‣ Despite a slow start, Curry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and scoring ability in past games, such as scoring 33 points in the second half of a 2019 playoff win against the Houston Rockets after a scoreless first half.
‣ Curry is considered the odds-on favorite to win NBA Clutch Player of the Year according to several NBA betting sites, highlighting his significant impact and performance in crucial moments of games.
Stephen Curry was just held scoreless in the 1st half for the first time since the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals.
— Basketball Reference (@bball_ref)
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Oh, what a night it was! Stephen Curry, that Golden State Warriors star, found himself in a bit of a pickle. For the first time since the 2019 Western Conference semifinals, he didn’t score in the first half. And this was during Tuesday night’s game, where they eventually triumphed over the Washington Wizards, 123-112. Talk about a rollercoaster!
Now, get this. It wasn’t just any game for Curry. Nope. It marked his 10th game being shut out in the first half since 2010. And, if we’re counting, that’s the 16th time in his career. But remember that 2019 playoff win against the Houston Rockets? Curry bounced back with 33 points in the second half. Classic Curry, right?
Here’s a fun fact: All of Curry’s other scoreless first halves happened during his first four seasons. Plus, this was the first time he didn’t score in the first half of a regular season game since way back on Nov. 23, 2012, against the Denver Nuggets. Feels like ages ago, doesn’t it?
And, oh! According to some NBA betting sites, Curry’s the hot favorite to win NBA Clutch Player of the Year. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Damian Lillard are still in the mix, though, with some pretty decent odds.
But let’s not forget that fateful Tuesday. Curry missed his first seven shots, six of which were from beyond the arc. And would you believe it? Three of those attempts were airballs. Including a wild 32-foot heave at the halftime buzzer. Talk about off his game!
Yet, the two-time MVP found his groove 53 seconds into the third quarter with a 3-pointer. Suddenly, Golden State was on fire, outscoring the Wizards 38-17 in the period. They even led by as many as 23 points in the second half. Now that’s a comeback!
And the final score? Curry wrapped up with 18 points, four 3-pointers against the Wizards. Not to mention his five rebounds and six assists in just 29 minutes on the court. Though, let’s be real, his shooting was a bit off – 6-of-21 from the floor and 4-of-16 from downtown.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Warriors were shooting stars, going 17-for-30 from beyond the arc. Wizards interim coach Brian Keefe even said, “You know he’s going to make shots at some point. … He was 0-of-6 on 3-pointers in the first. That’s not something you’re going to count on that’s going to sustain.” Wise words, indeed.
And just when you thought Curry’s surprises were over, he scored a season-low seven points in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 17. Only 2-of-12 from the field. Missed all eight 3-point attempts. Ouch.
But hey, the Warriors are on a roll, winning 11 of their past 14 games. They’re now ninth in the Western Conference standings. The Los Angeles Lakers? They’ve slipped to the 10th spot. Drama in the NBA, as always.
Lastly, for those keeping an eye on the odds, the Warriors are sitting at the 11th-best chance to win the championship. But the Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Minnesota Timberwolves are getting better odds. The NBA, always full of surprises, eh?
