Curry’s 26 helps lead Warriors past division leading Orlando

BY RICK PORCARO

Steph Curry put in 26 points to lead the Warriors to an impressive 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic Monday night at Chase Center.

Jimmy Butler added 21 on 7-9 shooting while Moses Moody scored 20 as Golden State (15-15) outscored Orlando 62-40 in the second half to win going away. The Magic only scored 14 points in the final quarter.

Orlando (16-13), the first place team in the Southeast division, only shot 41.4% from the field, while the Warriors connected on 51.7% of their shots.

The Magic were led by Paolo Banchero’s 21 points and 12 rebounds. Desmond Bane added 20 while Anthony Black put in 19.

15 of Curry’s points came in the third quarter when he was a perfect 6-of-6 from the field, including all three of his 3 point attempts.
Quinten Post grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds. Brandin Podziemski added 16 points and five assists off the bench while finishing a game high +36 in just 27 minutes of action.

Asked about the Warriors play following the game, Podziemski opined, “The more people that are threats to score the ball and make plays for each other, the harder it is for the opposing team to guard us. That’s why we were able to put up 120 points despite shooting very poorly to start the game from three.”

The Warriors will be back in action Christmas Day for a 2PM matinee against the Mavericks at Chase Center.

GAME NOTES:

Golden State held Orlando to 97 points, marking the team’s league-leading eighth time this season they have allowed 99 or less points in a game (6-2 in those contests).

The Warriors have held five of their last eight opponents under 100 points, including two of the last three.