Curry's 49 Points Propel Warriors Past Spurs 109-108

Post by : Mara Rahim

In a captivating display, Stephen Curry scored 49 points, including crucial free throws in the closing moments, guiding the Golden State Warriors to a 109-108 victory against the San Antonio Spurs. This NBA Cup clash took place in San Antonio and highlighted Curry’s impressive performance under pressure.

This victory marked the Warriors’ successful sweep of their two-game series in San Antonio, winning both matches within just three nights. With this win, Golden State has secured three victories in their last four outings and stands at 1-1 in West Group C of the NBA in-season tournament, while the Spurs share the same group record of 1-1.

The Spurs surged ahead early in the fourth quarter, building a 10-point lead that pumped up the intensity. Yet, the Warriors remained composed, with key contributions from Curry, Gary Payton II, and Brandin Podziemski, who made significant shots that allowed them to reclaim a 101-100 lead with just over three minutes to play.

San Antonio's standout, Victor Wembanyama, ignited hope for his team with an impressive tip-in, giving the Spurs a 108-105 advantage with slightly over a minute remaining. The excitement in the arena was palpable as fans believed victory was within reach for the Spurs, but the Warriors’ resolve remained firm.

Golden State’s Jimmy Butler III quickly narrowed the gap with a layup. Following a blocked shot by Wembanyama and a missed opportunity from De’Aaron Fox, Curry drove towards the basket, drawing a foul that set the stage for a decisive moment. With composure, he converted both free throws, pushing the Warriors ahead 109-108.

In the final seconds, the Spurs turned to Fox for the last shot. He launched a difficult jumper as the buzzer went off; after bouncing on the rim, it didn’t fall in, sealing the Warriors’ narrow victory. It was a nail-biting finish that kept fans breathless.

While Curry was undoubtedly the highlight, he had vital support from Jimmy Butler III, who added 21 points, with Will Richard and Brandin Podziemski contributing 10 each. Their performance was crucial in keeping the game competitive until Curry led the final charge.

For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama recorded an impressive 26 points and 12 rebounds, alongside De’Aaron Fox’s 24 points and 10 assists. Julian Champagnie contributed 14 points, while Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell added 13 and 11 points, respectively. Despite these efforts, they couldn't halt Curry’s decisive impact.

Throughout the first half, both teams battled fiercely. The Spurs led 20-18 after the first quarter, but the Warriors took charge in the second, with Curry, Podziemski, and Richard hitting significant three-pointers to secure a 40-33 lead, only for the Spurs to respond with a 10-4 run, closing halftime at a narrow 47-45 deficit for Golden State.

The third quarter continued the competitive spirit, highlighted by Curry’s extraordinary bank shot that added momentum for Golden State. The Warriors completed a 14-6 run to lead 68-66 towards the end of the quarter in a closely contested matchup.

Ultimately, Curry’s scoring prowess, confidence, and experience proved decisive. His remarkable 49 points and clutch performance secured the Warriors a thrilling NBA Cup victory, leaving San Antonio with renewed hope and momentum that signals they can continue to thrive this season.