SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry looks primed for another run at the third MVP award of his career.
The 33-year-old guard scored 41 points during Friday’s 119-97 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the final preseason game before Tuesday’s regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.
“He’s been building up perfectly from before camp started to all of the training over the summer to now,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game. “Obviously missed the game in L.A. the other night, that was part of the plan, he didn’t need to play all five games, but the last few days he got a lot of individual work in and he’s clearly ready to roll for the regular season, so he’s in a great place.”
The 41 points are tied for the third-most in a preseason game over the past 15 years. It’s also Curry’s third career 40-point game in the preseason, the most by any player over the past 15 years, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The performance also capped a 5-0 preseason record for a Warriors group that is no longer surprised when it sees Curry go off offensively the way he did Friday — even in a preseason game that has little meaning.
“The guy’s a machine,” Kerr said. “It’s just amazing how he looks after himself physically, emotionally, he’s just an incredible athlete at the peak of his powers still at 33. He’s just remarkable to observe, and obviously we’re lucky to have him leading the way for us.”
Chants of “MVP! MVP!” echoed through Chase Center as fans embraced the type of Curry performance that has become commonplace through his time with the organization. Curry went 13-for-23 from the field and 7-for-14 from the 3-point line in 30 minutes.
“It’s always fun to watch when Steph puts on a show like that,” Warriors center Kevon Looney said. “We see it a lot, and it’s getting close to the real games so you see him turn it up. Our team played pretty well, so [it’s] exciting to get to opening night.”
The Warriors announced after the game that they have waived Gary Payton II, Jordan Bell, Avery Bradley and Mychal Mulder. Kerr said that, for the time being, the Warriors would leave the 15th spot on the roster open.