Tag: San Francisco

Categories
NBA (Basketball)

Stephen and Ayesha Curry are enjoying their time as All-Star hosts in San Francisco this weekend

Steph Curry and Ayeshavisit East Oakland Pride Elementary School

Stephen and Ayesha Curry have a busy weekend ahead with parties, brunches, dinners, red carpets, photos, late nights, and early mornings. Of course, there’s also the All-Star Game on Sunday night.

But before all of that, they had a lot of work to do. There was a huge pile of mulch to spread, 300 volunteers to meet, 800 plants to plant, things to build, courts to open, and kids to help.

The Currys, who are considered the unofficial hosts of this All-Star weekend in the Bay Area, are using this time to highlight what they love most: basketball, fashion, food, friends, and giving back. Their weekend began Friday at an elementary school in Oakland, where their Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation hosted a day of service and a playground renovation as part of their ongoing work to support schools and children in need.

“We just love Oakland,” Ayesha Curry said, standing beside her husband during an interview with The Associated Press on Friday. “This is where we both became adults, where we started our life together, where we had our first child. And so for us, Oakland has always left this enormous impact on our spirits. And we’ve always said that we would continue to be a part of the community, even if we weren’t necessarily right in Oakland every single day.”

This connection to Oakland is important to them. Even though Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors no longer play in Oakland, the Currys promised they would stay committed to the city, even after the team moved to San Francisco.

“We have an amazing team behind us that is taking the direction and the commitment that Ayesha and I have to Oakland and leveraging that to create amazing impact,” Stephen Curry said.

“This is our 17th playspace renovation. And when you think back to our favorite moments, it is showing up, doing an , feeling the energy from kids, the teachers, and administration. When they feel seen and they give you that energy back, it makes the world of difference.”

Stephen Curry was born in Ohio and grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, while Ayesha is from Toronto. But for them, Golden State is home, where Stephen has played his entire career, and they plan to stay there even after he’s done playing basketball.

Stephen Curry and his wife Ayesha speak to students of East Oakland Pride Elementary School as part of the NBA basketball league’s Day of Service

“We do plan on staying here after basketball’s done,” Stephen Curry said. “It’s definitely home.”

Their foundation, which they started about five years ago around the time the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the need for help, has grown quickly. Both have incredibly successful careers: Stephen is known as the greatest shooter of all time and a four-time NBA champion, while Ayesha is a chef, restaurateur, and much more. However, their work outside of their careers takes up a lot of their time, and that’s why they want to show how important it is.

The foundation focuses on the basics like nutrition, exercise, and schoolwork, with a recent emphasis on literacy.

“That’s going to mean that kids are graduating and that’s going to mean that kids are moving on to something better in the future,” Ayesha Curry said.

The next three days will be busy for the Currys. The Warriors played road games on Wednesday and Thursday, arriving home around 2 a.m. Friday. This gave Stephen a few hours of sleep, but after that, it’s non-stop for the weekend.

Is it tiring? Yes.

But Stephen, now an 11-time All-Star and just a few months removed from helping the U.S. win Olympic gold at the Paris Games, isn’t complaining.

For him, this weekend is full of chances to do something meaningful. While the All-Star Game will be watched by 214 countries on Sunday night, some of the events, like those on Friday, were seen by just a few, but their impact will be felt by kids for years.

“This is a great opportunity to kind of reflect on everything that’s gone into our experience here in the Bay,” Stephen Curry said. “Celebrate it. Being the de facto host is kind of a responsibility, but I think we’re embracing it.

It’s going to be crazy, a whirlwind, and you can take a collective breath when Sunday is over. But I’m excited about it all because it means we have an opportunity to shine a light on the Bay and everything that the Bay is about and everything that we’ve experienced for these last 16 years.”

Categories
NBA (Basketball)

Kevin Durant looks forward to another visit to Chase Center in San Francisco, this time for the All-Star Game

Kevin Durant and Ja Morant shake hands after the match

Before heading to the bus after games, Kevin Durant always takes some extra time to say goodbye to familiar faces and old friends as he leaves San Francisco once more.

