On January 3, 2021, the NBA world witnessed one of the most electrifying individual performances in recent history, as Stephen Curry dropped an astonishing 62 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. While Curry’s brilliance was the headline, a subtle but pivotal moment with Damian Lillard before the game may have lit the fuse for this historic outburst.
In the days leading up to the game, Lillard, known for his straightforward demeanor, commented on Curry’s challenges in leading a depleted Warriors squad. “You’re seeing how tough it is to get those quality looks without the firepower,” Lillard remarked, reflecting on the absence of Klay Thompson and the Warriors’ changing dynamics. Though his words were more analytical than antagonistic, they were enough to spark something deep within Curry.
Curry’s response was nothing short of poetic. From the opening tip, he attacked the Trail Blazers with ferocity, knocking down deep threes, slicing through defenders, and finishing with his signature finesse at the rim. Every shot seemed to carry an unspoken message: “Never doubt me.” By the time the final buzzer sounded, Curry had set a new career high, silencing critics and etching his name into the record books once again.
Lillard later clarified that his comments weren’t intended as trash talk, but Curry’s performance spoke louder than any words could. Teammates and fans celebrated the display, noting that it embodied Curry’s relentless drive and ability to turn criticism—whether real or perceived—into fuel for greatness.
The 62-point explosion reminded the league why Curry is a transcendent talent, capable of dominating games in a way few players in history can. For Lillard and the Trail Blazers, it was a stark reminder: be careful with your words when facing one of the NBA’s most dangerous
