Steph Curry Dishes 14 assists in 132-95 Win Over Portland

Stephen Curry recorded a season-high in assists against the Portland Trail Blazers coming out of the All-Star break.

Stephen Curry had the hot hand Sunday as he earned his first All-Star MVP award Sunday night but in the Warriors first game back from the eight-day break, Curry opted to facilitate.

Dishing out a season-high 14 assists, Curry helped lead the Golden State Warriors to a 132-95 win over the hosting Portland Trail Blazers Thursday night at Moda Center. With the win, Golden State breaks a two game losing streak, regaining its traction in the Western Conference.

“Steph was brilliant tonight,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “I loved patience and the way he ran the team tonight. He played a beautiful game.”

Over the course of Golden State’s last five games heading into the All-Star break — four of which coming as losses — Curry had experienced somewhat of a shooting slump, particularly from long-range. In two the Warriors’ last three games, in fact, Curry had shot a combined 2-for-15 from deep.

Thursday, Curry’s shooting wasn’t incredibly impressive as he missed five of the seven triples he attempted. But while his jump shot wasn’t finding success, his decision making picked up the slack.

Dishing out a season-high 14 assists, Curry accounted for nearly half of Golden State’s assisted baskets. With 34 assists, the Warriors recorded over twice the amount of assists as Portland, which had only 16.

In addition to Curry’s ability to move the ball and facilitate the offense, the Warriors also found a reinvigorated presence from a defensive perspective. This front was led by rookie forward Jonathan Kuminga, who played 27 minutes, blocked two shots and recorded a steal.

“John (Kuminga) is one of the best athletes I've ever seen at his age,” Warriors guard Klay Thompson said. “What is he 20? Seems like he has close to 40 inch vertical.”

Kuminga’s undeniable athletic ability has quickly turned the rookie into a quality starter for Golden State in the absence of Draymond Green, who continues to nurse a lingering back injury.

And for Golden State, who will take on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks Sunday, it will need his contributions in order to build on the confidence-boosting win.