The Golden State Warriors became the first team in NBA history to reach 73 straight victories on Wednesday night following their 125-104 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at their own Oracle Arena, thus breaking the seemingly unmatchable record set 20 years ago by the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls and current Warriors coach Steve Kerr as well.
Stephen Curry led Golden State with 46 points and set yet another personal record by becoming the first player to score over 400 3-pointers in a season after sinking 10 from long range to earn 402 total 3s. The Warriors saved one last record for the final day of the regular season, and they earned it in front of a sellout crowd at Oracle Arena.
Draymond Green added another 11 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the defending champion Warriors (73-9), who topped the 1995-1996 Bulls that went 72-10 that season.
Immediately after the final buzzer, Green grabbed the game ball and bounded onto the floor as confetti came falling down and “73 WINS” appeared on the scoreboard.
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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement, saying: “Congratulations to the Golden State Warriors on their 73rd win and the best regular-season record in NBA history. The team held itself to a high standard throughout the season, playing with purpose every night and captivating fans around the world with its free-flowing style, spectacular shooting and flair for the dramatic. Kudos to the entire Warriors organization.”
President Barack Obama also congratulated the team via Twitter, saying: “Congrats to the @warriors, a great group of guys on and off the court. If somebody had to break the Bulls’ record, I’m glad it’s them.”
Curry scored seven 3-pointers in the first half, then hit No. 400 just 43 seconds into the third. He shattered his own single-season record of 286 from a year ago. Curry is the first guard since Jordan in 1991-92 to average 30 points and shoot 50 percent from the floor.
Fans chanted “M-V-P! M-V-P!” all night. Klay Thompson added 16 points including four 3s before Curry rested the fourth quarter and Thompson most of it.
No champagne celebrations were planned for Golden State.
“Absolutely not. You’ve got to save that ’til June. I mean you might have a glass of wine after the game but that’s about it,” Thompson said. “This record doesn’t mean a thing if we don’t take care of business in the postseason.”
Kerr missed his team’s 24-0 start and the first 43 games overall — Luke Walton filled in and led the Warriors to a 39-4 record in Kerr’s absence — while dealing with complications following two back surgeries.
The Warriors finished 39-2 at home for the second straight year.
Zach Randolph led the Grizzlies with 24 points. Memphis (42-40) lost its fourth straight game to end the regular season.
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 13: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at ORACLE Arena on April 13, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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