Plagued by fatigue that contributed to considerable sloppiness, the Warriors on Thursday relied on a trusted formula to put away the Orlando Magic.
They turned to reigning MVP Stephen Curry, and he rewarded them with 51 points, delivering knockdown after knockdown, in leading the Warriors to a 130-114 victory at Amway Center.
Curry scored 24 points in the pivotal third quarter, his NBA-leading eighth quarter with at least 20 points.
[POOLE: Curry sets NBA record for consecutive games with 3-pointer]
Four other Warriors scored in double figures, as Marreese Speights came off the bench to put in 14 points, while Andrew Bogut and Draymond Green totaled 12 each, and Harrison Barnes added 10.
The bench, outscored 43-20 on Wednesday night in Miami, recovered to post a 36-32 advantage over the Orlando reserves.
The Warriors (52-5) found their legs in the second half, outscoring Orlando 71-51. They overcame 21 turnovers to lift their record to 5-1 on the current road trip, which concludes Saturday at Oklahoma City.
STANDOUT PERFORMER
Curry cops the honor for this night. The Warriors rode him, and he responded like a thoroughbred.
Curry’s line: 51 points (20-of-27 shooting, including 10-of-15 from deep), eight assists and seven rebounds. He is the first Warrior since Rick Barry (1973-74) to post three games of at least 50 points in one season.
Curry in the opening quarter set a record for most consecutive games with a 3-pointer, with 128. He has 276 3-pointers, this season more than any other player in history over a full season. Curry last season set a record with 286.
TURNING POINT
After Aaron Gordon sailed in for a dunk to pull Orlando within one (85-84) with 2:42 left in the third quarter, the Warriors – mostly Curry – went on an 18-7 run to take a 103-91 lead with 11:24 left to play.
Curry scored 11 of the 18 points, with three 3-pointers and a driving layup.
The Magic (25-31) got no closer than seven the rest of the game.
INJURY UPDATE
Warriors: F James Michael McAdoo (L foot toe sprain) was listed as questionable and ruled out prior to tipff. C Festus Ezeli (L knee surgery) is not with the team.
Magic: No injuries listed. G Shabazz Napier was placed on the inactive list.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Warriors return to action Saturday at Oklahoma City, where they face the Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. PST.
