The Golden State Warriors have returned to a .500 win-loss record, thanks to a game-winning three-pointer from star player Stephen Curry in a high-profile regular-season clash against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, February 10, held at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
The Bay Area team is gradually building momentum, boasting a 6-1 record in their last ten games and riding a four-game winning streak.
Breaking a trend of close defeats, the Warriors managed to avoid another narrow loss, a relief for a team that had seen nine of their 25 losses this season decided by three points or fewer. Some of these losses involved opponents hitting game-winning shots, the Warriors making critical turnovers or missing opportunities to take the win.
Adding to the trend of heartbreaking losses, the Warriors also suffered four losses in overtime this season, including a game where Curry achieved a season-high 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks last week, February 3.
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Stephen Curry's 5 Most Clutch Moments in His Career
1. Game winner vs Houston Rockets
Curry nailed his first game-winning buzzer-beater against the Rockets on January 21, 2022, at the Chase Center, eliciting a wild reaction from the home crowd.
The two-time MVP swished the stepback midrange jumper with zeroes on the game clock, finishing the evening with 22 points, 12 assists, and four boards.
2. Game winner vs Phoenix Suns
The latest among his clutch moments was when Curry nailed a go-ahead three-pointer with 0.7 seconds left against the Suns last Saturday, which featured stars such as his former teammate Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
The six-foot-three guard hit nine triples that evening, adding nine rebounds and six assists.
3. 2015 NBA Finals, Game 5
Regarded as a pivotal moment in his career, Curry showcased one of his greatest performances during Game 5 of the 2015 NBA Finals.
With the series deadlocked at two games apiece against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the outcome of this game was crucial to gaining momentum and concluding the series in six games.
Curry responded by scoring 37 points on 13-of-23 shooting, including seven three-pointers, along with contributing seven rebounds and four assists.
However, in the fourth quarter, he elevated his game to another level, erupting for 17 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.
This outstanding effort secured a 104-91 victory for the Warriors, propelling them to a 3-2 series lead. Subsequently, they clinched their first championship of the 2010s dynasty in the following game.
4. Game winner vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Considered the pinnacle of the Warriors' historic 73-9 season in 2015-16, Curry and the Warriors found themselves in a highly anticipated regular-season matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, featuring stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
As the game extended into overtime, the score deadlocked at 118. Westbrook attempted a go-ahead midrange jumper in the crucial moments with less than 10 seconds remaining.
The Warriors secured the rebound, swiftly giving the ball to Curry. Instead of opting for a timeout, Curry took matters into his own hands.
Without hesitation, he launched a remarkable three-pointer just after crossing half-court, sinking the shot and securing the victory for the Warriors.
This iconic shot is widely regarded as the moment that solidified Curry's unanimous MVP season and further affirmed his status as the greatest shooter in the history of the NBA.
5. 2022 NBA Finals, Game 4
Regarded as Curry's defining Finals performance, the Warriors found themselves on the brink of a 1-3 deficit in the 2022 NBA Finals in Game 4, where the Boston Celtics effectively controlled the game's pace.
In the face of the swarming Boston defense, Curry made crucial and incredibly difficult shots, single-handedly keeping the team afloat when it seemed like their championship aspirations were slipping away.
By the night's end, Curry had amassed an impressive stat line of 43 points, ten rebounds, seven 3-pointers, and four assists. His outstanding performance propelled the Warriors to a crucial 107-97 victory, evening the series at 2-2.
Subsequently, they went on to win the next two games, ultimately securing the 2022 NBA Championship.
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