3-Point Barrage: Steph Curry’s 29-Point Night Sinks Giannis and the Struggling Heat

T he Heat can't catch a break at the start of the Giannis Antetokounmpo era for the franchise. Stephen Curry sank them even further by leading the Warriors to a commanding 120-100 victory. The point guard scored 29 points, shooting 6/12 from three to leave Miami with a disappointing 3-6 record .

Opposite to Golden State, which notched its sixth consecutive victory after starting 0-3. During that streak, the star has played five games averaging 32.4 points, 5.6 three-pointers, and 48% shooting . This time he started cold, going 1/8 from the field. At halftime he was 2/10. In the third period, when his team put together a decisive 26-9 run , he found his shooting touch and would finish the game 9/19. With a three-pointer in the third quarter, he moved up to 17th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, surpassing Oscar Robertson. At 38 years old, he still feels the itch .

Alongside Curry, Yaxel Lendeborg shone again, one of the season’s biggest sensations among the rookies. He posted 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Draymond Green helped with the playmaking, recording 11 of the 36 assists the Warriors had . They moved the ball very well against the Heat’s poor defense.

With the arrival of Antetokounmpo, the team was destined for great heights, but it just can't get going. The Greek colossus once again delivered statistically with 20 points, 14 rebounds and four assists . However, fitting the pieces together is proving complex.

"Our defense has been deficient. Now we have to get out of this bind and rebuild it. And do it day after day . The challenge does not automatically become easy tomorrow," coach Erik Spoelsta said recently.

Davion Mitchell, with 22 points , was the Heat’s leading scorer in this latest loss while Bam Adebayo finished with 20 and 14 rebounds . Klay Thompson , who was once again returning to what used to be his home, scored 11 points after receiving a warm welcome from the fans. Likewise insufficient.