Quick Read
- Stephen Curry scored 26 points, overcoming a poor first half to lead the Warriors’ third-quarter surge.
- Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody each contributed 20+ points, with Moody passing Monta Ellis for 15th on franchise three-point list.
- Warriors dominated the paint (62 points) and bench scoring, defeating the Magic 120-97 at Chase Center.
Stephen Curry’s Comeback Powers Warriors Past Magic
On a Monday night in San Francisco, Stephen Curry reminded fans why he’s still one of basketball’s most magnetic stars. Despite a rocky start — missing all six of his first-half three-point attempts and playing through a sore left ankle — Curry found his rhythm when it mattered most, fueling the Golden State Warriors to a resounding 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic at Chase Center.
The contest looked tense early, with the Warriors struggling from deep and Curry shooting just 3-for-13 in the first half. But something shifted in the third quarter. Curry, ever the showman, erupted for 16 points on a flawless 6-for-6 shooting streak, including three consecutive made threes. It wasn’t just the numbers; it was the energy. After sinking his second three-pointer of the quarter, Curry threw in a little extra shimmy — the kind of moment that electrifies a crowd and signals a shift in momentum. By night’s end, Curry had tallied 26 points, six assists, four made threes, and two steals, leading the charge for Golden State.
Warriors Find Their Groove After Halftime
Golden State’s shooting woes persisted early, with the team hitting just one of their first ten three-point attempts and finishing at 29.7 percent from beyond the arc. But the Warriors compensated with relentless attacks inside, scoring 62 points in the paint and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, outscoring Orlando 24-9 in that category. The turning point came midway through the third quarter, when Curry’s first made three trimmed Orlando’s lead and sparked a 14-4 run that flipped the game’s narrative.
Jimmy Butler III, continuing a strong stretch, poured in 21 points — with 16 coming in the first 16 minutes — on an efficient 7-for-9 shooting. Moses Moody added 20 points and made franchise history, surpassing Monta Ellis for 15th on Golden State’s all-time three-pointers list with his 352nd career triple. The bench stepped up as well, with Brandin Podziemski posting 16 points and leading the game in plus-minus at +36 in just 28 minutes. Draymond Green chipped in with nine points and seven rebounds, while Buddy Hield, having recently lost his ironman streak, returned to drain a late three-pointer that sent the bench into celebratory mimicry.
Orlando’s Effort Falls Short Against Warriors Depth
The Magic weren’t without their own bright spots. Paolo Banchero led Orlando with a double-double, posting 21 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. Desmond Bane contributed 20 points, while Anthony Back added 19 on efficient shooting. Yet, their bench was outscored 36-21, and the Warriors’ depth proved decisive, especially during a 13-0 late second-half run that allowed Golden State to rest its veterans and showcase its young talent.
Despite their efforts, Orlando struggled to keep pace once Curry ignited the crowd and his teammates. The Warriors’ defense also tightened, recording eight steals and keeping the Magic at bay in crucial moments. For Orlando, the loss marked the start of a tough back-to-back road stretch, with a visit to Portland next on the schedule.
Looking Ahead: Injury Updates and Next Games
The Warriors played without Jonathan Kuminga, who missed his second consecutive game due to illness. Buddy Hield’s streak of 199 consecutive games played ended in their previous contest, but his return Monday was a morale boost. Coach Steve Kerr remains hopeful that center Al Horford, sidelined for seven games with sciatic nerve irritation, will be available for Thursday’s matinee against Dallas.
The Magic move on to face the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Warriors aim to build on their momentum with a Christmas Day matchup against the Mavericks — another opportunity for Curry and company to shine on a national stage.
Stephen Curry’s ability to shake off early struggles and deliver when it matters is a testament to his leadership and resilience. In a season where every win counts, Curry’s third-quarter explosion didn’t just turn the tide of a single game — it reaffirmed the Warriors’ identity as a team capable of overcoming adversity, finding contributions up and down the roster, and thrilling fans with the unexpected. As the season progresses, these moments of brilliance could be the difference between a good team and a great one.
Sources: NBA.com, Yahoo Sports