Stephen Curry posted his 11th career 50-point game to tie Allen Iverson for 9th-most all-time on Wednesday, but the Warriors star’s outburst couldn’t prevent Golden State from setting a club record for season-opening road futility in a 130-119 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
The eight-time All-Star made 17 of 28 shots, going 7 of 11 from 3-point range, to become the 8th-oldest player at the time of his 50-point game, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. The Warriors, however, fell to 0-8 on the road to start a season for the first time since 1989-90, when they started 0-9. Their skid also is now the longest overall road losing streak by a defending champion since the 1998-99 Chicago Bulls. The Warriors fell to 6-9 overall.
The problem for Golden State was nobody else helped out Curry on the offensive end. Klay Thompson finished with 19 points but shot just 6 of 17.
Curry’s scoring prowess is expected, but it was countered by one of the best games of Suns guard Cameron Payne’s career. Starting in place of the injured Chris Paul, the 6-foot-3 guard made 9 of 17 shots, including 6 of 10 from beyond the arc.
The Suns led 103-89 going into the fourth quarter. The Warriors quickly cut into that margin but couldn’t get closer than eight points. Damion Lee hit back-to-back 3-pointers against his former team to keep the Suns comfortably ahead.
The Suns shot 21 of 40 (52.5%) from 3-point range. Mikal Bridges had 23 points, making 5 of 8 3-pointers.
It was a frenetic first half with both teams shooting very well — particularly behind the arc. The Suns led 72-65 at the break, with Curry scoring 31 points. Payne had 18 for the Suns and Booker had 16.
Curry was at his best in the first half, making 10 of 13 shots from the field, including 4 of 5 3-pointers. The two-time MVP came into the game averaging about 31 points per game and hit that mark with a free throw near the end of the second quarter.
The Warriors were basically at full strength while the Suns were missing two injured starters — Paul and Cam Johnson — and a key reserve in Landry Shamet.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source : ESPN
