After breaking the all time record for the most three-pointers made in the NBA, Stephen Curry scored 30 points to lead the Golden State Warriors in ending a five-game losing streak to a shorthanded Boston Celtics squad, 111–107, on Friday night in Boston.
Curry’s only points of the second quarter came at the end as he was fouled while taking a last-second three-pointer by Marcus Smart. Celtics coach Ime Udoka was infuriated by the call and received a technical foul due to his reaction. Curry would make the four free throws, and the final score difference would ironically be four.
“The second quarter where we gave them four points, that was kind of a gut punch,” said Jayson Tatum of the Celtics.
“There’s been a lot of emotions on this road trip,” commented Curry. “Obviously with the record … Tuesday was an amazing night, and we had to find some energy tonight. We came out playing well, You’ve just got to find ways to win in this league. Four-point win doesn’t matter, it’s a win.”
The Warriors’s other big contributor was Andrew Wiggins with 27 points, on 11 of 20 from the field, and six rebounds.
Andre Iguodala scored 12 points, and Draymond Green added 6 points and a team-high eight assists.
Due to COVID-19 protocols by the league, Boston was missing a handful of players to include center Al Horford, forwards Grant Williams, Jabari Parker, Juancho Hernangomez, and Sam Hauser.
Tatum carried the load for Boston with 27 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Jaylen Brown added 20 points, Marcus Smart had 19 with eight assists and Josh Richardson scored 15.
“We’re coming off the emotional roller coaster … a lot going on around the league,” Curry said regarding his three-point record and the protocols. “You try not to get distracted by all the things that are outside the locker room. There’s a little PTSD from everybody in terms of what we went through last year. You’re trying to make sure you stay on top of (it). I know every sports league is dealing with protocols. I hope we get it right, no matter what that means.”
The Warriors would take a large 68–54 lead into halftime after being up by as many as 20 late in the second quarter.
Boston would dominate the third quarter outscoring the Warriors 27-14, and take an 84–82 lead through Tatum’s 25-foot three-pointer with 11:25 in the fourth.
The Warriors regained momentum scoring seven straight points to lead 89–84 with 9:52 to play. They increased the lead to 105–95 through Curry’s 27-foot three-pointer with 4:25 left in the game.
Boston countered again to come within two, 109–107, from Smart’s 27-foot three-pointer with 4.2 seconds remaining.
Boston immediately fouled Damion Lee, with 2.8 seconds remaining, in desperation for another possession; but Lee made both free throws to close out the game 111–107.
“It means I’m incredibly lucky to coach a bunch of talented guys,” said Kerr. “From my first game coaching in the NBA until now, I’ve had nothing but talented teams.”
The Warriors end their road trip visiting the Toronto Raptors on Saturday; while the Celtics host the New York Knicks also on Saturday.
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