Stephen Curry’s recurring ankle issue resurfaced once again, dealing a blow to the Golden State Warriors in their latest heartbreaking defeat. Coach Steve Kerr provided no immediate update on the condition of the two-time MVP other than noting that Curry’s foot was receiving treatment in a bucket of ice.
DeMar DeRozan emerged as the hero for the Chicago Bulls, converting a crucial three-point play with 26 seconds left, followed by a key jumper at the 43-second mark, en route to a stellar 33-point performance. The Bulls secured a hard-fought 125-122 victory over the Warriors, seizing their third consecutive win.
“DeMar made the and-one, I thought that was the key shot in the closing few minutes,” remarked Kerr. “… DeMar is one of the great closers in the game and he has been for 10 years.”
Klay Thompson briefly propelled the Warriors ahead with a clutch 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining, but DeRozan’s heroics sealed the deal for Chicago.
Curry’s departure from the game with 3:51 remaining, after tallying 15 points, compounded the Warriors’ woes. Nikola Vucevic led the charge for the Bulls with an impressive 33-point, 11-rebound, and five-assist performance, including a crucial tying 3-pointer late in the contest.
Despite a valiant effort from Jonathan Kuminga, who contributed 19 points for Golden State, and a triple-double from Draymond Green (11 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds), the Warriors fell short on their home floor.
The Warriors, who showcased fatigue following a spirited comeback win against the Bucks the previous night, struggled to find their rhythm early on. Curry’s slow start, shooting just 1 for 7 in the first half, compounded their challenges as they trailed 63-59 at halftime.
The game was not without its controversies, as an altercation involving Bulls assistant coach Chris Fleming nearly marred the Bulls’ victory. However, Donovan clarified that the league office indicated no disciplinary action against Fleming for the incident during the Bulls’ win over Utah on Wednesday night.
