Curry Struggles as Lakers Defeat Warriors in Key NBA Matchup

SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors‘ star Stephen Curry struggled with his shooting in a critical NBA matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, finishing with just 13 points on 4-for-17 shooting. The Lakers secured a 117-96 victory at Chase Center, with Curry failing to score in the second half.

Curry, who has been dealing with a lingering thumb injury and knee pain, acknowledged the discomfort but refused to use it as an excuse for his performance. “It sucks, but it’s not an excuse for anything,” Curry said. “Got to play through it.”

The Lakers’ defense played a significant role in containing Curry, contesting seven of his eight second-half shots. Anthony Davis, who led the Lakers with 36 points and 13 rebounds, credited the team’s defensive effort. “Our guards … constantly getting into the ball, making it tough on him,” Davis said. “Everybody played a part in the Steph Curry defense tonight.”

LeBron James, who contributed 25 points and 10 assists, downplayed the Lakers’ defensive strategy, attributing Curry’s struggles to missed shots. “Just hoped that he missed,” James said. “It’s Steph, man. Put bodies in front of him and hoped that he miss.”

The Warriors, now 22-23, are in a precarious position as they navigate injuries to key players, including Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga. Curry emphasized the importance of the team’s upcoming games, calling this stretch “make or break” for their season.

Despite the loss, Curry remains optimistic about his recovery. “It’s trending in the right direction,” he said of his knee pain. “For me to play, it checked all the boxes.”

The Lakers, meanwhile, have won five of their last six games, showcasing improved defensive versatility with contributions from players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Max Christie. Their recent form has sparked discussions about their potential as title contenders, though James remains cautious. “We’re not there yet,” he said.

As the Warriors look to regroup, Curry’s health and shooting efficiency will be critical to their playoff hopes. For the Lakers, Saturday’s victory underscored their ability to compete with the league’s elite, even as they continue to refine their identity.