NBA Roundup: Curry outshines Tatum in Warriors win; Nuggets dominate Thunder
Stephen Curry triumphed over his Olympic teammate Jayson Tatum in a hard-fought victory for the Golden State Warriors against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, marking the end of the Oklahoma City Thunder's unbeaten season start at the hands of the Denver Nuggets.
The Warriors improved their record to 7-1 following an exhilarating 118-112 win against the reigning NBA champions at TD Garden.
This highly anticipated matchup was seen as an opportunity for Tatum to prove himself after being sidelined for several games by Golden State's Team USA coach, Steve Kerr, during the gold medal-winning campaign in Paris last August.
Although Tatum showcased his skills by scoring 32 points, particularly excelling in the second half, it was Curry and the Warriors who secured the hard-earned victory.
"As we always say, 'Have each other's backs'—our players are stepping up and committing to that," stated Curry, who recorded 27 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and four steals.
"We have the capability to defeat anyone. It is challenging, and we must embrace it. However, this year is different, and we are focused on taking gradual steps to establish our identity," Curry remarked, as he ascended to 30th place on the NBA's all-time scoring list, surpassing Charles Barkley (23,757 points).
Curry received valuable offensive contributions from Andrew Wiggins, who scored 16 points, while Buddy Hield added 16 points off the bench, along with Kyle Anderson (11 points) and Jonathan Kuminga (10 points).
"We possess significant depth, and it is uncertain whose night it will be. I appreciate the atmosphere we have, but it is only eight games into the season—there is still a long way to go," Curry told ESPN.
Tatum, on the other hand, scored 24 points in the second half, helping Boston overcome a 14-point deficit in the third quarter to take a seven-point lead in the fourth.
However, Boston's comeback faltered in the final moments as the Warriors and Curry rallied to secure a victory, positioning Golden State among the top three teams in the Western Conference.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr faced a negative reception from Celtics fans due to his management of Jayson Tatum during the Olympics, receiving loud boos during the pre-game introductions.
Kerr, however, dismissed the controversy in his pre-game comments to reporters, admitting that he "didn't enjoy" having to bench Tatum in a match against Serbia in Paris.
"Those are not enjoyable decisions," Kerr stated. "However, our players were all exceptional; they dedicated themselves to one another and to winning a gold medal... that is the true narrative.
"Yet, we exist in an era where we must discuss matters that ultimately hold little significance," he added.
In other Tuesday matchups, Russell Westbrook showcased a remarkable performance, aiding the Denver Nuggets in overcoming the Oklahoma City Thunder's unbeaten start to the season with a 124-122 victory.
Despite a shorthanded Nuggets roster missing starters Jamal Murray (concussion) and Aaron Gordon (calf), the team found themselves in a precarious position as the Thunder surged to a 16-point lead midway through the third quarter.
Nevertheless, Denver rallied back, propelled by Westbrook's 29-point effort, while Nikola Jokic contributed a triple-double with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and 16 assists.
"To defeat a team like OKC requires a collective effort, but for a 17-year veteran to deliver such a performance was remarkable, and I am truly pleased for Russ," remarked Nuggets coach Michael Malone regarding Westbrook.
Oklahoma City's first loss of the season resulted in the Thunder dropping to second place in the Western Conference with a record of 7-1. The Phoenix Suns, also at 7-1, ascended to the top position following their 115-112 victory over the Miami Heat.
The Cleveland Cavaliers maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 131-122 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on the road in Louisiana.
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