It took a while, but Stephen Curry regained his MVP form just in time to help the Warriors take a big step forward.
Curry scored 17 of his 40 points in overtime as the Warriors beat the Trail Blazers 132-125 on Monday night in Portland to take a 3-1 lead in their second-round Western Conference playoff series.
MORE: Classic photos of Stephen Curry
The Warriors trailed for most of the game, finally retaking the lead early in the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers never let the game get out of hand in regulation, and the two teams went into overtime tied 111-111.
Then Curry went on a historic run, breaking the NBA record for points in an overtime — regular season and playoffs.
Curry played 37 minutes in his first game back since Game 4 of the Warriors' first-round series against the Rockets, largely due to Shaun Livingston's ejection in the second quarter. He admitted after the game that was probably a little more than expected, but he said he felt good, all things considered.
“It took me a while to get a groove,” Curry told TNT after the game, “but it finally happened.”
That might be the understatement of the year.
Stud of the Night
Could it be anyone else?
Steph scored 17 of his 40 in OT to lead the @Warriors to a 132-125 win over @trailblazers. Also had 9 rebs & 8 asts. pic.twitter.com/YAJg2p1eOg
— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2016
Dud of the Night
DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry did not play like an elite backcourt — or even a solid one — Monday night as the Raptors dropped Game 4 to the Heat in overtime, 94-87. They combined for 19 points on 28 shots as the Raptors allowed the Heat to tie the series at two games apiece.
Tweet of the Night
Dwyane Wade continued his strong showing in the playoffs, scoring 30 points while hitting four of his five attempts from the 3-point line. He also had this layup, which forced overtime.
Mr. 4th Quarter! pic.twitter.com/wGfWyccghf
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 10, 2016
Looking ahead
Thunder at Spurs, Game 5, 8 p.m. ET, TNT (series tied 2-2): The series heads back to San Antonio, a place where Oklahoma City earned its Game 2 victory — and became the second team to beat the Spurs on their home court this season. If this pivotal game is nearly as good as the one in Oklahoma City on Sunday, we’re all in for a treat.