The Phoenix star loves returning to Chase Center, and playing in the All-Star Game this weekend in front of Bay Area fans who still remember and appreciate all he did for the Warriors means a lot to him.

“For sure, this is my home, I got murals up in the concourse, what’s that mean?” Durant said with a smile. “I’ve been saying this since I left here, this is always going to be a part of my DNA, this is in my blood. Finally somebody’s listening to me but it always felt like home. Since I left here it’s always been that.”

Durant wishes his Suns teammate Devin Booker could have been selected for the All-Star Game alongside him in his 15th career selection.

After reaching 30,000 career points Tuesday night, the 36-year-old Durant has many reasons to celebrate. He became the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 points, joining LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain. Julius Erving also reached this mark when combining his points in the NBA and ABA.

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer praised Durant for his shooting ability after his milestone. “He’s probably the most incredible shot maker I’ve ever been around,” Budenholzer said.

“Gone against him a lot of nights, too, so it’s nice to be on his side. The way he can rise up and shoot over people, his height, his ballhandling, he’s just, if not the most incredible shot maker, I’m not sure who is. It’s just great to be around him every day.”

Durant will surely put on a great show. He had some of the best moments of his career playing for these passionate fans. Durant holds a 3-2 record at Chase Center, averaging 22.4 points with a shooting percentage of 39.8%. His highest scoring game there was 31 points in a 109-105 loss on Dec. 28.

During his most recent visit, on Jan. 31, Durant engaged in a fun and friendly back-and-forth with former Seattle SuperSonics star Gary Payton. Payton sat courtside across from the Golden State bench while watching his son, Gary Payton II.

Kevin Durant drives past Vince William Jr. in the 1st half

They joked around, discussed their NBA eras, and debated scoring abilities. Payton reminded Durant, “I was a point guard, you’re a scorer.”

Durant responded, “Check my footage, man, I do it all.” The banter started last summer when Durant told Payton he was too small to guard the two-time Finals MVP.

“It’s always good when I run into an older player, especially from the 90s,” Durant said. “If you play in the 90s, they feel like that’s the golden years of the NBA. So I try to let them know, especially GP, what it would have been like if you were on the court with me because they tend to talk down on the mentality of our era of players. GP is a great sport about it, one of my favorite players, somebody I look up to and have major respect for.”

These are the types of lighthearted moments Durant looks forward to during tougher times, like the constant speculation around whether Phoenix would trade him before last week’s deadline.

Even without Payton’s presence, Durant will see many people in the stands still thankful for everything he helped the Warriors achieve.

He spent three seasons with the Warriors from 2016 to 2019, leading them to two championships alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Coach Steve Kerr, who coached Durant, Curry, and the U.S. team to an Olympic gold medal last summer, said, “Just his ability to get his shot off against any defense, any defender, nobody’s ever had that kind of skill at that size.

So, incredibly unique package and I think he loves to play basketball more than anything, he just loves the game. He works so hard at it. That’s what I enjoyed the most when we had him here, was watching him after practice just go through his routine, and it’s mesmerizing.”

So as Durant returns this time, you can expect him to enjoy the moment with everyone watching.

Although the reunions may be brief, they are still special and unforgettable—just like his playful exchange with Payton.

“Hell yeah it’s going to be a homecoming,” Durant said. “It’s like I’m coming back home. Three years here were a huge part of my life, so yeah, it’s a homecoming.”

Categories
NBA (Basketball)

Nuggets guard Julian Strawther named to the Rising Stars event in San Francisco as an injury replacement

Julian Strawther drives to the basket

Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther will be part of All-Star weekend after being selected to the Rising Stars event as an injury replacement.

Strawther replaces Portland guard Scoot Henderson, who recently injured his ankle. The league announced the change on Wednesday, just before Denver’s game against Portland.

The 22-year-old Strawther has played in 54 games this season, averaging 9.6 points per game. He leads all second-year bench players in total points (479), minutes played (1,112), field goals made (170), and 3-pointers made (79).

