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What we learned as Steph Curry drops unreal 49 points to stun Spurs in NBA Cup
What we learned as Steph Curry drops unreal 49 points to stun Spurs in NBA Cup originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
In Steph the Warriors trust.
This has been a very good formula for more than a decade, and it served them well once again Friday night.
Stephen Curry poured in a game-high 49 points, willing and dragging and pulling the Warriors to a 109-108 victory over the Spurs at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Jimmy Butler III put in 19 points, with Will Richard and Brandin Podziemski each adding 10, but their efforts were totally overshadowed by Curry’s spectacular performance.
Trailing by 10 with 6:51 remaining, Golden State’s search for the momentum that would come with successive wins over a high-quality team was in doubt. The Warriors outscored San Antonio 24-13 over the final 6:42 to close out the triumph.
Here are three observations from a second consecutive feel-good road win, this one in an Emirates Cup game, for the Warriors, who improve to 8-6 overall and 1-1 in group play:
Chef cooks again
The Warriors basically left it up to Curry to carry them to a two-game sweep of the Spurs. Darned if he didn’t come through.
Curry scored 31 points in the second half – exactly half of the 62 points Golden State managed after intermission. His 49 points came on 16-of-26 shooting from the field, including 9-of-17 from beyond the arc and 8-of-8 from the line, including a pair of clinching free throws with 6.4 seconds remaining.
Curry scored 14 consecutive points for the Warriors to close the third quarter, which ended with them trailing 79-77. He scored 10 in a row in less than two minutes midway through the fourth quarter.
This was Curry’s 44th game with at least 40 points since his 30th birthday. That ties him with Michael Jordan for most in NBA history after that birthday. Coming off a 46-point outburst on Tuesday, this marks the first time since Nov. 11, 2022 that Curry posted back-to-back games with at least 40 points.
Bench shows signs of life
Coming into San Antonio this week, Golden State’s bench had been among the most productive in the league, averaging 40.2 points per game.
That group managed only 23 points in a 125-120 victory Wednesday night and further declined on Friday, finishing with only 19 points while San Antonio’s reserves put in 27.
After scoring only seven points in the first half, Golden State’s bench came alive in the second half, putting in 12 points – six each by Gary Payton II and Brandin Podziemski.
Podziemski entered the game shooting 12-of-34 from the field, including 6-of-17 from deep over his last five games. After missing five of his first six shots, he drained a pair of triples in the fourth quarter.
Payton, who was struggled with his shot all season, drilled two 3-pointers inside the final five minutes.
The question now is whether the Warriors’ bench can make up for the loss of Moses Moody, the team’s top bench scorer, moving into the starting lineup. Any recovery begins with Buddy Hield, who was scoreless for the first time this season and is averaging 5.4 points last 11 games) points over his last 12 games.
Steph could’ve used a little more help
The Warriors shot 28 percent from the field, including 16.7 percent from beyond the arc, in the first quarter. It got better, but not by much.
While Curry, Butler and Richard went into halftime with a combined 38 points on 14-of-20 shooting from the field, including 6-of-12 from beyond the arc, their teammates combined for nine points on 3-of-26 shooting, including 2-of-13 from deep.
It got better in the second half, with the Warriors scoring 62 points after a 47-point first half. But Curry’s teammates accounted for only 31 of those points, on 11-of-27 shooting from the field, including 4-of-10 from deep.
Rosen, Ostlund Getting Their Chance
The old adage that one person’s misfortune is another’s opportunity would be applicable two recent additions to the Buffalo Sabres, who have been playing in the minors and are finally getting their chance at significant ice time in the NHL.
Prior to their recent call-up, first-rounders Isak Rosen and Noah Ostlund have been relegated to fourth line duty, but with Zach Benson, Josh Norris, Jiri Kulich, and Jason Zucker out, head coach Lindy Ruff has been forced to play the Rochester Americans duo in roles they are more suited for,
Rosen has led the Sabres AHL affiliate in scoring, but has managed only one assist in 15 NHL games the last two seasons. Ostlund in his first full season in North America had 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) in 45 games and earned an eight-game stint with the Sabres, but went scoreless.
