Stephen Curry delivered a performance for the ages, guiding the Golden State Warriors to a thrilling 134-125 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 1 at the FedExForum Arena in Memphis. The star point guard erupted for 52 points, including an astonishing 12 three-pointers, while also securing 10 rebounds and dishing out seven assists for a double-double. His dazzling display not only clinched a crucial win but also brought him within two three-pointers of matching Klay Thompson’s NBA single-game record of 14, set in 2018.
Curry’s sharpshooting was the highlight of a tightly contested battle between two Western Conference rivals. Converting 12 of his 19 three-point attempts, he showcased the precision and flair that have made him a legend in the league. The victory propelled the Warriors to fifth place in the Western Conference standings with a 44-31 record, overtaking the Grizzlies, who slipped to sixth at 44-32. For Curry, a four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP, this game was yet another testament to his enduring brilliance.
The 37-year-old admitted post-game that he briefly entertained thoughts of chasing Thompson’s record. Early in the fourth quarter, he attempted two long-range shots with the milestone in mind, but quickly shifted focus to securing the win. His leadership and poise under pressure ensured the Warriors held off a determined Grizzlies squad, keeping their playoff aspirations firmly on track as the regular season nears its end.
A historic night in Memphis
Curry’s 52-point outburst was complemented by a well-rounded stat line that underscored his versatility. He shot 18-for-27 from the field, achieving a 66.7% success rate, and went 12-for-19 from beyond the arc, good for 63.2% accuracy. These numbers reflect the kind of efficiency that has defined his career, even as he approaches his 16th season in the NBA. Beyond scoring, his 10 rebounds and seven assists highlighted his all-around impact.
The game itself was a seesaw affair, with both teams trading leads throughout. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 28 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, but his efforts weren’t enough to counter Curry’s onslaught. Memphis fought hard to protect their home court, but the Warriors’ offensive firepower, driven by their star guard, proved decisive in the closing moments.
Supporting Curry, Draymond Green added 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins chipped in with 20 points. Jordan Poole also contributed 18 points off the bench, helping Golden State maintain their edge. The win marked the Warriors’ seventh victory in their last 10 games, signaling a strong resurgence as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Chasing records and cementing a legacy
Stephen Curry’s name is synonymous with three-point excellence. Since surpassing Ray Allen as the NBA’s all-time leader in made three-pointers in 2021-2022, he has continued to rewrite the record books. His 12 threes against the Grizzlies rank as the second-highest single-game total of his career, trailing only a 13-three performance from years past. Earlier this season, in January, he came close to another milestone by sinking eight threes with perfect accuracy in a single game.
Curry’s influence extends far beyond individual accolades. In 2016, he shattered expectations by hitting 402 three-pointers in a single season, a record that still stands. That same year, he became the first unanimous MVP in NBA history, a feat that underscored his transformative impact on the game. His 12-three outburst in Memphis is just the latest chapter in a career filled with jaw-dropping moments.
- Key milestones in Curry’s career:
- Four-time NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022).
- Two-time MVP (2015, 2016).
- Single-season record of 402 three-pointers (2016).
- All-time leader in three-pointers made, surpassing 3,700 by April 2025.
Redefining basketball with every shot
Curry’s ability to drain shots from well beyond the arc has revolutionized modern basketball. Teams across the NBA now attempt over 35 three-pointers per game on average, a statistic that has soared in the wake of his success. His style—marked by quick releases, limitless range, and relentless off-ball movement—has inspired a new generation of players and shifted the strategic landscape of the league.
In the Grizzlies game, Curry’s constant motion created opportunities for his teammates. Wiggins and Poole benefited from the space he opened up, finding clean looks at the basket. This synergy has been a hallmark of the Warriors’ success under coach Steve Kerr, whose system maximizes Curry’s unique skill set. The result was a balanced attack that overwhelmed Memphis despite their best efforts.
Golden State’s recent form suggests they’re peaking at the right time. After a shaky start to the season, the team has found its rhythm, with Curry serving as the catalyst. His leadership, both on and off the court, has kept the Warriors competitive in a crowded Western Conference, where every win carries playoff implications.
Breaking down a masterpiece
Curry’s dominance unfolded across all four quarters in Memphis. He opened the game with 15 points in the first, including four three-pointers, setting an aggressive tone. By halftime, he had 27 points, and the Warriors led by six. The third quarter was his finest, as he poured in 18 points, with five more threes, pushing the lead into double digits.
Even as the Grizzlies mounted a late comeback, Curry remained unfazed. In the fourth, he added seven points, including a clutch three-pointer, and sealed the game with perfect free-throw shooting. His seven assists also played a critical role, ensuring his teammates stayed involved down the stretch.
- Quarter-by-quarter highlights:
- First quarter: 15 points, 4 threes.
- Second quarter: 12 points, 2 threes.
- Third quarter: 18 points, 5 threes.
- Fourth quarter: 7 points, 1 three.
Warriors eye playoff push
The victory over Memphis has significant ramifications for the Warriors’ postseason outlook. Now sitting fifth in the West, they’re just two wins behind the fourth-placed Denver Nuggets. With seven games left in the regular season, Golden State faces a pivotal stretch, starting with a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, followed by a clash with the Phoenix Suns.
For the Grizzlies, the loss snapped a three-game winning streak and exposed vulnerabilities at home. Morant and company will look to rebound against the New Orleans Pelicans, but the defeat to Golden State could loom large if the two teams meet again in the playoffs. Their rivalry, fueled by past postseason battles, adds extra weight to every encounter.
Curry’s performance reinforces his status as the Warriors’ linchpin. At 37, he shows no signs of slowing down, blending veteran savvy with the same explosive talent that made him a superstar. As the playoffs approach, his ability to deliver in big moments will be the key to Golden State’s championship hopes.
Stats that tell the story
Scoring 52 points in a single game is a rare feat, but for Curry, it’s familiar territory. This marked his 11th career 50-point game in the regular season, placing him among the NBA’s elite scorers like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. His 12 three-pointers also stand as the highest total in any game this season, a testament to his unmatched shooting prowess.
Efficiency was the name of the game. Curry missed just seven of his 19 three-point attempts and went 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. His 10 rebounds—an uncommon stat for a guard—highlighted his hustle, while his seven assists showed his playmaking ability. The double-double was his fifth of the season, further proving his all-around value.
The win gave the Warriors a half-game edge over the Grizzlies in the standings. In a conference where tiebreakers could decide playoff seeding, this advantage might prove crucial. With the regular season winding down, every performance like this one strengthens Golden State’s case as a contender.
Looking ahead
The Warriors’ schedule offers no respite. Their upcoming games against the Clippers and Suns will test their momentum, with Curry’s leadership under the spotlight. Winning these matchups could secure a top-six seed, bypassing the play-in tournament and earning a direct playoff berth—a goal that’s well within reach given their current form.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies must regroup quickly. Their next game against the Pelicans is a chance to steady the ship, but the loss to Golden State stings as a missed opportunity in a tight race. The Western Conference remains wide open, and both teams know that consistency will determine their fate.
For Curry, the focus is clear. After the game, he emphasized the importance of road wins against strong opponents, a mindset that has served the Warriors well in past title runs. As he continues to dazzle, the NBA world watches a legend still writing his story, one three-pointer at a time.
