We’ve been around long enough to know not to overreact to exhibition stats, but this performance is too sharp, too confident to dismiss. It’s not just about the counting numbers — it’s the way he attacked, engaged, asserted himself, and turned pressure into opportunity. You expect flashes from him. But consistency like this — in limited time, under varying matchups — opens the door to something more durable over a long season.
What’s striking is how efficient he was. At age 37, with all the years on his body, he still finds ways to maximize returns on limited usage. He got to the free‑throw line often (12 of 13) and converted with focus, showing he’s still adept at getting contact and finishing through itHis three‑point shooting was solid — 4 makes — and he balanced aggression with intelligence. He moved off the ball, read switches, took what the defense gave him, and didn’t force obvious low-percentage shots. That’s the hallmark of a veteran who has internalized when to press and when to step back.
On the rebound front, 6 boards in 27 minutes is nothing to scoff at. In games like this, especially in pre‑season where effort levels can vary, securing rebounds — particularly in transition situations or on the defensive end — shows that he’s engaged in every facet. The assists — 5 in limited time — hint at how his presence elevates others. He doesn’t just score; he draws attention, collapses defenders, and swings passes to open looks. That kind of court vision remains a potent arrow in his quiver.
But beyond the counting stats, what caught the eye was his timing and presence in key moments. The Warriors seemed sluggish early, sluggish offensively. Yet Curry’s activity, his energy, his willingness to demand the ball and orchestrate momentum shifts, lifted both intensity and execution. He’s not just a shooter — still. He commands defensive respect, forces rotations, and then ruthlessly exploits openings. In stretches where Portland tried to pull away, he neither panicked nor played small. Instead, he leaned in. That kind of mental toughness — particularly in preseason when the focus is sometimes dispersed — speaks volumes.
To suggest that Curry is “already in midseason form” after one preseason game might sound hyperbolic. But performances like this give you evidence to believe. They’re not always going to manifest — there will be off nights, shooting slumps, moments when defenses schematically force him into difficult matches. But if he can string together versions of this over the next several weeks — high-efficiency scoring, smart decision making, leadership on both ends — he can anchor a Warriors squad with serious designs.
Another layer to it: his usage. He’s not forced to take every shot, but when he steps in, the team flows through him. Even with other rotational pieces getting minutes, the offense still breathes around Curry. That balance — letting him stay fresh while also giving him touches at optimal moments — will be absolutely critical for Golden State’s longevity come January and February. It’s not about putting up big numbers every night; it’s about being consistently threatening, and making the defense accountable.
We also have to consider the supporting cast and how they benefit from Curry being in rhythm. If Steph comes out the gate like this, it cascades. Opponents must respect his gravity, which gives shooters and slashers more room. When he’s confident, it empowers role players. The ball moves better, cuts are crisper, spacing opens. Over a full season, that cumulative effect can tilt tight games. So even though this is preseason, it’s a signal to teammates — and to the league — that Steph is ready to orchestrate again.
Beyond performance, there’s also the narrative: age. At 37, there will always be questions about decline, wear, and capacity. But when you see a night like this — crisp movement, decisiveness, volume without waste — it pushes back on the doubters. It reminds us that, while physical athleticism may fade, smart play, craft, experience, and basketball IQ can sustain elite production for longer than many expect.
Let’s also be realistic: this was 27 minutes. He didn’t play over 35 or 40. The challenge will be sustaining it over a full regular season where back‑to‑backs, travel, and fatigue accumulate. There will be tougher defensive matchups, game plans designed to limit him, and nights when shot rhythm is off. The true question is not whether he can have nights like this — clearly he can — but whether he can produce 30‑point equivalent contributions, impact games regularly, and do it enough to push Golden State deep.
Still, as a preview, this was exactly the kind of statement you want heading into a season. It’s a message to opponents: Steph is not going away. It’s a message to his team: I’m here, I’m ready, and I expect us to play through me when necessary. And it’s a message to fans: don’t sleep on these early games — there’s meaning in every touch, every read, every movement. Preseason doesn’t always tell you everything, but it can tell you something. This night told us that Curry is not just showing up, he’s starting strong.
If he carries this into the regular season — evolving, adapting, managing his minutes wisely — there’s no reason he can’t continue to be in the MVP-level conversation. Probably not in raw volume every game, but in having a base of highly efficient, high-impact performances. If he can string together 45 such nights, he can change how defenses prepare, force matchups, open doors for role players, and tilt tight games his way.
So yes: 28 points, 4 threes, 6 rebounds, 5 assists in 27 minutes in preseason is more than just a box score. It’s a warning shot. It tells you that Steph Curry — in year 17, in his late 30s — is still in the business of playing at the highest level. If the regular season mirrors this energy, the Warriors have a dangerous rider. And for basketball fans, there’s little else more exciting than seeing a master still at work.
