Stephen Curry returned for the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night against the Raptors, but it was Normal Powell who led his team to victory.
There was a new energy in Chase Center as Stephen Curry returned for the first since October 30. The Golden State Warriors felt like a new team although they’re still the only organization with under 15 victories.
However, just like had happened four time in early June, the Warriors lost to the Toronto Raptors. This time, it wasn’t Pascal Siakam who stole the show. Rather, it was Normal Powell who ruined Curry’s return.
Powell put up 37 points while Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry also got in on the action, posting 26 points to go with a game-high 10 assists. That said, Curry finished the game with a very Curry-ish line, posting 23 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.
An eight-point loss to one of the East’s best teams without Klay Thompson or Draymond Green really isn’t something to be discouraged at given the Warriors 45-plus losses this season. The final score was 121-113.
The Raptors clinched a playoff spot in this victory, an important staple for a perennially good regular season team. Depth may be an issue as every bench member not named Terence Davis combined for four points.
As for the Warriors, five players combined for 100 of their 113 points. Damion Lee and Curry, who combined for 46, shot 8-for-24 from deep, helping keep the Warriors at least within striking distance. Wiggins also chipped in 21 on a team-high 20 shots.
The Warriors had a solid outing, and with Thompson and Green to go along with Curry, this team could easily return to their dominant selves for the 2020-2021 season. Not to mention they’ll likely have a top-three pick to work with as well.
The future is promise for the Golden State Warriors, and Curry delightful return finally brings back the energy Dub Nation has needed.