In the Golden State Warriors recent loss to the Phoenix Suns, Stephen Curry tallied a 50-piece for the 11th time in his stellar career. This also tied him for second place in 50-point games after turning 30.
The record is held by another Warriors legend, the great Wilt Chamberlain. The 7’1″ big man is famous for having a wide variety of records in the NBA; most of which are unbreakable in today’s league.
Stephen Curry’s form since his 30th birthday has been nothing short of incredible and historic for the Golden State Warriors.
Curry is tied for second with the legendary Michael Jordan, a player who needs no explaining for his greatness. Being in the same breath as these legendary players is incredible, not to mention being right with them for a scoring record. Breaking this record could introduce a new argument for Curry to be the GOAT point-guard.
With another jaw-dropping performance against the Houston Rockets where he had 33 points, 15 assists, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks on his usual incredible efficiency, it’s not very difficult to imagine Curry dropping one or two more 50-point games. One more would tie Chamberlain’s record.
Curry is on his way to having the best aging game in NBA history as he continues to put up MVP caliber seasons well into his mid-thirties. The only other players in NBA history to keep up this level of play for this long are Jordan, LeBron James and Karl Malone. Once again, that’s elite company to be joining.
The 34-year-old keeps getting better and solidifying himself as one of the best offensive players in the history of basketball. In the six 50-point games he’s had since turning 30, Curry has twice broken his previous career high, a 54-point game against the New York Knicks in 2013. He scored 62 points against the Portland Trailblazers and 57 points against the Dallas Mavericks, both coming in the 2020-21 season.
Curry dropped three 50-point games in that season, one which could have yielded another MVP if the for a healthier and more successful Warriors team. This tied a career-high with his incredible 2015-16 season, one of the greatest individual seasons in NBA history.
The past three seasons alone have featured five different 50-point performances form the two-time MVP. Many fans across the league believe he may push himself into the conversation of top-five players of all-time if he maintains this level of play.
During those seasons, Curry has made two All-NBA teams, took home another NBA championship to go with an elusive Finals MVP, and won a scoring title. Early season form so far suggests he’s on pace to win another scoring title and make another All-NBA team. Should the Warriors turn their form around, he also has a realistic shot of winning a third MVP and fifth championship.
Breaking any kind of record set by Chamberlain, especially a scoring one, is a feat achieved by very few. If Curry is able to break this record of most 50-point games after turning 30, it will further cement his legacy as an all-time great.