'Emotional' Curry pays tribute to West after Grizzlies victory
Steph Curry is now 25th on the NBA's all-time scoring list, going past the late Jerry West in Golden State's win against Memphis.
Steph Curry said he was emotional after surpassing Jerry West to become the NBA's 25th all-time points scorer in the Golden State Warriors' win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Curry racked up 52 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in the Warriors' 134-125 victory over the Grizzlies, helping the franchise improve to 44-31 for the season.
It was the first time that a player for Golden State to hit those marks since Rick Barry (64 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists) against Portland in March 1974.
It was also his 15th 50-point game, moving above Barry and LeBron James (both 14), going level with the Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard.
But speaking after the game, Curry paid a poignant tribute to former Los Angeles Lakers point guard West, who passed away in June last year.
"I got a little emotional about that," Curry said of passing West. "It was special. In his memory.
"What he meant to our organisation, the league, to the world of basketball. That's the logo."
Steph Curry hit 12 3-pointers in a game for the second time in just over a month and the third time in his career. It was one off his single-game high and two off the NBA's single-game record held by former teammate Klay Thompson.#GSWvsMEM pic.twitter.com/UI0qU1AfUT
— Opta Analyst US (@OptaAnalystUS) April 2, 2025
The last time Curry played in Memphis, the Warriors were beaten by 51 points, but ensured the same feat was not repeated on Tuesday.
The victory moved Golden State past Memphis into fifth place in the Western Conference, though Curry said his display was not inspired by their defeat last December.
"I had actually forgotten," Curry said when asked if the teams' previous game was motivation. "I was just kind of more focused on how big this game was for us."
Curry added that he felt rejuvenated after taking a week off late last month, recovering from a left pelvic bruise picked up in the Warriors' 117-114 win over the Toronto Raptors.
"I feel in a good rhythm," he said. "The week off helped. The tank is pretty full."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr went on to shower praise on Curry's performance, labelling the display as "incredible."
Kerr, who has seen plenty of Curry's sensational showings, could not believe one shot in the second quarter, turning away from the court in disbelief.
"Fifty-two points with people draped all over him, all game long," Kerr said.
"I've been watching this for 11 years, and actually longer before I became his coach. You get a real sense of just the magnitude of his talent. The guy is amazing to watch."