SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry was visibly frustrated. He roared and tore his jersey from the collar after having scored 46 points on 35 shots in 43 minutes, and getting only three free throws. He made a game-tying layup at the end of regulation and also forced a turnover, hitting a crucial corner 3-pointer in the first overtime.
With 4.7 seconds remaining in the second overtime, Curry hit a 26-footer putting the Warriors up by a point. LeBron James, on the other hand, delivered 36 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists, leading the Lakers to a dramatic 145-144 victory.
Curry and LeBron have shared heartbreaks and hugs over the years, and now they continue to captivate audiences. Curry responded to LeBron’s great performance by stating, “How does it keep getting better? How do we keep getting better?” Later, Curry expressed that the Warriors have faced self-inflicted wounds and some games that they should have won but with little to show for it.
The Warriors, despite their best efforts, are 15-13 in clutch games with Curry. They sit five games below .500 and are still outside the postseason field. They recognize that they’re fighting and playing with a sense of desperation to change the tide of their season.
While both teams play their best in moments, in games, their problem is sustainability. The Lakers and the Warriors seem to bring out the greatness in each other. Nonetheless, Curry left the court frustrated, indicating that their energy and momentum in trying moments make the losses even more painful.