about recovery, stating, “I know we’ve got competitors, and I know we’re going to bounce back and we’re going to regroup.” However, he admits there is significant work needed to execute effectively and manage the defensive pressure.
The last time the Warriors lost a regular-season game by more than 50 points was in 2021 and 2022, with a franchise record 63-point loss against the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972. As Curry and Draymond Green both failed to land any field goals, they faced an unfamiliar setback. “There’s a first time for everything, right?” Curry reflected.
The Warriors’ lackluster performance was contrasted by Brandin Podziemski and Andrew Wiggins, who collectively made 15 of their 24 attempts. In contrast, the team as a whole managed to convert only 25.8% of their shots, highlighting the struggle faced across the board.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies continued to set records, not only achieving the largest win margin this season but also previously beating Portland by 45 points. Grizzlies guard Ja Morant emphasized the importance of defense, noting, “Once we’re all locked in defensively, you see what type of team we can be.”
As the Warriors look ahead, there is a clear need to address both offensive and defensive strategies to avoid another such humbling defeat. Their focus will be on regrouping and regaining their competitive edge to improve on the court.
The Warriors face a crucial moment of reflection after their significant loss to the Grizzlies. While challenging, this setback presents an opportunity to rebuild and refine their strategy for future matches. The team’s resilience will be key in overcoming this defeat and bouncing back stronger.
Source: Local10
