One of the marquee Christmas Day games in the NBA this year featured the two teams with the current best top records, the Golden State Warriors (26-6) and Phoenix Suns (26-5). That one was close throughout, with 12 lead changes and eight times tied, and Phoenix led 62-58 at the half and was tied 84-84 heading into the fourth quarter, but Golden State pulled away down the stretch. And a big part of the Warriors’ eventual win was Steph Curry (seen above taking a second-half shot), who posted 33 points (on 10-of-27 shooting) with six assists, five three-pointers, four rebounds, three steals, and a block. Here are some of Curry highlights on the night:
nothin' but net #StephenCurry || #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/28UAzc8Vxq
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 25, 2021
156th straight game with a SPLASH#StephenCurry || #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/eRGlBTrXvl
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 25, 2021
LOL Stephen sheesh#StephenCurry || #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/BnQXcQfZVj
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 25, 2021
"OH MY GOODNESS!"#StephenCurry || #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/xHQ6a5efBz
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 26, 2021
The Warriors also got strong performances from Gary Payton II (who had 14 points and eight rebounds) and Otto Porter Jr. (who had 19 points, including 10 in the final five minutes, and six rebounds). But Curry (Who earlier said he’s not a big fan of Christmas games) was a huge part of this big Christmas Day win for Golden State against a top opponent. And he helped the Warriors further illustrate their return to prominence this year.
[NBA.com; photo from Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports]
About Andrew Bucholtz
Andrew Bucholtz has been covering sports media for Awful Announcing since 2012. He is also a staff writer for The Comeback. His previous work includes time at Yahoo! Sports Canada and Black Press.