Recently, he’s been moved into the starting lineup with Russell Westbrook out due to a hamstring injury. Strawther becomes the 17th Nuggets player to be selected for the Rising Stars game. The last player from Denver to be chosen was Bones Hyland in 2023.

“He fully deserves to be there. The guy is asked to do a ton for a team that is third place in the Western Conference as a second-year player,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said about Strawther. “He’ll have a chance to enjoy it and go out there and show the world what he’s capable of doing. Really excited for Julian, a well-deserved honor.”

Strawther, from Las Vegas, was a first-round pick by Indiana in 2023 after a strong career at Gonzaga. The Nuggets acquired him in a draft-night trade.

Julian Strawther and Toumnai Camara in the 1st half

Denver is 26-8 when Strawther plays more than 20 minutes. He’s also 3-0 when he starts.

“To be around some of the best young players in the NBA, in the world, you look at yourself a little bit differently,” Malone said. “Hopefully he can take some confidence. As I told him when I found out, I said, ‘Hard work pays off.’ That kid works his butt off.”

The Rising Stars game will be held on Friday at Chase Center in San Francisco. The event will feature a tournament with four teams of seven players. Teams will play semifinal games where the first to 40 points wins, and the winners will then compete in a championship game, with the first team to 25 points winning.

The Rising Stars tournament winner will be the fourth team in the All-Star Game, alongside three NBA player teams.

Strawther will be on “Team M,” coached by Mitch Richmond. His teammates include Houston’s Amen Thompson, Detroit’s Ausar Thompson, Portland’s Toumani Camara, New Orleans’ Yves Missi, and two players from Washington, Bub Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly.

Categories
NBA (Basketball)

Jimmy Butler impresses in his Warriors debut, scoring 25 points against the Bulls in San Francisco

Jimmy Butler and Steve Kerr in the 1st half

Jimmy Butler impressed the Chicago crowd with a backdoor alley-oop dunk in the opening minute of his game, sparking familiar reactions. He later took control during a key run for Golden State while Stephen Curry was off the court. If his first game with the Warriors is any indication, it’s a great start.

Butler finished with 25 points and four assists in his debut, helping the Warriors defeat the Bulls 132-111 on Saturday night, following a trade from Miami after a difficult breakup with the Heat.

“He’s a lion out there,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

It was a particularly emotional night for Butler, as it marked one year since the death of his father. He wore a “Butler III” jersey as a tribute, and he intends to keep that name “forever and ever.”

This was Butler’s first game with Golden State in Chicago, the city where he spent his first six NBA seasons. He hadn’t played since January 2, after being suspended by the Heat multiple times. He admitted that he had lost his passion for the game during that period.

“I knew I was going somewhere, whether they were sending me to Flamengo down in Brazil,” Butler joked, referring to the Brazilian team he said he’d join after his NBA career. “But I’m glad that it is here. I am grateful to be able to play basketball for a top organization like this one.”

Now, Butler looks ahead to a fresh start with the Warriors. Both Butler and Golden State are seeking a championship: Butler hopes to win his first title after two NBA Finals appearances with Miami, while the Warriors aim to add another title to their existing four. Before the win over Chicago, the Warriors were 10th in the Western Conference with a 26-26 record.

“We need each other,” Kerr said.

Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry in the game

Golden State made a significant move to acquire Butler, trading Andrew Wiggins to Miami and signing Butler to a two-year, $113 million contract extension. The Warriors view the investment as worthwhile because Butler is known for being one of the league’s best two-way players, always willing to do whatever it takes to win. The team believes Butler is the perfect complement to Curry.

“They say opposites attract in a lot of ways in life,” Butler said. “I don’t think I could be a better complement to him and vice versa. They’re not leaving him ever. Probably two people would never leave him. There’s so much space for everybody else. I get the easy job. I’m playing one-on-one or in so much space.”

Butler had a strong career with the Heat before his relationship with the team soured. He holds the franchise record for triple-doubles and ranks highly in points, rebounds, and assists. Known as “Playoff Jimmy,” he always showed up in big moments, ranking third on the Heat’s postseason scoring list.

