Stephen Curry delivered a vintage performance on Thursday night, scoring 56 points and hitting 12 three-pointers to lead the Golden State Warriors past the Orlando Magic 121-115. Curry flirted with the NBA's single-game three-point record—a mark he once held—while putting on a shooting clinic at Chase Center.
Curry, whose previous season-high was 38 points, shot 16-for-25 from the field, including 12-for-19 from beyond the arc. He was also perfect from the free-throw line, hitting all 12 attempts. The two-time MVP has now hit 12 threes in a game three times in his career. He first tied the then-record in February 2016 before breaking it later the same year with 13. His former teammate Klay Thompson surpassed him with 14 in 2018—a record still intact. Despite not reclaiming the single-game record, Curry remains the undisputed leader in three-point shooting. According to The Athletic, he has recorded 45 games with at least nine made threes; the next closest player, Damian Lillard, has 14.
Yet it was his third-quarter dominance where Curry truly shined, single-handedly outscoring the Magic 22-21. He ended the first half with spectacular flair, sinking a deep three from beyond half-court. His final stat line reflected his astounding contribution:
- Points: 56
- Field Goals: 16-for-25
- Three-Pointers: 12-for-19
- Free Throws: 12-for-12
- Rebounds: 4
- Assists: 3
- Steals: 2
- Minutes Played: 34
The win not only improved the Warriors' playoff positioning, but also solidified Curry's status as the greatest shooter in NBA history. Warriors coach Steve Kerr reflected on Curry's impact saying, "We're spoiled around here. We're used to it, but it never gets old watching, I can tell you. I think the fans here tonight, even the Magic fans, they know they're witnessing the greatest shooter ever and one of the greatest performers ever. It’s not just the shots going in; it's just the fluidity, the beauty of his movement and motion and his audacity—the shots he's willing to take. He's an incredible performer and he put on quite the show tonight.”
Curry's performance was particularly impressive, considering the Warriors had trailed the Magic by as much as 17 points at one stage. He scored 25 of his total 56 points from the start of the second half until the 3:38 mark of the third quarter, making it clear he was not just having another game; he was staging a comeback.
Commenting on the atmosphere, Curry expressed, "It's nice to have energy like this, especially since the crowd seems to be so supportive. Our fan base has grown, and here it feels like home. It's always great when we play here." That night, he certainly played with the determination to make sure both the fans and his team left the arena cheering.
Throughout the game, which brought enthusiasm and intensity, Curry etched his name alongside legends like LeBron James and Rick Barry with his 14th career 50-point game—tying him for seventh-most in NBA history, with nine of those games occurring after turning 30, the highest total for the age group, according to ESPN Research.
Golden State's newly acquired player, Jimmy Butler, also witnessed Curry's greatness firsthand. While Butler struggled with his shot, finishing with just five points, he acknowledged the talent surrounding him. “He had a heck of a night,” Butler said earnestly. “You just see the defeat and the look of damn near disgust on the defender's face. But there ain't much you can do about it.” The addition of Butler has revitalized Curry, turning the Warriors from average contenders to solid playoff participants.
Butler's presence has increased defensive pressure on Curry, allowing him more room to operate offensively. "Since the trade, he's been so dialed in,” Green stated, referencing the newfound synergy between Butler and Curry. The Warriors have not only surged but are now aiming for playoff success, moving to just half-game behind the LA Clippers for sixth place, hoping to skip the play-in round.
What makes the 27th of February particularly special for Curry is how the date has historically summoned his best performances. On the same date nine years ago, he scored 54 points against the Knicks, and previously, he hit 46 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing his knack for memorable moments each time the calendar flips to this day.
“I guess I like this calendar day,” Curry said smiling. “I had my first 50-point game at the Garden. I have to channel February 27th energy all the time.” His infectious spirit and showmanship were apparent with every three-pointer, following through with his typical grin and lightheartedness.
Curry’s explosive performance has put him firmly back on the map as one of the league’s premier players as the Warriors aim for the playoffs with newfound confidence and strategy. With the rhythm and camaraderie developing since Butler's arrival, this team may be ready to make significant noise as they charge toward the postseason—encouraged by iconic moments like this 56-point showcase.
While the Magic certainly had Paolo Banchero on fire, scoring 41 points, they couldn't hold off the shift Curry triggered with his scintillations. The game not only extended the Warriors' winning streak to five but also cemented Curry's legacy as he fans' favorite—seemingly hitting his stride at just the right time as the postseason approaches.