On Rivals Week, Stephen Curry and LeBron James gave the NBA world another legendary duel, combining for 82 points as the Warriors fell to the Lakers in a double-overtime thriller 145-144 at Chase Center on Saturday.
Curry led all scorers with 46 points and elevated his play when it mattered most. He hit Anthony Davis with a baseline crossover and finished at the rim to send the game into overtime and in the second overtime, he scored 10 points, including two go-ahead splashes in the final 1:30.
Stephen Curry with 46 Points vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Curry's season-high performance gave him his 65th career game with at least 40 points and his 40th game with nine-plus made 3-pointers, an NBA record.
James was great in his own right, scoring 36 points and winning the game for the Lakers with his go-ahead free throws. He became the league's oldest player to record at least 30 points (36), 20 rebounds (20) and 10 assists (12), with his 20 boards being a career-high in his 21st season.
"Steph keeps me young," James said postgame. "Even though we're two of the older guys in the league."
James shared that Curry asked him after the game how it was that they both keep getting better. James has noticed the evolution of Curry's game, highlighting his added muscle in the recent offseasons.
"Steph has put the work into his body," James said. "He put a lot of muscle into it to take the beating and physicality that guys try to come at him with."
Curry remains in awe of the longevity of this back-and-forth between the two all-time greats.
"Every year that we get to do this, have these battles, from the finals runs and playoffs is insane," Curry said.
Postgame Warriors Talk: Stephen Curry - 1/27/24
Curry and James are in a unique group that truly understands how difficult it is to sustain greatness for such a long period of time.
"You look forward to the battles and appreciate the mutual respect," Curry said. "Only a few know how hard it is and I'm happy to be in that group."
"It's been a treat," James said. "For us to be able to push each other at this stage of our careers, you don't take it for granted."
James plans to ensure that future generations know how iconic these matchups are.
"It's something I'll be able to talk about with my grandkids, being able to compete with one of the greatest players to ever play the game."