“Timing is everything in this league,” Kerr said. “I think we’re getting Jimmy at the right time. His time in Miami expired. It ran out. You could feel it. They felt it, he felt it, so we’re getting him at a time that’s probably healthy for us and healthy for Jimmy.”

Butler hadn’t practiced with the Warriors prior to the game, and he didn’t participate in the morning shootaround because some of the trade details weren’t finalized. Kerr kept things simple for Butler’s debut, giving him just a few plays to run. Despite being tired, Butler still showed his trademark explosiveness.

He took charge in the fourth quarter during a critical 16-1 run, scoring the first seven points, including a three-point play off an alley-oop dunk. With Curry resting, Butler carried the team.

“The game is very, very simple here, and they make it so easy for me,” Butler said.

Categories
FEATURED

49ers tight end George Kittle has been named the NFL’s 2024 Salute to Service award winner, reports from San Francisco say

George Kittle celebrates after a touchdown pass

San Francisco 49ers two-time All-Pro tight end George Kittle has won the USAA 2024 Salute to Service Award.

Kittle was chosen over Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones and Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox for the honor.

The award recognizes “exceptional efforts by members of the NFL family to honor and support the military community.” Kittle will be recognized at NFL Honors on Thursday night.

Kittle has made it a point to host military and frontline heroes at every 49ers game, donating more than 400 tickets in the last six years. He and his family highlight community stories, with nearly 60 of them involving veterans, through their Hidden Pearls Podcast, which they started in 2020.

Additionally, Kittle and his family created an app offering free mental health resources for veterans, including the meditative practices Kittle uses during games.

Kittle has also donated over $250,000 to military nonprofits and has raised awareness for military organizations through My Cause My Cleats. Some of the organizations Kittle supports include the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, Merging Vets and Players, Operation Freedom Paws, and Operation Surf.

“George Kittle truly embodies the essence of the Salute to Service Award,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “His dedication to honoring service members and involvement with numerous military organizations makes him the perfect choice for this honor.

George Kittle celebrates in the 2nd half

The NFL family is proud of his dedication to give back to those who sacrifice for our country and congratulates him on this tremendous achievement.”

USAA, which provides insurance, banking, and other services to U.S. military members, veterans, and their families, will donate $25,000 in Kittle’s honor to the official aid societies of each military branch. The NFL Foundation will match this $25,000 donation, which will go to Kittle’s chosen military charity.

Kittle’s uncle and grandfather both served in the military.

“I am incredibly thankful and honored to be this year’s Salute to Service Award recipient,” Kittle said. “My appreciation for the military comes from watching my Uncle Pat serve multiple tours with the National Guard and seeing firsthand how much it impacted him and his family while he was overseas.

Without my family and their unwavering support, I would not be able to create these genuine and authentic relationships with the real heroes and the ones who should be receiving this award, the active-duty members, veterans, TAPS, and families who have lost loved ones in the line of fire.”

“The support you see for the military around the league is so important, and the fact that guys on every team do it, not just the nominees, is awesome. We are allowed to live the lives we live here because of the sacrifices they make, so we’re just trying to honor them, show our support, and share as much love as we can.”

Categories
FEATURED

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to offer Dre Greenlaw a one-year, $6 million deal

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw during a press conference

The 49ers may have the chance to keep Dre Greenlaw at a lower cost this offseason.

Greenlaw is set to be a free agent after playing only 34 snaps in 2024. He spent most of the season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon he injured during the 49ers’ Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs last year.

When Greenlaw returned in Week 15 against the Rams, he looked as quick as ever. However, he reinjured himself and couldn’t play in the second half. He tried to play the following week against the Dolphins but couldn’t get through the first drive.

