Golden Gate Sports
Fansided

A Look Back at Stephen Curry’s 54-Point Game, 2 Years Later

By Maggie Pilloton

facebooktwitterreddit

Exactly two years ago, Stephen Curry put on his first display of superstardom. With the bright lights of New York City shining down on him, Curry exploded for 54 points in front of a stunned Madison Square Garden crowd.

On February 27, 2013, the Golden State Warriors took on the New York Knicks at the historic Madison Square Garden. Curry had recently been snubbed from the 2013 All-Star Game, and he responded in the best way possible. Even though the Warriors would ultimately lose the game, no one was talking after the game about how the Knicks had won. The focus was on Curry.

More from Golden State Warriors

Curry finished the night with 54 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. He shot 18-for-28 from the field, 11-for-13 from three-point range, and shot 100 percent from the free throw line as well. Curry’s 11 three-pointers set a franchise record, and at the time, his 54 point-night was the most points by a Warrior since Purvis Short scored 59 against New Jersey on November 17, 1984.

In addition, Curry became the first visiting player since LeBron James in 2009 to score 50-plus points at Madison Square Garden. He also scored the most points in NBA history for a player with at least 10 three-pointers made.

Here are some highlights from the game:

Here’s what Curry said about this memorable performance after the game:

"“I felt good all night. Obviously played the whole game, so was just trying to keep my legs underneath me on the offensive end, and you know, just stick to the game on the defensive end,” Curry said. “Once I started seeing that 3-ball go down in transition, all sorts of spots on the floor, I knew it was going to be a good night.”"

Here are more quotes from that night, courtesy of Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group:

"“Incredible by Steph,” the Warriors’ Jarrett Jack said. “I have never been a part of anything like that in my life. He was uncanny. Unbelievable.”Said rookie Harrison Barnes: “That was greatness what we saw. You look at the people that have scored 50 in this building, it’s unbelievable. I’m glad I just had the pleasure of being this man’s teammate.”…“You can’t really put it into words,” Curry said. “It’s kind of a numb feeling. Every shot you take, you know it’s got a good chance of going in. You’re kind of surprised when it doesn’t. It’s just kind of one of those experiences where it seems like time stands still a little bit.”…“We had to hope he missed. There is nothing anybody can do,” said Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, who finished with 35 points and eight assists.…“It’s crazy because he doesn’t get the credit he deserves, ” forward Carl Landry said of Curry. “He’s been a guy that has led us the whole season, him and David Lee. … That’s why it’s called a team because he can’t do it alone. He did his part tonight. Unfortunately, the rest of us had tough nights.”"

And here’s how a few NBA players reacted to Curry’s 54-point night:

Two years later, Curry has solidified himself as an NBA superstar, he’s an MVP candidate, and he’s the leader of the best team in the NBA. Curry is now a two-time All-Star (and he’s started in both All-Star Games he’s appeared in), he was the leading vote-getter for this year’s All-Star Game, and he even had a 51-point game this season in a win at home against the Dallas Mavericks.

Curry is finally starting to get the national recognition and praise that he’s deserved for a while now, but he still has more to prove. Curry will always play with that underdog mentality, and that’s what drives him to work hard be the best he can be.

Curry has made two playoff appearances since his miraculous 54-point game two years ago, but he hasn’t been able to lead the Warriors past the Western Conference semifinals yet. His goal is to win a championship and bring an NBA title back to the Bay Area.

Curry has come a long way since that unbelievable night at Madison Square Garden two years ago, and he continues to climb the ladder of NBA superstardom. Curry’s 54-point game was one of the first steps in his path to greatness, and now it’s his time to lead the Warriors to greatness.

Next: Warriors Mailbag: Curry, Ezeli, Kerr

More from Golden Gate Sports

Home/Golden State Warriors