Curry Misses 17th Game of the Season, Porzingis Scores 12 in Warriors Debut, Jaylen Brown Records Triple-Double as Celtics Defeat Warriors

On February 20th, the 25-26 NBA regular season resumed as the Celtics secured a 121-110 victory over the Warriors. Curry was absent for the 17th time this season, Porzingis debuted for the Warriors with 12 points, and Jaylen Brown posted a triple-double.

Game Statistics

Warriors: Moody 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists; Richardson 17 points, 5 rebounds; Santos 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists; Melton 18 points, 3 rebounds; Porzingis 12 points

Celtics: Jaylen Brown 23 points, 15 rebounds, 13 assists; Pritchard 26 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists; White 10 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists; Hauser 16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists

Background Information

Stephen Curry continued to be sidelined in this game, marking his 17th absence this season. According to reports from U.S. media today, Curry will undergo a re-evaluation in ten days, meaning he will miss the next five games. Per league rules, players must participate in at least 65 games to be eligible for season awards, which effectively rules Curry out of contention for any awards this season.

Game Progress

The Warriors started the game strong, taking an early lead, but the Celtics quickly responded with White scoring on a step-back jumper, tying the game at 15-15. Shortly after, the Celtics went on a scoring run with inside and outside shots to build a double-digit lead. The Warriors then hit consecutive three-pointers, including Richardson’s buzzer-beater three at the end of the first quarter, leaving the Warriors trailing 32-36. Both teams combined for 68 points in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Warriors struggled offensively at the start, allowing the Celtics to capitalize with three-pointers, fast break layups, and putbacks, going on a 19-4 run to extend their lead to 19 points. Porzingis made his Warriors debut off the bench. Afterwards, the Warriors initiated a comeback with Hofer, Porzingis, and Santos hitting threes, but the Celtics maintained momentum with Pritchard and Hauser hitting consecutive threes to stabilize the game. The half ended with the Celtics leading 74-51.

After the break, Santos opened with a three-pointer, but the Celtics responded with an 11-0 run, quickly extending their lead to 31 points. The Celtics then pushed to widen the gap further, reaching a 34-point lead at one point. The Warriors fought back with fast breaks and three-pointers, and when Moody hit a three, they cut the deficit to 27 points. At the end of the quarter, both teams traded points, with the Celtics holding a 29-point advantage going into the final period. In the fourth quarter, Porzingis and Payton led the Warriors on a 17-3 run, narrowing the gap to 15 points. The Warriors attempted to mount another comeback, but the Celtics’ balanced offense kept control. Ultimately, the Celtics emerged victorious over the Warriors.

Starting Lineups

Warriors: Moody, Spencer, Green, Santos, Melton

Celtics: Brown, White, Sherman, Hauser, Kotta