Steph Curry threatens LeBron James' throne after tying another GOAT record

The Golden State Warriors needed their greatest player to steady the team after a difficult opening to the season, and Steph Curry responded with the kind of performance that has defined his career.

Curry scored 44 points in Wednesday's 119-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves , delivering a reminder of his extraordinary scoring ability while reaching another milestone previously shared only by LeBron James .

The 38-year-old has now recorded 15 games with at least 40 points since his 35th birthday, matching James for the most in NBA history.

It was another demonstration of Curry 's remarkable longevity, particularly after injuries limited his availability last season and forced Golden State to manage his playing time carefully.

Although the Warriors had built a commanding 24-point advantage during the second half, Minnesota threatened an unlikely comeback, leaving Curry 's contributions essential to securing the victory.

Curry 's latest scoring exhibition didn't begin particularly smoothly, with the veteran making only two of his first eight field-goal attempts.

However, his fortunes changed dramatically during the second quarter, when he produced a devastating burst of outside shooting that transformed Golden State's position.

Curry scored 19 points during the period, helping the Warriors establish a 64-48 halftime advantage.

His scoring eventually reached 44 points, accompanied by eight rebounds and six assists, but one statistic illustrated how effectively he adapted to Minnesota's defensive pressure.

Curry converted all 16 of his free throws, marking the first time in his career he had attempted that many without missing.

"They were pressuring pretty much all the way out to half court, so you're gonna have those driving lanes," Curry explained afterward.

"Thankfully it helped us in a couple lulls that we had, getting to the line, getting easy buckets, which we needed all of them."

Steve Kerr explains why Curry remains so dangerous

Warriors coach Steve Kerr has watched Curry produce countless scoring explosions, yet his ability to change a game within minutes remains central to Golden State's success.

"I just see him doing what Steph Curry does," Kerr said after Wednesday's victory. "I've been watching him for so long that it never surprises me when he gets hot. What makes him special is it can happen at any time."

The Warriors also benefited from an impressive performance by rookie Yaxel Lendeborg , who contributed 26 points and nine rebounds.

Minnesota, meanwhile, played without Anthony Edwards , who faces an extended absence following knee surgery.

Despite that advantage, Golden State struggled to protect its substantial lead before securing a second consecutive victory.

LeBron James record comes into view

Curry 's latest achievement carries additional significance because Golden State continues to monitor his workload after injuries disrupted the previous campaign.

The veteran has been operating under a 32-minute restriction, designed to protect his health while allowing him to regain his rhythm.

He played almost his full allowance against Minnesota, showing confidence in his physical condition despite the demands of his 18th NBA season.

"I honestly didn't know until after the game, which was nice that we were just kind of in the moment, playing," Curry said when discussing his minutes. "So it's nice to keep building and feel good coming out of it."

Golden State now returns home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, with Curry potentially sharing the court with James .

Another 40-point performance would move Curry clear of his longtime rival and establish a new NBA record for scoring performances after age 35.

However, the immediate significance of Wednesday's display was equally important: after three opening defeats, Golden State has rediscovered some momentum, with its greatest player leading the recovery.