NBA Team Waited 2,047 Days to Beat Steph Curry: A Historic Victory
In the world of professional sports, there are some wins that are more than just a statistic—they’re historic milestones that signify a shift in power, a long-awaited triumph, and often a moment of redemption. For one NBA team, the achievement of defeating Steph Curry and his Golden State Warriors was one such victory, one that took 2,047 days—a staggering five-and-a-half years. This monumental win not only marked a personal victory but also a significant moment in the history of the team’s competitive journey.
Let’s take a closer look at the context surrounding this incredible stretch and explore what it means for both the team and Steph Curry’s legacy.
The Streak: A Nearly Six-Year Drought
The team in question is the Phoenix Suns, a franchise that has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years. For an entire 2,047 days, spanning from 2018 to 2024, the Suns could not find a way to defeat the Golden State Warriors with Steph Curry on the court. This streak, which began on October 30, 2018, was marked by the Warriors’ dominance, a team that, under Curry’s leadership, won multiple championships and consistently had one of the most potent offenses in the league.
During this period, the Suns were going through their own struggles. Despite having talented players like Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, the team was still rebuilding and searching for its identity in a highly competitive Western Conference. For a team like the Suns, who were often in the midst of transition and trying to get back to playoff contention, facing off against a championship-caliber team like the Warriors was an uphill battle. And to make matters more difficult, that battle always seemed to end with a Warriors victory.
The Suns’ inability to best the Warriors during this period became somewhat of a symbol of the franchise’s larger struggles. Golden State was on top of the basketball world, with Curry playing at an MVP level, making dazzling plays, and breaking records. The Suns, on the other hand, were enduring rebuilding years, full of roster changes and coaching adjustments.
Steph Curry’s Impact on the Streak
Steph Curry is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters to ever play the game. His shooting range, handles, and ability to perform in clutch moments have been key to the Warriors’ success over the last decade. Curry has redefined the modern NBA, and his offensive prowess has made him nearly impossible to stop. As the face of the Warriors’ “Splash Brothers” era, alongside Klay Thompson, Curry’s scoring and leadership have made Golden State an almost invincible force, especially against teams like the Suns that were still working to find their rhythm.
During this five-and-a-half-year stretch, Curry averaged 30+ points per game in several seasons, breaking his own records for three-pointers made and leading the Warriors to numerous playoff appearances. His impact against Phoenix specifically was evident as the Suns found themselves unable to overcome the Warriors’ explosive offense, particularly in critical matchups.
As the Suns struggled to find their footing, Curry’s Warriors were often at the top of their game. Every time the Suns faced off against Curry and the Warriors, they were faced with a dilemma: How do you defend one of the most unstoppable forces in basketball history? With Curry pulling up from anywhere on the court, the Suns’ defensive strategies often fell short, and they were left watching Curry celebrate another victory.
The Phoenix Suns’ Struggles and Rebuild
The period in which the Suns could not defeat the Warriors was also a time of great transition for the team. The Suns were in the midst of a rebuild after years of mediocrity and frustration. They made several key moves in the hope of building a competitive roster, such as selecting Deandre Ayton with the #1 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and adding veteran leadership in the form of Chris Paul in 2020.
However, it wasn’t until the 2020-2021 season that the Suns truly began to emerge as a formidable team in the West. Led by Monty Williams as head coach, the Suns finally started to realize their potential. With Booker, Ayton, and the steadying influence of Paul, Phoenix made a run to the NBA Finals in 2021, a remarkable achievement after years of rebuilding.
Still, despite their upward trajectory, one thing eluded the Suns: beating the Golden State Warriors with Curry on the floor. Even in the midst of their success, the Suns remained haunted by the Warriors’ dominance, and every matchup against Curry and company seemed to end with a loss.
The Breakthrough: A Historic Win Over Curry’s Warriors
Then came the night that Suns fans had been waiting for. On December 11, 2024, the Phoenix Suns, finally, ended their 2,047-day streak of futility by defeating the Golden State Warriors and their legendary point guard. The game was a thrilling affair, full of high drama and intense moments, but ultimately, the Suns came out on top, claiming a hard-fought victory that not only ended a long-standing drought but also proved that they were now capable of competing with the very best.
Devin Booker, the Suns’ star shooting guard, played a pivotal role in the win, scoring efficiently and hitting key shots down the stretch. Deandre Ayton also dominated in the paint, adding a double-double to his stat line. But perhaps most importantly, the Suns’ defense, which had been a work in progress over the last few years, rose to the occasion. Phoenix’s ability to limit Curry’s open looks from beyond the arc and force him into difficult shots was a key factor in the victory.
The win wasn’t just a statistical achievement for the Suns; it was symbolic of their growth as a team. Beating the Warriors with Curry on the court meant that Phoenix had finally overcome a psychological barrier that had existed for years. It was a statement that the Suns were no longer the underdog—they had arrived.
What This Victory Means for the Suns
This historic win over the Warriors will have significant implications for the Phoenix Suns moving forward. First and foremost, it’s a huge confidence booster. After years of trying and failing to get past Curry and the Warriors, the Suns now know they can compete with one of the league’s top teams, even when they’re at full strength.
For the players, this victory will be a defining moment in their careers. For Booker, it’s a sign of his continued development as one of the league’s premier players. For Ayton, it shows his growth as a dominant presence in the paint. And for Chris Paul, who has long been regarded as one of the best point guards in the NBA, it marks a significant step toward fulfilling his goal of securing an NBA title.
Moreover, the win against Curry and the Warriors sends a message to the rest of the Western Conference: The Suns are no longer just a team in transition—they are contenders. With a solid core and a team that has shown the ability to perform under pressure, Phoenix now has the confidence and the momentum to make a serious playoff push in the coming seasons.
Steph Curry and the Warriors: A Continued Legacy of Excellence
For Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, this loss was a reminder that even the greatest teams face challenges. While Curry remains one of the top players in the league, the Warriors’ dominance in the West is being tested by emerging teams like the Suns, who are ready to take their place at the top. Curry’s legacy, however, remains untouchable—he is still widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and continues to shape the future of the NBA with his record-breaking performances and leadership.
While this defeat was certainly disappointing for the Warriors, it’s unlikely to diminish Curry’s standing in the league or the Warriors’ championship aspirations. However, it marks the end of an era of dominance against certain teams, with the Suns now emerging as a legitimate challenger.
Conclusion: A Long-Awaited Win for the Suns
The Phoenix Suns’ victory over the Golden State Warriors after 2,047 days without a win against them is more than just a regular season win—it’s a statement. It signals the maturation of the Suns as a team, their rise from rebuilding to contending, and their ability to overcome one of the most dominant players in NBA history. For the Suns and their fans, this game will go down as a historic moment in the franchise’s timeline, a win that represents both personal achievement and the promise of future success.
As the Suns continue to build on this victory, they can take pride in knowing that they’ve finally conquered one of their biggest challenges. For Steph Curry and the Warriors, the battle with the Suns is just beginning, and it’s clear that the balance of power in the West is shifting.
