“How does it keep getting better?” 35-year Stephen Curry could be seen asking 39-year LeBron James after what likely was the best game of this season. But even the 21-year old veteran didn’t have an answer for this one: “I don’t know!”
Even the two superstars were in awe of the game they had just played against each other, and their respective performances. The Los Angeles Lakers eventually beat the Golden State Warriors 145-144 after two overtimes. James sealed the win with two clutch free throws, after Curry had drained his ninth three pointer just moments before, with the Warriors taking the momentary lead.
James finished with an insane triple-double of 36 points, career-high 20 rebounds and 12 assists, becoming only the third player in NBA history with such stat line (Wilt Chamberlain (5x) and Elgin Baylor being the other two), Curry on the other hand had 46 points and seven assists and the previously mentioned nine three pointers.
“It’s something I’ll be able to talk about with my grandkids, talk about me being able to compete with one of the greatest players to ever play the game,” James said post-game. “So hopefully I can be cool with my grandkids at that point, for sure.”
While the Warriors suffered another devastating loss, marking their second consecutive heartbreak – they were just defeated 134-133 by Sacramento – the NBA world was absolutely thrilled with the game and the two aging stars’ performances. NBA Twitter reacted accordingly.
What a tough way for this one to end for the Warriors — a Green foul on LeBron. Lakers win 145-144 in 2OT.
Two heartbreakers in row for Golden State.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) January 28, 2024
Draymond Green: +31 in 46 minutes. Warriors were a -32 in his 12 minutes off the floor. It was a couple hours ago at this point, but that’s where they lost this game.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 28, 2024
so thankful to be able to witness this pic.twitter.com/4i4VWEBuz4
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) January 28, 2024
salute bron tho 36/20/12 in year 21 is incredible and probably something we will never see again
— Metro Boomin (@MetroBoomin) January 28, 2024
36-20-12 is what a 39 year old senior citizen put up on the Warriors tonight with a W! Like I said before I’ll take Bron against the Warriors with no KD any day of the week. Carry the hell on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 28, 2024
Cant take this matchup for granted.
What a game! https://t.co/AIfMznr6It pic.twitter.com/OGZLKccJwQ— KENNY BEECHAM (@KOT4Q) January 28, 2024
Just watched the best NBA game of the season!! The Lakers grabbed a much needed 145-144 2OT win over the Warriors at a critical point in the season!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 28, 2024
LEBRON JAMES CANT MAKE CLUTCH FREE THROWS THEY SAID!!!!! pic.twitter.com/wJ7FiIJVwy
— Manny G (@emanuelgodina) January 28, 2024
LeBron leaving Chase Center with 36/20/12pic.twitter.com/uUKQGewGy8
— PrizePicks (@PrizePicks) January 28, 2024
why am i emotional watching this lebron and steph masterclass. we truly cannot take these moments for granted i fear….
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) January 28, 2024
Lakers-Warriors the new Game of the Year? Man that was something. Curry and LeBron are a combined 74!
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) January 28, 2024
Don’t take LeBron James for granted.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 28, 2024
