Stephen Curry Drops 43 Points on the Bobcats in North Carolina Return

For Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Monday night was a hometown return of sorts—he attended high school in Charlotte, North Carolina and college in nearby Davidson.

Facing the hometown team, Curry treated the crowd to a dazzling display of pyrotechnics. In the end, it wasn't enough. Despite his remarkable 19-point fourth quarter, the Charlotte Bobcats held on for the win, 115-111.

Sometimes it’s the little things that matter. Things that don’t look quite as awesome in a headline as Curry’s 43 points, but important nonetheless. Like the swarming defense that the Bobcats demonstrated in the first quarter. Like the Bobcats taking a 12-point lead into halftime—a lead that helped buffer Curry’s 32-point onslaught in the final two quarters.

Kemba Walker, who scored 31 points of his own, challenged Curry on the floor and paid respect after. Per Bill Kiser of NBA.com:

"

It’s fun (facing Curry). Everybody knows he's a great player, a great scorer. I love a challenge. I love to play against the best. He made some tough shots. I thought I played some good defense, but it was better offense at times. We came out with the win, that’s all I really care about at this point.

"

Monday night might have looked like it was about Curry. It’s hard to argue against 43 points. It was hard not to get caught up in nine assists, or to appreciate the five rainbows from beyond the arc. But what about the misses? It took Curry 16 tries to make those five treys. He took 32 shots in all, in over 45 minutes. It was the most attempts of his career.

It was also the second-highest scoring game this season in the NBA. 

Curry put on a show Monday night, just as he did at Charlotte Christian School, just as he did at Davidson College. He carried the Warriors on his back during the game’s latter stages—almost across the finish line. More times than not, 43 points will get you there. Just not this time.