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The Swedish duo has been partnered with winger Jack Quinn and has had some offensive success. Rosen scored a pair of goals in the 5-2 loss to Utah on Wednesday, while Ostlund has three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in his last five games.
The advantage the rookies have is that they have been linemates and familiarity with each other. That may help paying off, as both Rosen and Ostlund are likely to be in Buffalo for awhile, with Zucker, Norris, and Kulich’s injury/illness situations expected to be long-term.
Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo
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Steph Curry joins Michael Jordan in exclusive NBA company after scoring outburst
Steph Curry joins Michael Jordan in exclusive NBA company after scoring outburst originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
It’s worth celebrating any time you’re alone in a category with Michael Jordan.
And that’s exactly where Steph Curry finds himself after a 49-point outburst in the Warriors’ 109-108 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, tying Jordan for the most 40-plus point games (44) after the age of 30 in NBA history.
Curry’s explosive scoring effort is the second time this week he has eclipsed the 40-point mark against the Spurs at Frost Bank Center, after a 46-point masterpiece in Golden State’s win on Wednesday night.
The Warriors superstar was lights out from deep, even draining a triple over 7-foot-4 Spurs big man Victor Wembenyama.
Stop us if you've heard this before: Steph with a rainbow 3 over Wemby 🌈pic.twitter.com/yQdbr7kTbw
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 15, 2025
Curry was on the money from downtown all game, but caught fire in particular during a 17-point barrage in the third quarter.
His excellence wasn’t limited to the perimeter, as Curry hit an unfathomable and-1 floater that you’d have to see to believe.
Friday is Curry’s third 40-point game of the 2025-26 NBA season, with the two-time MVP not showing any signs of decline in his 17th professional season.
At this rate, Curry will be standing alone sooner rather than later, but for now, any exclusive statistic shared with just Jordan is something the Warriors star can keep his head held high about.
Steph Curry joins Michael Jordan in exclusive NBA company after scoring outburst
Steph Curry joins Michael Jordan in exclusive NBA company after scoring outburst originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
It’s worth celebrating any time you’re alone in a category with Michael Jordan.
And that’s exactly where Steph Curry finds himself after a 49-point outburst in the Warriors’ win over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, tying Jordan for the most 40-plus point games (44) after the age of 30 in NBA history.
Curry’s explosive scoring effort is the second time this week he has eclipsed the 40-point mark against the Spurs at Frost Bank Center, after a 46-point masterpiece in Golden State’s win on Wednesday night.
The Warriors superstar was lights out from deep, even draining a triple over 7-foot-4 Spurs big man Victor Wembenyama.
Stop us if you've heard this before: Steph with a rainbow 3 over Wemby 🌈pic.twitter.com/yQdbr7kTbw
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 15, 2025
Curry was on the money from downtown all game, but caught fire in particular during a 17-point barrage in the third quarter.
His excellence wasn’t limited to the perimeter, as Curry hit an unfathomable and-1 floater that you’d have to see to believe.
Friday is Curry’s third 40-point game of the 2025-26 NBA season, with the two-time MVP not showing any signs of decline in his 17th professional season.
At this rate Curry will be standing alone sooner rather than later, but for now, any exclusive statistic shared with just Jordan is something the Warriors star can keep his head held high about.
Kennard Davis Jr. of No. 7 BYU arrested on suspicion of DUI
A Provo police department release said Davis suffered minor injuries and was charged with driving under the influence after being taken to the police station.
