Stephen Curry scored 41 points in Golden State’s 126-119 overtime win over Orlando on Saturday, reaching 40 points for the 16th time after turning 35.
The 38-year-old became the NBA’s all-time leader in 40-point games after age 35, moving past LeBron James’ 15. Asked what the milestone meant to him, Curry pointed to the work behind his longevity.
“It’s kind of a weird one, but it does make me super proud of the work that’s gone in, especially with some injuries and all of that, but just the idea I can still get to a certain level,” Curry said. “I appreciate the longevity.”
Curry made a three-point play with 1:38 remaining in overtime to put the Warriors ahead, then added a layup in the final minute. He finished with six rebounds and six assists as Golden State extended its winning streak to seven games.
Curry also explained why he and Draymond Green encouraged the reserves after they started overtime without the two veterans. The bench unit gave Golden State a four-point lead during the opening 90 seconds.
“Me and Draymond going to have a reaction to that because we’re competitors and we want to be out there,” Curry said. “The conversation and the energy was more frustration for us, not doubt in the unit that was going out there.”
He said the two wanted to make sure the reserves understood their reaction was not a lack of confidence in them.
“They’ve been playing well all year and that 90 seconds, they got us a lead,” Curry said. “It matters in the long, the big picture of the season.”
Curry added that the team’s depth could help him manage his workload across the 82-game schedule. He played 36 minutes against Orlando after benefiting from games in which the reserves closed out wins.
“There’s a give and take there for sure. Mentally, physically, all of it,” he said. “Over the course of 82, you’d hope that we can keep that pattern going while we still win.”
Curry also praised rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who scored 23 points and hit a key three-pointer in overtime. Lendeborg had seven points through three quarters before scoring 16 in the fourth and overtime.
“It’s more of the same that we’ve been able to see, that consistency of effort and aggressiveness, and then the composure to just make solid plays,” Curry said. “It’s incredible to watch.”
The rookie made mistakes, Curry acknowledged, but continued attacking rather than losing confidence.
“You don’t ever see him kind of dial it back because things aren’t really going his way,” Curry said. “And you love that about a rookie.”
Golden State started the season 0-3 but has since won seven straight, improving to 7-3. Curry said the run has reinforced the team’s belief in its potential.
“We’re doing all the things we need to to convince ourselves that we are the team we think we can,” he said. “My take is that we’re a very resilient team.”
Curry added that the Warriors must continue finding ways to win through difficult stretches, including nights with turnovers or poor shooting. Against Orlando, his 41 points helped them secure another close win.
The Warriors host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, while the Magic visit the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.
