Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry has already solidified his place in NBA history, yet he continues to break new ground. In a remarkable 52-point performance against the Memphis Grizzlies, Curry surpassed Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West on the league’s all-time scoring list.
West, who passed away last year, had a strong connection with Curry, having served as a consultant for the Warriors from 2011 to 2017. His son, Jonnie West, currently holds the role of senior director of pro personnel for Golden State.
With this milestone, Curry moves up to 25th on the all-time scoring list, pushing West to 26th. Despite everything happening with the Warriors, Curry took a moment to honor the legendary Hall of Famer.
“That’s special, obviously, in our memory and what he meant to the league, to the world of basketball, to our organization when he worked here,” Curry told The Los Angeles Times. “And my relationship with Jonnie. I got to talk to him after the game, just to share a moment of what it meant for me, my family, the entire West family.
“So that is special. Just understanding what his career was, that’s The Logo, so very special. I’ll keep that ball and put it in a good place.”
Even though West is no longer around, Curry’s tribute speaks volumes about his character and respect for the game’s legends.
Curry Thriving at 37
With LeBron James still playing at an elite level at 40, it’s easy to overlook how rare it is for athletes to excel in their late 30s. Given Curry’s size, his continued dominance at 37 is even more impressive.
Scoring 52 points at this stage of his career, especially so late in the season, is an extraordinary feat. Even those who have been around him for years are amazed by his performance.
“The guy is 37 years old,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “Incredible. Fifty-two points with people draped all over him all game long. The conditioning. The skill. The audacity. The belief. It’s just incredible to watch Steph at work.”
Curry is already regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history, but if he maintains this level of play for a few more seasons, he could make a strong case for a spot in the top 10 all-time rankings.
Key Lakers-Warriors Showdown Looms
The Warriors and Lakers, two of the biggest franchises in the Western Conference, entered the season with uncertain outlooks. The Lakers seemed destined for the play-in tournament before making key moves at the trade deadline, while the Warriors were in danger of missing the postseason entirely.
However, after making impactful trades, both teams have turned things around. The Lakers have climbed to third in the standings, while the Warriors now sit at fifth.
The two powerhouse teams are set to clash on Thursday in a game that could have major playoff implications. With both squads heating up at the right time, the winner could emerge as the biggest threat to the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the West.