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Marchand reaches 1,000 points, Reinhart scores twice as Panthers beat Capitals 6-3
SUNRISE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 13: Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers blocks a plastic rat shot by Evan Rodrigues #17 following their win over the Washington Capitals at Amerant Bank Arena on November 13, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Capitals 6-3. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Brad Marchand reached 1,000 career points with two assists, Sam Reinhart scored twice and Florida Panthers beat the Washington Capitals 6-3 on Thursday.
Eetu Luostarinen, Seth Jones, Cole Schwindt and Evan Rodrigues also scored for the Panthers, who began a run of 11 of 12 games at home.
Marchand assisted on Jones’ goal that put Florida ahead 5-3 late in the third period and Luostarinen's empty-netter with 1:30 remaining.
Marchand has 335 goals and 565 assists in 1,116 regular-season games. Jones and Rodrigues each scored their 100th NHL goals.
Panthers backup goalie Daniil Tarasov stopped 37 shots for his first victory with the club.
Rasmus Sandin, Justin Sourdif and Brandon Duhaime scored for the Capitals. They were 1-3 on a four-game trip.
Goals from Reinhart and Schwindt in the second period put the Panthers ahead 3-1. Schwidnt’s goal 3:05 into the period snapped a 1-all tie.
Reinhart padded the lead with his power play goal with 5:19 left in ther period. Logan Thompson stopped Carter Verhaeghe’s shot but Reinhart tapped in the deflection.
After the Capitals narrowed the deficit on Justin Sourdif’s goal 52 seconds into the third period, the Panthers responded with goals by Reinhart and Jones.
The Panthers were again with a slew of injured players, including Aleksander Barkov, Dmitry Kulikov and Jonah Gadjovich. But coach Paul Maurice indicated that Matthew Tkachuk — who has yet to play this season following offseason surgery — might be inching toward a return in the coming weeks.
Up next
Capitals: Host New Jersey on Saturday night.
Panthers: Host Tampa Bay on Saturday.
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Fantasy Basketball Weekend Start/Sit Decisions: Derik Queen starring in reserve role
Whether you’re in a Yahoo! High Score league, a Sleeper league, a league with a games cap or simply have so many players with games scheduled that you can’t start them all, making a decision about who to start or sit can help you win or lose your matchup.
Obviously, in many leagues, having more games played each week ends up being the difference in a matchup. This is not me saying to bench a player in a points league without a games cap. Even if I’m expecting a terrible game, five points is better than zero!
The Nets, Hornets, Mavericks, Warriors, Rockets, Clippers, Lakers, Bucks, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Magic, Trail Blazers, Kings and Spurs play twice this weekend, so if you’re just looking to maximize games, prioritize those teams.
Each week we’ll dig into shifting rotations, uncovering which players deserve more attention in fantasy basketball.
Eric Samulski▶ Guards
Start: Miles McBride, New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson is dealing with an ankle injury, and while there hasn’t been any report that would indicate a long-term absence yet, getting out in front of it is a good idea. If McBride starts multiple games, he’s a valuable streamer. At minimum, he should have a strong performance against the Heat on Friday. Brunson has already been ruled out for that game, so McBride should start. Miami plays at a faster pace than anyone in the league, which should help boost McBride’s stats.
Start: Sam Merrill, Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s unclear how long Darius Garland (toe) will be sidelined, but Merrill will continue to start in his place. The Cavs only have one game this weekend, but it’s against a Grizzlies team that hasn’t defended the three-point line well this season. This is a great opportunity for Merrill to get back on track; he opened the year as a starter and averaged 4.5 triples per game across their first four games before suffering a hip injury.
Sit: Donte DiVincenzo, Minnesota Timberwolves
DiVincenzo has struggled the last three games with Anthony Edwards back (though he was good in Edwards’ return), and this weekend isn’t going to get any easier. Minnesota plays the Kings and the Nuggets. Sacramento hasn’t been great lately, but they’ve done a decent job at defending three-pointers this year. Plus, there’s the added motivation from head coach Doug Christie after their last game, which came in a threat to switch up the starting unit. Denver has been one of the best teams at defending the three-point line this year. This isn’t a great chance for DiVincenzo to get back on track.
