Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors could not defeat James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers tonight in the battle of the two all-time leading three-point shooters. After Harden claimed he is the greatest three-point shooter ever, albeit tongue-in-cheek, many expected Curry to go off from three to prove who the real GOAT of shooters is.
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Curry had a solid game, scoring 26 points on 6-15 from three, but it wasn't exactly his best performance of the season. James Harden wasn't much better from three either (2-6 3-PT FG) and had to impact the matchup in other areas including playmaking. However, the game had more to do with how both teams generated their offense.
Norman Powell scored 23 points, Harden orchestrated the offense with 12 points and 16 assists, and Ivica Zubac dominated the boards, grabbing 17 rebounds. The Clippers, who had dropped their first four games at their new arena, continue to build momentum.
Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, and Andrew Wiggins chipped in 22. Golden State’s only lead came on Lindy Waters III’s opening 3-pointer, but they clawed back late, narrowing the deficit to three in the final moments. Despite a chance to tie, Curry's 3-pointer missed (the Warriors only shot 36.4% from three as a team), and Gary Payton II’s last-second attempt also fell short, ending the Warriors' three-game winning streak. Following tonight's exciting matchup, let's grade every Warriors player who made the court.
Stephen Curry - B+
Stats: 26 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 1 foul, 3 turnovers, 10-21 FG, 6-15 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 32 mins
Curry led the Warriors with 26 points, including six three-pointers, but struggled to convert in clutch moments, including the potential game-tying shot. His playmaking and rebounding were solid, though his three turnovers and below-average efficiency by his standards (6-15 3PT) limited his overall impact. Despite a strong effort, Curry couldn’t quite carry the team past the surging Clippers and we have to give him leverage considering he might not have been fully healthy tonight.
Andrew Wiggins - B+
Stats: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 0 fouls, 1 turnover, 7-12 FG, 2-4 3PT FG, 6-8 FT, 29 mins
Wiggins had an efficient offensive game, scoring 22 points on just 12 shots while making six of eight free throws. His ability to attack the rim complemented Curry’s perimeter play, though his rebounding and defensive presence were underwhelming. Wiggins showed flashes of his potential but needed to contribute more on the boards and defensively. Still, Wiggins was the only consistent offensive player alongside Stephen Curry tonight.
Draymond Green - C+
Stats: 9 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 fouls, 6 turnovers, 3-7 FG, 2-3 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 32 mins
Green flirted with a triple-double, contributing across the board with nine points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. However, his six turnovers and occasional poor decision-making in high-pressure situations hurt the Warriors. While his defensive intensity was there, Green’s lack of scoring efficiency and offensive miscues were notable tonight and we can't give him higher than a C+ considering his standards.
Jonathan Kuminga - C
Stats: 12 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 1 turnover, 5-10 FG, 1-3 3PT FG, 1-4 FT, 19 mins
Jonathan Kuminga scored 12 points and showed defensive promise with three steals, but his poor free-throw shooting (1-4) hindered the Warriors in critical moments. While he made some strong drives to the basket, his rebounding and off-ball awareness left much to be desired. The Warriors needed a better performance from Kuminga, even in limited minutes, to overcome the Clippers who were clicking with Harden facilitating the ball.
Buddy Hield - C
Stats: 8 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 2 turnovers, 3-7 FG, 2-6 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 23 mins
Hield’s scoring was inconsistent as he hit just two of six three-pointers and totaled eight points in 23 minutes. His defensive effort was passable but unspectacular, and he had two turnovers that stalled the Warriors' momentum. As a shooter, Hield needs to provide more reliable scoring and any game where he doesn't make his shots means he will get a lower grade.
Lindy Waters III - C
Stats: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 0 turnovers, 2-6 FG, 2-4 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 29 mins
Waters opened the scoring with a three-pointer and added six points and five rebounds, contributing energy on the floor. His three steals highlighted his defensive hustle, though he struggled offensively, shooting just 2-6 overall. While Waters showed effort, he needed to provide more consistent offense to maximize his minutes because he certainly played a lot on the court.
Trayce Jackson-Davis - C
Stats: 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul, 2 turnovers, 4-5 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 0-2 FT, 20 mins
Trayce Jackson-Davis was efficient with his opportunities, scoring eight points on 4-5 shooting and adding three rebounds. However, his inability to convert free throws (0-2) and two turnovers offset some of his positive contributions. His hustle and defensive activity were encouraging, but his overall impact was limited.
Kyle Anderson - C
Stats: 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 0 turnovers, 1-4 FG, 0-2 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 13 mins
Kyle Anderson played limited minutes, contributing just two points while adding two rebounds and two assists. His defense was steady, but his inability to score or stretch the floor offensively made him a liability at times. Anderson’s experience showed in his decision-making, but he needed to assert himself more to affect the game.
Gary Payton II - C
Stats: 0 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 0 turnovers, 0-4 FG, 0-2 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 12 mins
Gary Payton’s defensive presence was felt, but he failed to score, missing all four of his field-goal attempts, including two three-pointers. His rebounding and playmaking (four rebounds, two assists) helped keep the Warriors competitive, but his offensive limitations were glaring. Payton needs to regain his offensive rhythm to complement his defensive strengths, especially after tonight.
