The 2014-15 NBA regular season continued on Thursday, April 9 with a pair of critical games. An MVP case made a powerful statement against a fellow contender and Eastern Conference rivals clashed in a game that featured a 19-point comeback.
This is how it all transpired.
1. Stephen Curry erupted for 45 points and nine assists on unbelievable shooting marks of 17-of-23 from the field and 8-of-13 from 3-point range to lead the Golden State Warriors past the Portland Trail Blazers 116-105. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 27 points for the Trail Blazers, but Curry’s offensive attack was too much to overcome.
Curry is the first player to score at least 45 points on 70.0 percent shooting or better since James Harden on February 20, 2013.
2. During his shooting clinic, Curry broke his own NBA record for 3-point field goals made in a season.
3. Golden State is 15-1 when Curry scores at least 30 points.
4. The Chicago Bulls stormed back from 19 points down at halftime to stun the Miami Heat 89-78. Pau Gasol led the charge with 16 points and 15 rebounds for the Bulls, while Hassan Whiteside had 19 points and 16 boards for the Heat.
The Bulls snap a three-game road losing streak.
5. Chicago improves to 30-16 when Derrick Rose plays at least 20 minutes. It’s 17-16 when he doesn’t.
Bonus Facts
- At 64-15, the Warriors have won 13 more games than they did in 2013-14. That’s tied with the 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers for the largest win improvement for a 50-win team in NBA history.
- Golden State has won 15 consecutive home games.