Curry’s 46 Points Spark Warriors’ Rebound Win After Turbulent 24 Hours

The Golden State Warriors entered Wednesday’s game in San Antonio facing a moment of reckoning. Less than 24 hours earlier, they had absorbed a lopsided defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a performance that prompted candid public criticism from veterans and a series of closed-door meetings. With the team’s early-season rhythm slipping, the Warriors needed a response.

Stephen Curry delivered one. The 17-year veteran, still recovering from illness and coming off one of his weakest showings of the year, exploded for 46 points in a 125-120 win over the Spurs. His 22-point third quarter fueled a decisive turnaround, showcasing exactly the type of performance Golden State often leans on when in need of momentum.

The outburst marked Curry’s 73rd career 40-point game and his 43rd since age 30 — a mark surpassed only by Michael Jordan. It also provided a timely boost for a team still searching for continuity after a 6-6 start and an extended slump on the road.

Even after the win, the Warriors acknowledged that this stretch has been a test of confidence and cohesion. But Wednesday’s performance, powered by their cornerstone star and a reshuffled lineup, offered a reminder of what the group believes it can still be.

1. A Team Searching for Answers

For Golden State, the lead-up to Wednesday’s game was dominated by self-reflection. Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Thunder had spotlighted internal frustrations, with Draymond Green questioning whether players were prioritizing winning over individual goals. Coach Steve Kerr later described the defeat as “embarrassing,” while Jimmy Butler characterized it as “humbling.” That frustration set the stage for a pair of lengthy morning meetings at the team’s San Antonio hotel. Players and coaches revisited film, revisited their communication, and discussed what adjustments were required to stabilize their season. Kerr said the team wasn’t panicking but needed to “rediscover our identity” before the season slipped further. Resting Curry, Butler and Green was briefly considered due to the difficult back-to-back. But given the circumstances — including limited minutes the night before — all three insisted on playing. Lead medical staff approved the decision, and Golden State entered the game with a renewed sense of purpose. Curry noted afterward that the film session was both strategic and emotional, emphasizing the need for accountability. The team, he said, had to be willing to change if it expected to stay competitive.

2. Lineup Adjustments and a Needed Spark

Kerr responded to the team’s concerns by introducing a new starting lineup. Moses Moody and rookie Will Richard were elevated to the first unit, while Jonathan Kuminga and Quinten Post shifted to the bench. The smaller, quicker look was designed to give Butler more space to create and to allow Curry and Green more freedom within the offense. The move initially struggled to find rhythm. Golden State managed just 14 points in the opening quarter, missing 14 of their first 18 three-point attempts and falling behind by 16. For a team trying to reset, it was an all-too-familiar start. Curry then transformed the game. After scoring only 11 points in the previous night’s loss, the two-time MVP uncorked a 22-point third quarter — the 43rd 20-point period of his career — to swing momentum back in Golden State’s favor. He said later that Tuesday’s game helped shake off lingering illness and restored his conditioning. Butler helped finish the job. He knocked down five three-pointers — after going five games without making one — including a late dagger over Victor Wembanyama. His 26 points, six rebounds and eight assists provided steady support to Curry’s scoring barrage.

3. A Veteran Team Regains Its Footing

The Warriors closed out the win with composure, leaning on their veterans to stretch the lead despite pressure from the young Spurs. After the game, Butler said the Thunder loss had served as a reminder of what a fully engaged, championship-caliber team looks like, and that Golden State had rediscovered some of that joy and connectivity against San Antonio. Kerr echoed that sentiment, noting the group “felt like our team again.” He reminded players that even their 2022 championship team endured a rough stretch — a seven-loss-in-eight-games slide — before finishing the year as champions. His message: adversity is part of the journey. Curry, asked to rate the team’s turbulence over the previous 24 hours on a scale of one to 10, gave it a “four.” For a veteran squad accustomed to drama, the moment qualified as challenging — but far from catastrophic. The Warriors will now try to build on the win, hoping that candid conversations, lineup adjustments and a superstar performance have restored their footing as the long season stretches ahead.