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The performance marked another milestone in Curry's 18-year career, as he recorded his 16th game of 40 or more points since turning 35. This achievement moves him past Michael Jordan, who had 12, and LeBron James, who has 15, for the most such games by a player after their 35th birthday. It was also Curry's second 40-point outing in the first month of the season and the 77th of his career.
A Clutch Performance Under Pressure
The Warriors faced a significant challenge against the Magic, who erased a 16-point first-half deficit to take a six-point lead in the fourth quarter. Curry responded by scoring 12 points in the final 2:21 of regulation, including a pair of deep three-pointers and a difficult running floater with 25 seconds remaining that briefly gave Golden State the lead. While Jamal Cain forced overtime with a late layup for Orlando, Curry’s late-game heroics proved to be the catalyst for the eventual result.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised the durability and skill of his star player, describing his longevity as remarkable. Kerr attributed Curry's sustained success to a combination of disciplined strength training, conditioning, and natural ability. Reflecting on the win, Curry noted the importance of maintaining a high level of play to contribute to team success, especially when the squad requires a significant scoring output to overcome deficits.
Team Depth and Historic Momentum
With Kerr managing Curry’s minutes, the Warriors relied on their bench to open the overtime period. Backup center Charles Bassey provided an immediate spark with four points, while rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who finished with 23 points, added a crucial three-pointer. Curry returned to the floor to close out the game, contributing two additional floaters and a free throw to seal the victory.
This win marks the Warriors' seventh consecutive victory, a streak that follows their 0-3 start to the season. The team now joins the 1950-51 Boston Celtics as the only franchises in NBA history to follow a winless three-game opening stretch with a seven-game winning streak. The result reinforces Golden State's momentum as they continue their early-season campaign.