Sit: Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Sheppard is starting to figure things out, but this weekend isn’t ideal for him. The Rockets play the Trail Blazers and Magic, and both teams rank in the top four in fewest three-pointers allowed per game. Sheppard has hit at least four triples in three straight games and knocked down a season-best five treys against Washington on Wednesday, but that streak could certainly come to an end.
▶ Forwards
Start: Bogdan Bogdanovic, LA Clippers
With Bradley Beal (hip) set to miss the rest of the season, John Collins has moved into the starting lineup, but it’s Bogdanovic that has been more productive. Over his last three appearances, he has averaged 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.3 three-pointers in 26 minutes per game. He has two games this weekend, and while the matchups aren’t ideal, he has been effective when Beal is injured.
Start: Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets
Clowney has been starting for Brooklyn, and he has been really productive in four of their last five games. The matchup with the Magic on Friday isn’t an easy one, but it’s an opportunity for him. However, it’s the game against the Wizards on Sunday that is intriguing. Washington has the worst defense in the league, which makes it a great opportunity for Clowney to have a productive night.
Sit: Trendon Watford, Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers only have one game this weekend, and it’s against the Pistons, who have been elite on defense this season, especially in the paint. Since that surprising triple-double, Watford has been disappointing. He may continue to start, but the return of Dominick Barlow (elbow) could cut into Watford’s minutes.
Sit: Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns
Brooks is coming off one of the best offensive performances of his career, but his lone outing this weekend will come against one of the best defensive teams in the league. The limited opportunity combined with a matchup against the Hawks makes this a suboptimal weekend for Brooks.
▶ Centers
Start: Moussa Diabate, Charlotte Hornets
Ryan Kalkbrenner (personal) has been ruled out against the Bucks on Friday, which will be at least one start for Diabate. They play again on Saturday against the Thunder, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Kalkbrenner missed both. Diabate has been solid as a reserve, but his ceiling and minutes will both rise significantly with Kalkbrenner unavailable.
Start: Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans
It’s not really about matchups here; Queen is just playing too well to not start him. Queen isn’t starting yet, but he’s playing starter minutes. He had a career-best 26 points and played 38 minutes on Wednesday. The Lakers and Warriors aren’t easy matchups, but they shouldn’t scare managers away as Queen breaks out.
Sit: Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat
Miami only has one game this weekend, and it comes against the Knicks, who have been one of the best rebounding teams in the league this season. Ware didn’t do much against the Knicks as a starter earlier this year, but that was with Bam Adebayo available. Adebayo (toe) is still out, so Ware should play more minutes, but this isn’t an ideal matchup for Ware.
Sit: Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks
Lively (knee) will be back on Friday against the Clippers, who rank last in the league in pace. Slower pace leads to fewer shots, which leads to fewer rebound opportunities. Sunday’s matchup with Portland is more favorable, but Gafford and Lively haven’t played together yet this season. Plus, Anthony Davis (calf) could be back. It’s best to play it safe when it comes to the Dallas bigs and wait to figure things out next week; it wouldn’t be shocking if both play 15-20 minutes.
England pumped up for chance to end 13-year wait against All Blacks
Maro Itoje and company have talked the talk and are hungry to follow through with a first win at home over New Zealand since 2012
For better or worse it has been lashing down in south-west London. Good news for restocking the reservoirs but rather less so for dry-ball rugby. Had England played New Zealand 24 hours earlier it would have resembled a game of outdoor water polo and, although the matchday forecast is less biblical, a decidedly damp, grey afternoon awaits.
Is it some kind of celestial clue that England’s on-field drought against the All Blacks might be about to break? It is now 13 years since the last men’s victory over New Zealand at what was once called Twickenham, so long ago that Maro Itoje was still at school. Troublemaker by Olly Murs (featuring Flo Rida) topped the UK charts and the nation was basking in a warm, fuzzy post-London Olympics glow that was supposed to last indefinitely.