This means Greenlaw will likely have to wait another year to secure a big contract. In the meantime, he could sign a one-year deal with the 49ers to prove his ability to stay healthy. According to Pro Football Focus, Greenlaw’s value for 2025 is around $6 million, with $5 million guaranteed.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw lines up against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game

“Greenlaw worked his way back from an Achilles injury he suffered in the Super Bowl last February but was shut down after only 34 snaps in 2024,” PFF writes. “He will still likely see a lot of interest in free agency. He excels in coverage, having earned PFF coverage grades of 82.6 and 79.5 over the past two seasons.”

Signing Greenlaw to a one-year deal carries some risk because of his injury history. If he gets hurt again and misses more time, the 49ers could face major problems. Instead of bringing back Greenlaw, the 49ers could offer a similar one-year deal to veterans like Bobby Wagner or Lavonte David, who are older but have been more durable.

Categories
FEATURED

Bosa weighs in on Saleh’s thoughts about 49ers keeping Greenlaw in San Francisco

Robert Saleh
Robert Saleh (NFL)

Nick Bosa is eager to see the 49ers keep Dre Greenlaw long-term, and he’s hopeful that the return of Robert Saleh could make that happen.

Bosa spoke with NBC Sports Bay Area at the Pro Bowl in Orlando, sharing his excitement about Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator and what that could mean for Greenlaw’s future.

“[Greenlaw] is going to do what’s best for him, and he should do that at this point in his career,” Bosa said. “Obviously, we want him back. I know Saleh is very adamant about that.”

This was Bosa’s first Pro Bowl appearance, though he’s been a five-time Pro Bowler. He traveled from his home in Fort Lauderdale for the event. The All-Pro defensive end believes Saleh’s return will positively affect the defense.

“It’s huge,” Bosa said. “Familiar face, a guy that I’ve missed. Kind of didn’t know how good we had it when he was there. He FaceTimed me recently, and it was just great to see him. He’s a great person and an awesome coach, so I’m excited.”

Nick Bosa in a news conference

Saleh played a major role in building the 49ers’ tough, run-stopping defense, known for generating turnovers. Bosa shared how much he missed Saleh’s sideline energy the past two years and said that part of Saleh’s personality hasn’t changed.

“Super excited, fired up,” Bosa said. “The fire that you see on the sideline every game is what he was like on FaceTime.”

When asked about former defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen after the 2024 season, Bosa simply said, “He’s a good coach, but that’s not my decision.” A couple of days later, Sorensen was let go.

Bosa’s view of Saleh is much more positive. Bosa revealed that he knew head coach Kyle Shanahan’s first choice for the role before leaving for the offseason in Florida.

“Everyone loves him as a guy,” Bosa said of Saleh. “I know Kyle, I talked to him before I left, and he was excited to try to pursue him. I haven’t talked to Kyle, but I’m sure he’s resting easy.”

The 49ers still have a few more coaching spots to fill, but it seems one of the most important roles has the support of one of the team’s top players.

Categories
NFL (American Football)

5 Senior Bowl Players Who Could Be on the Giants’ Radar in Mobile

Jaxson Dart throws a pass in the 1st half

Saturday afternoon’s Senior Bowl game came down to the final seconds, with TCU wide receiver Jack Bech earning the MVP award after catching the game-winning touchdown as time ran out. While Bech’s performance will be the main highlight, let’s take a look at some other players who could fill potential needs for the Giants.

QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Dart, who told reporters this week that he would “love to play for” the Giants, has likely moved into the conversation as a potential first-round pick based on his performances. Although quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders could be taken with the top two picks, Dart’s strong play has made him a candidate to be the next quarterback chosen.

In the game, Dart ran for a touchdown, which he set up with a 39-yard deep pass to Bech. While he had some shaky moments in the pocket, his solid overall play this week has boosted his draft stock, reminding some of the Giants’ former franchise quarterback, Daniel Jones.

OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
With Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka coaching the National Team, he’ll likely report on players he worked closely with this week. The Giants could be looking for interior offensive linemen if Greg Van Roten leaves in free agency.

Zabel comes from a school known for producing strong NFL talent. Despite both offensive lines struggling at times, he stood out for his ability to stay in front of his man while playing right guard and center.

