Steph Curry’s Apocalypse: 60-Point Performance Ends in Warriors Loss to Hawks
In a shocking turn of events, Golden State Warriors’ star, Steph Curry, scored a staggering 60 points in a losing effort against the struggling Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks, who are currently five games below .500, seem to be on the verge of a complete rebuild centered around Trae Young. With half to 75 percent of their team on the trade block, it’s no wonder that people are questioning the direction of this franchise.
Meanwhile, the Warriors find themselves four games below the Mendoza line and are fighting for the last play-in spot. Just a year ago, fans were speculating if the Golden State dynasty had come to an end. The team struggled throughout the season, and the 2022-23 campaign was written off as a year from hell.
Although the attention has been on Draymond Green’s altercation with a teammate, the real cause for concern is the lack of synergy within the Warriors. It’s been three seasons since their championship run, and they haven’t looked like a well-oiled machine since. While Steph Curry continues to display his unmatched shooting ability, the team has surprisingly lost the past three games in which he scored over 50 points. Prior to 2022, the Warriors boasted an 8-2 record when Curry reached that milestone.
Comparing the Warriors to the Hawks, it’s clear that the narrative surrounding the two teams is vastly different. We often hear cliches like “in a vacuum” or “you are what your record says you are,” but when it comes to athletes, we know it’s never that simple. This is why the Warriors aren’t receiving the same level of attention as the Hawks this season.
Some argue that Klay Thompson should be considered expendable, potentially even more so than Dejounte Murray. Murray’s stats are superior, and he still excels defensively. However, trading Thompson would likely incite a riot among Dub Nation, as his performances during championship parades have endeared him to Warriors fans. It’s fascinating to witness the downfall of great teams and how sentimentality plays a role in their fate.
Despite Curry’s incredible 60-point outburst, fans and media members hesitate to make bold proclamations. They don’t want to repeat past mistakes and question the abilities of the greatest shooter in NBA history. However, when Curry’s historic performance comes in a loss against a team that is clearly on a downward trajectory, doubts start to creep in. Green, Thompson, and Wiggins struggled immensely, shooting a combined 8 of 34 from the field. It’s worth noting that Klay has only scored over 30 points twice this season, while players like Cam Thomas and Scoot Henderson have achieved that feat more frequently.
It’s rare to witness a group of players go through an entire career together. It takes an extraordinary amount of success and chemistry to even have the opportunity to try. The Warriors’ current season, which can only be described as a reality check rather than a descent into hell, is a prime example of why this level of longevity is so uncommon in professional sports.