Continue reading...Red Wings Could Add Key Defenseman from Stanley Cup Final Team Off Waivers
The Edmonton Oilers have been navigating a challenging season riddled with injuries, but as key players return, the competition for roster spots is intensifying. In a recent development, defenseman Troy Stecher was placed on waivers Friday. Serving primarily as Edmonton’s seventh defenseman, Stecher could find a larger role elsewhere, and the team had explored potential trade options before making the move, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) on XStecher (EDM) on waivers
David Kampf clears and contract can be terminatedStecher, 31, brings a dependable two-way game to the ice. He previously played for the Detroit Red Wings before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in March 2022 for a seventh-round pick. A return to Detroit could be mutually beneficial. The Red Wings have struggled defensively at times this season, allowing 40 goals over their last 11 games, which ranks them seventh-worst in the NHL over that span. Stecher would be an upgrade over Travis Hamonic on the bottom pairing and could stabilize the rotation alongside Jacob Bernard-Docker.
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
There’s a strong likelihood Stecher would be open to rejoining the Red Wings. He originally signed with Detroit as a free agent in 2020, and the team’s solid start to the season could make the reunion even more enticing. The organization is already familiar with his work ethic and reliable play, which could allow him to slot back into the blue line seamlessly.
Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) on XTroy Stecher! #LGRWStecher brings valuable postseason experience as well as part of Edmonton’s recent Stanley Cup Final run, which the team facilitated by acquiring him and a fourth-round pick from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a seventh-rounder. While he didn’t record a point in eight playoff games, he finished with a +2 rating and delivered steady minutes in high-pressure situations. His playoff experience also extends to the Kings, where he tallied two goals and two assists in four games after arriving from Detroit.
For the Red Wings, claiming Stecher would provide both experience and stability to a defensive unit in need of reinforcement. At a cap hit of just $787k and with ample space available, Detroit could make a low-risk, high-reward move that bolsters the blueline and strengthens their playoff aspirations.
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Report: Teams interested in possible Domantas Sabonis trade
While predicting what the Kings' front office and ownership will do is a futile mission, there is logic to their trying to trade away their veterans at the trade deadline. Sacramento is a 3-9 team — one that is frustrating its coach — with a promising young player in Keegan Murray and an intriguing rookie in Nique Clifford, but not much else to build around. The Kings control their own draft pick this season, so trading away their veterans to focus on the future makes sense.
There is interest around the league in center Domantas Sabonis, Sam Amick of The Athletic said on SacTown Sports (hat tip Real GM).
"So, as it relates to Sabonis, my understanding is there are at least a few teams that have raised their hand to say, 'Yeah, he's somebody we'd want to talk about.' I've said it on your show before — I don't have that sort of information about Zach (LaVine)."
Sabonis, a three-time All-Star and All-NBA selection in 2023 and 2024, is averaging 15.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game this season, although his efficiency has fallen off sharply, including his shooting just 17.6% from 3-point range. He is a good passer and just 29 years old; teams may think that if they get him in their system, Sabonis will return to form.
That said, Sabonis is making $42.3 million this season and is owed $94.1 million over the two seasons after this one. If a team is going to take him on, they are going to have to want him. Just matching that salary will mean giving up a player of value.
LaVine, 30, is averaging 23.9 points a game and shooting 42.3% from beyond the arc this season, but is more ball dominant than Sabonis. LaVine is making $47.5 million this season with a player option for $48.9 million next season (he would be extension eligible this summer). Considering how difficult the Bulls found it to find a LaVine trade before the deal with the Kings last February (part of a three-team trade involving De'Aaron Fox to San Antonio), it may be asking a lot to expect the Kings to find a deal.
Don't be surprised if Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan and Doug McDermott also come up in trade rumors.
ALL-USA Football East Team nominees as 2025 regular season concludes
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