Jayden Higgins and Javan Robinson in the 2nd half

WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
Higgins was another standout on the National Team, catching a contested pass in the end zone for the game’s first score. After a solid season where he had almost 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns, Higgins continued to raise his stock with a strong week in Mobile.

At 6-foot-4 and weighing 217 pounds, Higgins showed off his physicality with his touchdown reception. He’s expected to be a Day 2 pick, and if the Giants selected him, he could pair well with Malik Nabers to give the team a powerful duo with size, athleticism, and playmaking ability.

S Dan Jackson, Georgia
The Giants are likely to make changes to their secondary this year, and Jackson, with his instincts, attitude, and hard-hitting style, could catch their interest. The former walk-on turned team leader for Georgia could be available on Day 3 of the draft.

In the game, Jackson impressed with a big hit to break up a pass over the middle, and he had social media buzzing earlier in the week with another big hit to break up a pass in the end zone. His quick recognition and closing speed stood out, and both hits were clean.

DL Sai’vion Jones, LSU
The Giants could use some added depth on the defensive line, and Jones likely impressed them with his play on Saturday. The 280-pound defensive lineman was nearly impossible to block, making several plays in the backfield, including a run stop for a loss and a pressure that led to a sack.

Jones could give the Giants options, playing inside alongside Dexter Lawrence or as a strong edge setter in the defensive end rotation.

Categories
FEATURED

How Draymond Green is aiding Warriors’ rookie Santos’ defensive development in San Francisco

Draymond Green reacts to a dunk in the 2nd half

Draymond Green has missed the Warriors’ last seven games due to a calf injury, but he’s still making a difference for Golden State. Forward Gui Santos shared how much Green’s advice has helped the Warriors’ younger players, especially when it comes to defense.

“He’s a guy who likes to talk a lot with the young guys, and I’m one of the young guys. So, he always talks to us, gives tips on defense, low-post,” Santos told reporters after Saturday’s practice. “In FIBA, they teach us to guard the center just with the chest, hands up, hands here. He said, ‘No, in the NBA, it’s different. You gotta use this part right here.’ So, that’s one of the tips he gave us to the young guys.”

Green is known for his passionate personality, but Santos made it clear that the veteran doesn’t just scold younger players for mistakes. Instead, he uses those moments as learning opportunities.

“Not mad, sometimes it happens during a game because [you don’t] help or you should do something, but that’s normal,” Santos said. “Everybody can make a mistake. He always finds a way to say something with us in a good way. Like he never comes and just screams and talks crazy with us. He just finds a way to talk the right way with us.”

Draymond Green reacts after making a 3-pointer

Santos went on to explain how Green’s energy affects the team, emphasizing how the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year impacts games in ways that don’t always show up in the box score.

“For me, he’s the definition of energy. Especially because he’s the guy that doesn’t need to make 20 points to impact a game,” Santos explained. “You can see games where he scores four points, but he’s the most impactful guy in the game. So that for me is the definition of energy.

Especially how he connects the game, how he finds passes, and how he plays defense strong and is always playing hard.”

“I think that’s one thing that’s natural for him. Since the first day you can see him talking to everybody. When he shoots the ball, he’s always saying like, ‘Booooom!’ So you see he’s the guy who brings energy no matter what.”

Santos’ press conference wrapped up with a question about who talks more between Green and teammate Gary Payton II.

“I think Draymond talks more,” Santos said with a smile. “Definitely Draymond.”

Categories
NBA (Basketball)

Steph Curry sends clear message to Warriors front office ahead of trade deadline in San Francisco

Stephen Curry (NBA)

Six minutes and 46 seconds had passed before Steph Curry took his first shot Friday night against the Phoenix Suns, missing a 3-pointer that rolled around the rim before falling out. Curry is known for his optimism, but after the Warriors’ 130-105 loss to the Suns, he was realistic.

Not taking many shots in the first quarter is never a good sign. The Warriors were down by 11 points at halftime, with Curry having only five shot attempts.

