LeBron James, Steph Curry Thrill Fans with Epic Duel as Lakers Beat Warriors in 2OT

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJanuary 28, 2024

Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

An instant classic featuring two of the NBA’s all-time superstars and rivals playing at their peak form ended with LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers sneaking by Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors 145-144 in double overtime on Saturday in San Francisco’s Chase Center.

James finished with a 36-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double. He hit two free throws with one second left for the victory. James’ 20 boards were a career-high mark for a regular season game for the 21-year veteran, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Curry scored a game-high 46 points. He put the Dubs up 144-143 with 5.2 seconds remaining after this clutch three-pointer:

Golden State Warriors @warriorsMAMA, THERE GOES THAT MAN ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/KsIABjnkfV

Both players traded heroics in regulation and overtime.

Curry hit a layup with six seconds left in regulation to force an extra session.

NBA @NBASTEPH WITH THE HANDLE AND SCORE.

WE HAVE OVERTIME ON ABC.#NBARivalsWeek pic.twitter.com/jxghd0EytX

In the first OT, James scored six points, and Curry had five. A Klay Thompson three-pointer tied the game at 130 with seven seconds remaining, later forcing a second OT.

NBA @NBAKLAY FOR THE TIE!

5.9 seconds left, Lakers ball. https://t.co/A7sPNDsbuK pic.twitter.com/Au8nYesJsm

Once there, Curry (eight points) and James (six) traded buckets once again. After James’ free throws, the Warriors were in a tough spot with no timeouts left. Golden State could not get a shot off in time, and L.A. earned the win.

James was flanked by Anthony Davis (29 points, 13 rebounds) and D’Angelo Russell (28 points).

For the Warriors, Draymond Green posted a near-triple double with eight points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, and the Warriors outscored the Lakers by 31 points with him on the floor. Klay Thompson scored 24 points, and Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga added 22 apiece.

The story of both teams’ seasons is ultimately one of disappointment, with the Lakers hovering around .500 and the Warriors currently on the outside of the play-in picture.

However, for one night at least, fans, analysts and at least one NBA legend could enjoy the greatness of two stars and their teammates trading haymakers in a fantastic game.

Earvin Magic Johnson @MagicJohnsonWe just saw two of the all-time greats play superb! LeBron James hit two clutch free throws to seal the game and finished with a 36-20-12 triple double, and my man Steph Curry put on a shooting clinic tonight scoring 46 points in a losing effort.

Bill Simmons @BillSimmonsLakers-Warriors the new Game of the Year? Man that was something. Curry and LeBron are a combined 74!

NBA Buzz @OfficialNBABuzzAppreciate 39 year old LeBron James & 35 year old Stephen Curry while they’re still in this league! ❤️

Two all-time greats who put on a SHOW! 🐐🐐

LeBron: 36 PTS, 20 REB, 12 AST, 14/25 FGM, game-winning FTs
Steph: 46 PTS, 7 AST, 17/35 FGM, 9/21 3PM, clutch three in 2OT & OT… pic.twitter.com/rvKZOT6PYW

Colb @___Colb___LeBron James vs Steph Curry always delivers it will be a sad day when we no longer have this.

InsideHoops.com NBA @InsideHoopsEvery game with LeBron James and Stephen Curry is a basketball gift.

Joey Linn @joeylinn_LeBron James and Steph Curry first faced off in the NBA Finals nearly a decade ago.

The fact that they’re still giving us classic battles in 2024 is absolutely insane.

Appreciate this because it’s not normal.

Raquel 🫶🏾 @SOULbeautifulmeThis is the game of the season by the Lakers & Warriors

Witnessing the two best players of the era playing God level

What a game by LeBron & Curry

Tim Bontemps @TimBontempsI don’t know how much longer we’re going to get to see Steph, Klay, Draymond and LeBron all playing against one another, but it’s still awfully fun to watch.

Ryan Alba @_alba__STEPHEN CURRY-LEBRON JAMES GAMES NEVER DISAPPOINT OH MY GOD

Lil Charlzy🇺🇬 @lil_charlzyLeBron and Curry’s rivalry will be remembered as one of the best in sports history

Zay @zaydynamiteWe have to appreciate Stephen Curry and Lebron James man wow pic.twitter.com/wo3bIcmrhF

Danny Friedman 🏈🏀⚽️ @DannyFriedman28Lakers-Warriors easily game of the season. This league will never be the same without LeBron and Steph. 36-20-12 (Career high REBs) and Curry with 46 and so many clutch shots. DLo AD and Klay Kuminga all played great too. One of the most exciting regular season games in years. 👑

super’s Ego @SFSEgoThat’s the best LeBron/Curry game we’re gonna get for the rest of their careers.

Amazing.

Rohan Kamat @rohan_k101LeBron and Curry might be the most underappreciated in the clutch players we’ve seen, something they don’t get enough of their flowers for. What a duel the two of them (one going on 36, the other 39) gave us tonight! Game of the year

Tristan @TBeckmann24Salute to LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Stephen Curry. Those three legends showed up in big ways tonight.

Jay Hernandez @JayAH985The NBA wont be the same when Lebron and Curry retire 😢

Los Angeles (24-23) will now visit the Houston Rockets on Monday at 8 p.m ET. Golden State (19-24) will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday at 10 p.m.