ֱ

An ‘embarrassing’ night for Stephen Curry and the Warriors, who fall by 51 at Memphis

An ‘embarrassing’ night for Stephen Curry and the Warriors, who fall by 51 at Memphis
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, right, missed all six of his tries from 3-point range against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night. (Getty Images via AFP)
Short Url
Updated 20 December 2024

An ‘embarrassing’ night for Stephen Curry and the Warriors, who fall by 51 at Memphis

An ‘embarrassing’ night for Stephen Curry and the Warriors, who fall by 51 at Memphis
  • Stephen Curry did not make a shot from the field in his 24 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies
  • It was the first time he has played that many minutes without a basket in his 16-year career

MEMPHIS, Tennessee: Stephen Curry had a game like none other in his career. It was part of an awful night for the Golden State Warriors.
Curry didn’t make a shot from the field in his 24 minutes — the first time he’s played that many minutes without a basket in his 16-year career — and the Warriors fell behind by 57 points in what became a 144-93 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night.
“We ran into a buzz saw,” Curry said. “We obviously know we are better than that. I’ve got to be better than that.”
The 51-point final margin and 57-point deficit were both the largest in the NBA this season.
“You lose by 51, that’s humbling,” coach Steve Kerr said after his team, which started the season 12-3, lost for the ninth time in its last 11 games.
Curry was 0 for 7, missing all six of his tries from 3-point range. It was only the fifth time in Curry’s career that he’d taken a shot in a game and not registered a field goal — he was 0 for 1 once, 0 for 2 once, 0 for 3 once and 0 for 4 once.
“He’s one of the toughest covers in the history of the NBA,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said.
Not on Thursday, however.
“That was embarrassing,” Curry said.
It was only the fifth time in Warriors history that they lost a regular-season game by more than 50 points. Of those, three have come in the last five years — by 53 to Toronto at Tampa, Florida in 2021, by 52 at Boston on March 3 and Thursday’s 51-point loss.
The franchise regular-season record is a 63-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972. The Philadelphia Warriors lost by 51 at Boston in 1962.
“It wasn’t any of our nights,” Kerr said. “Including mine.”
Curry and Draymond Green had never combined for zero field goals in a game in which both played, until Thursday.
“There’s a first time for everything, right?” Curry said.
Brandin Podziemski and Andrew Wiggins combined to make 15 of their 24 shots for Golden State. The rest of the Warriors shot 17 of 66 — 25.8 percent — with Dennis Schroder going 2 for 12 in his Golden State debut. Jonathan Kuminga also shot 2 of 12.
The Warriors have now trailed at least one game by 45 points in each of the last six seasons.
“Once we’re all locked in defensively, you see what type of team we can be,” Grizzlies guard Ja Morant said.
The Grizzlies now have the two biggest victory margins in the NBA this season. They beat Portland by 45 on Nov. 10.
Memphis also led Golden State by 55 in Game 5 of the 2022 Western Conference semifinals, ultimately winning that game by 39 points. The Warriors went on to win that series in six games and eventually won that season’s NBA title.
“I know who we are. I know what our team is about,” Kerr said. “I know we’ve got competitors, and I know we’re going to bounce back and we’re going to regroup. So, I’m not concerned about that. But we’ve got a lot of work to do to execute and learn how to execute under pressure and take care of the ball and get good shots.”


Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol
Updated 18 June 2025

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol

Barcelona sign goalkeeper Joan García from crosstown rival Espanyol
  • The 24-year-old García recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga
  • Barcelona said they activated a release clause of $28.5m

BARCELONA: Barcelona are signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García, who was once linked to a move to Arsenal, to a six-year contract, the Spanish champion said Wednesday.

The 24-year-old García recently finished a stellar first season in La Liga when he led all goalies in saves with an average of almost four a game.

He will now join Espanyol’s main rival.

Barcelona said they activated a release clause of 25 million euros ($28.5 million) and that García is expected to sign the contract Friday in a “private ceremony” at the club offices.

The fee could help Espanyol reinforce a squad after they only avoided relegation on the final day of the season.

García had been close to a possible move to Arsenal last summer after he helped Spain win Olympic gold in Paris. He stayed put and was Espanyol’s best player.

García has yet to debut for Spain’s senior side, but it is considered only a matter of time before he does if he continues to play well.

His arrival to Barcelona puts in question the role of veteran Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was injured most of the season. He is under contract through 2028.

Following Ter Stegen’s injury, Barcelona convinced Wojciech Szczęsny to come out of retirement and sign a contract for the remainder of last season. Barcelona’s other goalie is Iñaki Peña.

While several Barcelona players have joined Espanyol later in their careers, it is rare for an Espanyol player to move to Barcelona. Their derbies are heated affairs.


Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025
Updated 18 June 2025

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025

Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini beaten by Ons Jabeur in first grass match of 2025
  • Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023, beat the fourth-seeded Paolini 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open
  • Paolini was playing for the first time since winning the French Open doubles title with fellow Italian Sara Errani

BERLIN: Last year’s Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini got off to a losing start in her first grass-court match of 2025, a straight-sets loss to Ons Jabeur.

Jabeur, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023, beat the fourth-seeded Paolini 6-1, 6-3 in the second round of the Berlin Tennis Open on Wednesday after the Italian had a first-round bye.

Jabeur could face 2023 Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova or Diana Shnaider in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Paolini was playing for the first time since winning the French Open doubles title with fellow Italian Sara Errani. Paolini lost to Elina Svitolina in the fourth round of the French Open singles.


Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game
Updated 18 June 2025

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game

Green Falcons settle in Austin, finalize preparations for USA game
  • Squad greeted by ֱ’s Consul General in Houston Shafi Al-Otaibi.
  • Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued recovery work, guided by the team’s medical staff

AUSTIN: The Saudi national football team has touched down in Austin, Texas, and is now in the final stretch of its preparations for Thursday night’s highly anticipated Concacaf Gold Cup game against the United States at Q2 Stadium.

Arriving from San Diego late Tuesday, the squad was greeted by ֱ’s Consul General in Houston, Shafi Al-Otaibi. Saudi Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal extending his thanks to the consulate for their hospitality and the smooth coordination of arrival logistics.

Once settled, the Green Falcons got straight to work. Under the watchful eye of head coach Herve Renard, the team trained at St. Edward’s University. The session featured a mix of warm-ups, and a short game on half the pitch, before winding down with stretching routines.

Injury updates came from the sidelines, where Hassan Kadesh and Mohannad Al-Saad continued their recovery work individually, guided by the team’s medical staff.

ֱ will hold one final training session on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. local time, again at St. Edward’s. The opening 15 minutes will be open to the media.


PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
Updated 18 June 2025

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise

PFL MENA showdown: Hattan Al-Saif vows dominance, Nour Fleyti promises a surprise
  • Al- Hattan Al-Saif: ‘I don’t care who I’m facing — I’m ready for anyone’

The heat is rising ahead of the much-anticipated showdown in the Professional Fighters League MENA, as Saudi fighter Hattan Al-Saif and Lebanese contender Nour Fleyti exchanged fiery statements that set the stage for an electrifying bout scheduled for July 4 at the Green Halls in Riyadh.

Speaking at the official pre-fight press conference, both fighters exuded confidence and determination, making it clear this is more than just a match — it is a clash of wills.

Al-Saif said: “I don’t care who I’m facing — I’m ready for anyone.”

She dismissed any concerns about her opponent, and added that victory in combat sports is not accidental but the result of relentless dedication.

“Winning doesn’t happen by chance — it’s a result of continuous hard work and commitment,” she said. “I’m prepared for any opponent. Every fight requires a different strategy.”

When asked about criticism of Arab women in combat sports, Al-Saif responded firmly: “I don’t pay attention to outdated opinions. I’m doing what I love and chasing my goal.”

Fleyti said: “I love surprises — watch my answer inside the cage.”

She expressed her excitement to finally step into the PFL MENA cage, describing it as a long-awaited opportunity.

“I respect Hattan as a fighter,” she said, adding: “But she’ll be facing me — and I’m stronger. I will surprise everyone inside that cage.”

Fleyti promised a thrilling performance: “Expect a fun fight. I don’t find fighting difficult — I enjoy every second of it.”

A battle of pride and passion awaits as the two fighters prepare to face off.

With Al-Saif’s unwavering confidence and Fleyti’s bold promises, Riyadh is set for a showdown that transcends sport. One question remains: Who will prove to be the stronger force inside the cage?

The answer awaits on July 4.


Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener
Updated 18 June 2025

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener

Hosts England face Sri Lanka in 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup opener
  • Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14
  • Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan

Hosts England will kick off their 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12 while holders New Zealand begin their title defense against the West Indies a day later, the International Cricket Council said on Wednesday.

Group 1 includes record six-times champions Australia, two-times runners-up South Africa, 2020 finalists India and Pakistan, as well as two teams from the Global Qualifier tournament.

New Zealand, 2009 champions England, Sri Lanka, 2016 winners West Indies and the other two teams from the Global Qualifier are in Group 2.

The top two teams from Group 1 and Group 2 will advance to the semifinals of the biennial T20 international tournament, which will be contested by 12 teams for the first time.

“World Cups are always special, but this one already feels different – it has the potential to be truly game-changing,” England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt said in a statement.

“Playing on home soil, for the biggest prize, against the best players in the world, it’s going to be unmissable. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Edgbaston will also host a clash between Asian rivals India and Pakistan on June 14.

Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, Bristol County Ground and Lord’s are the other venues.

The final will take place at Lord’s on July 5.