SAN FRANCISCO: Stephen Curry capped a season-best, 49-points performance by sinking the game- winning free throws in the final seconds as the visiting Golden State Warriors outlasted the San Antonio Spurs 109-108 on Friday in an NBA Cup clash.
The Warriors swept a two-game mini-series in San Antonio over three nights and won for the third time in their past four games overall. Golden State improved to 1-1 in West Group C play in the league’s in-season tournament, while the Spurs fell to 1-1.
San Antonio led by 10 early in the fourth quarter before Curry, Gary Payton II and Brandin Podziemski shot Golden State back in front at 101-100 with 3:37 remaining.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama jumped over a defender for a tip-in to expand the lead to 108-105 with 1:06 left. Jimmy Butler III’s layup cut the gap to a point, and after a stunning block by Wembanyama and a miss by the Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox, Curry drove the lane and was fouled with 6.4 seconds to play.
Curry made both free throws. After a timeout, San Antonio went back to Fox, whose contested jumper at the buzzer bounced twice on the rim before falling away.
Butler finished with 21 points while Will Richard and Podziemski added 10 each for the Warriors.
Wembanyama led San Antonio with 26 points and 12 rebounds, and Fox had 24 points and 10 assists. Julian Champagnie added 14 points, and Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell hit for 13 and 11, respectively.
San Antonio enjoyed a 20-18 advantage after 12 minutes of play. Golden State knotted the game at 28 on Quinten Post’s 3-pointer with 8:40 to play in the second quarter.
The Warriors grabbed a lead thanks to their long-distance shooting, as 3-pointers by Curry and Podziemski and two from Richard put Golden State up 40-33. San Antonio closed the half on a 10-4 run to get within 47-45 at the break.
Curry’s 18 points led all scorers before halftime. Fox paced the Spurs with 14 first-half points.
Golden State used a 14-6 run to take a 68-66 lead with 3:36 to play in the third. The surge was capped by highlight-reel bank shot from Curry, who was fouled on the attempt and completed a three-point play.
Stephen Curry reels off 49 points as Warriors rally past Spurs
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Stephen Curry reels off 49 points as Warriors rally past Spurs
- The Warriors swept a two-game mini-series in San Antonio over three nights and won for the third time in their past four games overall
Dubai Basketball launches ‘Basket for Basket’ Ramadan initiative
- Project with Dubai Sports Council and UAE Food Bank takes place at EuroLeague match on Thursday
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball has announced a special Ramadan initiative for its upcoming EuroLeague home fixture against LDLC ASVEL on Thursday, Feb. 26.
In the spirit of giving that defines the holy month, the team will donate one meal for every point scored by the home team during the game. In addition, every ticket purchased for the game will equal one meal donated to families in need across the UAE.
Delivered in collaboration with the Dubai Sports Council and the UAE Food Bank, the initiative reflects Dubai Basketball’s commitment to creating meaningful social impact beyond the court, the team stated in a release on Tuesday.
As Dubai’s first professional sports franchise competing in European competitions, the team wants to be a competitive force internationally and community-driven institution.
Dejan Kamenjasevic, CEO of Dubai Basketball, highlighted the importance of the initiative. “Ramadan is a time of reflection, unity and generosity.
“As a team that proudly represents Dubai on an international stage, we believe our responsibility goes far beyond basketball. This city has given us an incredible platform, support system and belief, and it is our duty to give back in a way that reflects the values of the nation.”
“Through this initiative, every point scored, and every ticket purchased becomes something bigger than the game.
“Our ambition is not only to compete at the highest level in Europe but also to build a team that contributes to the community and supports the people who make the Dubai dream possible.”
