Steph says KPJ’s gamesmanship sparked 40-point eruption originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Don’t poke the sleeping giant that is Warriors star, Steph Curry.
That memo didn’t make it to Houston Rockets wing Kevin Porter Jr.
Stuck in one of the worst shooting slumps of his legendary career, Curry busted out of it with a 40-point eruption in the Warriors’ 122-108 win over the Rockets on Monday night at Toyota Center. After scoring 19 through the first three quarters, Curry poured in a career-high 21 points in the fourth quarter to ice Golden State’s sixth straight win.
During the win, Porter Jr. was seen staring at Curry after the 21-year-old was called for an off-ball foul and later, he was barking in the direction of the Warriors’ bench after making a shot that led to a timeout.
After the win, Curry spoke to Bonta Hill, Chris Mullin and Dorell Wright about what was going on with Porter Jr. during the game.
“I like his competitiveness,” Curry said on Warriors Postgame Live. “He’s got a dog in him and he wanted to take on that challenge. There was a play, I think a couple off-ball fouls, and I won’t say there was chirping, but there was a little gamesmanship. And then we had a steal, I got a good defensive stop and we got a steal and I came down in transition and that kind of lit the fire for the rest of the game.
“And it’s a testament to defense creating momentum on the offensive end and that’s what we thrive off of. So when I do my part on that front, it’s Warrior basketball, so it’s fun. I’m obviously blessed to have teammates like I do. God is good and going to keep trying to ride this wave.”
While Porter Jr.’s actions were very noticeable to Curry and everyone watching on TV, Warriors coach Steve Kerr was first made aware of it during his postgame press conference.
“Oh, I didn’t know that,” Kerr said. “I didn’t notice that at all but I highly encourage it.”
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Curry’s performance Monday was his first 40-point game since Dec. 23 against the Memphis Grizzlies, and all he needed was a spark.
If Curry regains his consistency and goes on a nuclear run over the next few weeks leading into the All-Star break, he can thank Porter Jr. for the nudge he needed.