PORTLAND, Ore. – Stephen Curry returned from a sprained right knee to score an NBA-record 17 points in overtime, finishing with 40 as the Golden State Warriors rallied to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals with a
PORTLAND, Ore. – Stephen Curry returned from a sprained right knee to score an NBA-record 17 points in overtime, finishing with 40 as the Golden State Warriors rallied to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals with a 132-125 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
Playing for the first time since he was injured in Game 4 of the first-round series against Houston, Curry was rusty for three quarters and sensational down the stretch after the Warriors trailed by as much as 16 points.
Originally expected to play about 25 minutes off the bench, Curry picked up a heavier workload in the second half after Shaun Livingston, who had been starting in his absence, was ejected in the second quarter after arguing a call and picking up two technical fouls.
His victorious return came hours after a person with knowledge of the award told The Associated Press that Curry would repeat as NBA MVP, with the announcement coming as early as Tuesday.
The Warriors can win the series Wednesday night at home in Game 5.
Damian Lillard finished with 36 points and 10 assists for Portland.
Curry’s fast-break layup gave the defending NBA champions a 120-118 lead with 2:21 left in the extra period. He followed with a 3-pointer, pounding his chest and pumping his fist in celebration, posturing for the courtside fans.
Harrison Barnes’ layup extended the lead to 125-118 and Portland couldn’t catch up. Klay Thompson finished with 23.
HEAT 94, RAPTORS 87, OT
MIAMI – Dwyane Wade scored 30 points, Goran Dragic had a huge three-point play late in overtime and the Miami Heat beat the Toronto Raptors 94-87 on Monday night to tie their Eastern Conference semifinal series at 2-2.
Dragic and Joe Johnson each scored 15 for the Heat, who rallied from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Game 5 is in Toronto on Wednesday night.
Terrence Ross and Cory Joseph each scored 14 for Toronto, which shot 39 percent. Bismack Biyombo and DeMarre Carroll added 13 apiece, while starting guards DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry combined for 19 points on 6-for-28 shooting.