“There’s an understanding of motion offense to try and use gravity at times,” Curry said in the Warriors’ locker room after the game. “You try and get on the ball at times. The defenses have kind of shifted a little bit more consistently to try and take away off-ball stuff. And it was a slow start tonight, which, that can’t happen.”

“It’s on me, it’s on all of us to try and figure out how to get the ball moving, create good shots and use all the threats we have in this room. It did not go as planned tonight. I don’t ever want to be in a situation where you get five shots in a half. That’s not good basketball.”

Curry’s first two points came in a one-on-one situation where Curry outplayed his defender.

Those two points had nothing to do with running around the court. Andrew Wiggins grabbed a missed 3-point attempt by Royce O’Neale, dribbled down the floor, and passed the ball to Curry at the top of the arc.

With Bradley Beal guarding him closely, Curry held the ball low, faked left, faked right, then went around Beal to his left and finished with a finger roll over Mason Plumlee.

Stephen Curry in the 2nd half

Should there have been more urgency to get Curry the ball earlier?

“It should have been that a little earlier,” Curry said. “But also, you know that there’s going to be attention on the ball. Try to go pick-and-roll, try to get in the seams, try to create looks off of that. Obviously, our struggle – that’s our, mine included – in the paint when we get an advantage trying to capitalize, to make teams have to honor that, that’s been a struggle.”

Warriors are struggling

The Warriors are struggling with finishing near the basket. On shots within four feet Friday night, they made 10 of 24 attempts. The Suns, on the other hand, made 16 of 18.

Curry’s comments about the Warriors’ offensive issues match what he had to say about the upcoming NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6: Anything to win. Curry’s focus is on winning, and he’s not going to disrupt the team, but the urgency to improve is clear.

Curry isn’t one to publicly create problems, but this season he has made more headlines, like calling the Warriors “mid” to close out the 2024 calendar year.

“That’s not for me to make those decisions,” Curry said when asked if he wants to see a trade happen. “I want to win, so whatever it means to do that.”

Before the Warriors lost by 25 points to the Suns, Steve Kerr gave his most blunt assessment of the team. He enjoys coaching the Warriors and likes working with the players, but he was also realistic about their current situation.

Kerr was asked if the Warriors have enough talent to be a playoff team. He confidently said yes, but then acknowledged the reality of their current standing.

A few hours later, after entering the month with a 16-16 record, going through it with a 8-8 stretch, and ending it at 24-24, the Warriors were back to being .500.

“We’re not in a position where we can just say, ‘No, we’re good. Let’s stand pat.’ That’s the reality of where we are,” Kerr said. “[Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy’s] doing his due diligence, doing his job. If there’s something that makes sense. He’s going to do it.”

The day before, Kerr acknowledged that talent wins out. As a nine-time champion, he has always emphasized the importance of culture and continuity, but he also mentioned that Curry could use a second scoring option.

Stephen Curry reacts in the game

Curry’s voice matters

Just 48 hours before getting blown out by Phoenix, the Warriors were riding high after defeating the top team in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder, even without Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga. However, OKC was missing Chet Holmgren, and Alex Caruso got injured early in the game.

In that win, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 52 points on the Warriors, including 21 in the first quarter and 31 in the first half. The Warriors got 18 points from Kevon Looney and 15 points from Gary Payton II. Was that performance a model the team could rely on to make a playoff run?

Looney’s 18 points matched his career high from March 2023. The eight free throws he made were two more than his previous career high. Payton’s 15 points were three more than his season-high, and it was the most he had scored since another 15-point game in October 2023.

The NBA is driven by its players. Superstars lead the way, and they usually get what they want. Some superstars are vocal about their desires, regardless of the impact on the team, but Curry is not one of them.

He knows his voice matters, and it’s being heard right now.

“Y’all will never know about that,” Curry said when asked if he would push the front office for what he wants. “We have conversations all the time. I want to win. Again, that’s not my job. I’m not a coach, I’m not a GM, I’m not an owner.”

“It’s pretty clear where I stand on trying to make whatever necessary adjustments there are to win.”