Dub Hub: Steph Curry not panicking despite 51-point blowout loss vs. Grizzlies

12/20/2024 02:25 PM

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Friday, December 20th.

In today's Dub Hub:

• Steph Curry says the Warriors aren't panicking despite suffering a 51-point blowout loss against the Grizzlies.
• Dennis Schroder comments on his rocky Warriors' debut.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headline the NBA Cup All-Tournament Team.

After opening the season 12-3, the Golden State Warriors are now 2-9 in their last 11 games. This downward spiral hit a new low Thursday night as the Memphis Grizzlies delivered a humiliating 51-point blowout loss to the Warriors, 144-93. While Stephen Curry acknowledges the need for urgency, the Warriors' leader insists the team isn't panicking.

The game marked one of the most forgettable performances of Curry's illustrious career. He failed to make a field goal for the first time in any game where he logged at least 12 minutes, finishing the night with just two points—all from free throws—on a dismal 0-of-7 shooting night.

Nevertheless, Curry remains optimistic. The Warriors' superstar is confident that the team will get back on track and show that they are much better than their performance on Thursday.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, December 20th:

Warriors News:

Curry, Green held without field goal; Grizzlies rout Warriors | ESPN

Frustrated by foul trouble, the 13-year veteran was a shocking minus-42 and Curry was a minus-41.

"First time for everything, right?" Curry said. "I never thought that would be a situation or a result of the game. From the very jump they kind of punched us in the mouth. We didn't have an answer.

"... That was kind of embarrassing."

Steve Kerr Recaps Golden State Warriors Loss to Memphis Grizzles | Dec. 19, 2024

Warriors, Steph Curry suffer historic 51-point loss to Grizzlies in Dennis Schröder's debut | The Athletic

Draymond Green's minutes also weren't of much help. Kerr inserted him back into the starting lineup ahead of Jonathan Kuminga, who had started the previous six games, because he wanted to reestablish a defensive identity after the Mavericks put up 143 points on them Sunday. Green was ineffective early, committing four first-half fouls in 10 minutes. He went scoreless, had four turnovers and the Warriors lost his 19 minutes by 42 points.

Where Warriors' blowout loss to Grizzlies ranks in franchise history | NBC Sports Bay Area

The 51-point margin is tied for the fourth-worst loss ever by the Warriors, both on the road and overall. And if not for a last-second Brandin Podziemski layup at the final buzzer, it would have tied for their second-worst defeat.

Additionally, Thursday's blowout marked the largest margin of defeat of the 2024-25 NBA season — by any team.

If there's a bright side for Golden State, though, this wasn't even its worst loss of 2024; the Boston Celtics' 52-point win back in March keeps that honor.

Dennis Schroder on his Warriors' debut: "It's going to take a little bit of time"

NBA News:

Wemby's poster jam, 42-point effort propel Spurs in OT victory | ESPN

Wembanyama tossed an alley-oop to himself off the backboard for a two-handed poster jam that left teammates still in awe well after the final buzzer.

"Sometimes, you just feel it," Wembanyama said of the freelance nature of the play. "I think the way we read their coverage was good, and having good spacing to leave space on the isos [was good]. I think it was a combination of things. There's not one answer, but the fact we've adapted to the different types of defenses [teams are playing], this is what I'm talking about."

Karl-Anthony Towns embraced in return to Minnesota: 'I'm an avid Timberwolves fan' | The Athletic

But Towns has been terrific from an offensive standpoint, averaging 24.8 points, a league-leading 13.9 rebounds and shooting 52.6 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point land. The move back to center after playing two seasons at power forward alongside Rudy Gobert has been an offensive boon for both him and the Knicks.

"We used to call it the cheat code," Wolves coach Chris Finch said of playing Towns at center. "It's just a cheat code for great offense. His ability to score at all levels and distort the floor and all that kind of stuff, it's definitely, definitely, definitely a driver of great offense."

NBA announces the All-Tournament Team for the NBA Cup

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Player grades: Warriors vs. Grizzlies

Dennis Schröder

22 minutes, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 turnovers, 2 fouls, 2-for-12 shooting, 0-for-4 threes, 1-for-2 free throws, 19.4% TS, -34

Schröder's Warriors debut didn't really go according to plan. He couldn't find any rhythm on offense, and while he had a few nice plays running the offense to show off his quarterback skills, he also was one of their worst turnover offenders.

Maybe he was just trying to fit in with his new team by copying what they were doing.

Grade: D+

A tweet to end the week:

Follow@unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.