Throughout his NBA career, Golden State Warriors star guard Stephen Curry has been part of his fair share of history. He is the league’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made and was part of the winningest regular season team in league history as well.
But, over the weekend, Curry and the Warriors were on the other side of history. On Sunday afternoon, they traveled to take on the Boston Celtics in what ended up being one of the most lopsided matchups of the season.
It was more like an exhibition game, as the Celtics destroyed the Warriors 140-88. It was their third victory of the season of at least 50 points, as they set several NBA records in the landslide win.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Stephen Curry, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors Updates
“They’ve stayed motivated, hungry,” Curry told reporters after the game when asked about the growth he’s seen from the Celtics since the 2022 NBA Finals. “You always take those moments and understand you have to get better, and they’ve done that. … The way they’ve been playing, they seem very sure of themselves and their identity and who they are. You give them credit.”
That victory by the Warriors in 2022 changed the trajectory of each franchise. Golden State’s ownership has admitted the unexpected title has led to difficulties in setting up a succession plan for their core as the team remains competitive.
The Celtics, who had the same core for several years, hadn’t been able to get over the hump. Realizing a change needed to be made, general manager Brad Stevens made some big moves in the 2023 NBA offseason, acquiring Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in trades.
The results have been magnificent. Boston is running away with the Eastern Conference, 7.5 games ahead of the second-place Milwaukee Bucks. Beating them has not been easy, so the Warriors attempted a wrinkle in their game plan.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jaylen Brown, Stephen Curry, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors Updates
That wrinkle was leaving Jaylen Brown open for 3-pointers. He led a first-quarter onslaught, knocking down 5-of-9 3-point attempts in the first quarter. Overall, Boston made 10-of-16 from long range in the first quarter en route to 44 points and the start of the blowout.
“When you have a creative idea and it doesn’t work and you’re taking the ball out of the basket and they’re hitting 10 threes in the first quarter, like, that’s what we we used to do at teams,” Curry said. “It’s kind of demoralizing, especially on the road.”
That demoralizing feeling is one Golden State has really never been on the receiving end of. They have made plenty of opponents feel that way during their Big 3 era, but the NBA is changing. The Warriors are no longer the team everyone is chasing; they are now chasing the contenders.
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