Warriors Surge Past Magic 120-97 Behind Curry’s Stellar Performance

Warriors Secure Commanding Victory Over Magic

The Golden State Warriors delivered a dominant performance on 22 December 2025, defeating the Orlando Magic 120-97 at Chase Center. Stephen Curry scored 26 points, with 18 coming in the second half, as Golden State secured their second consecutive victory, reaching a .500 record for the first time in weeks.

Why This Match Matters

This victory holds significant importance for both teams’ season trajectories. Golden State improved to 15-15 on the season and a solid 9-4 at home, demonstrating their ability to dominate on their home court. For the Warriors, this marked only the second time since mid-November that the team has won back-to-back games, signalling a potential turning point in their inconsistent season. The Magic, meanwhile, were looking to sweep the season series after their 121-113 victory on 18 November, but fell short despite their recent strong form.

Key Performances and Game Details

The Warriors’ success stemmed from balanced contributions across the roster. Curry led with 26 points on efficient 10-23 shooting, whilst Jimmy Butler added 21 points and Moses Moody contributed 20 points on 8-11 shooting. The standout performer was Brandin Podziemski, who recorded a career-high +36 plus/minus, scoring 16 points with 5 assists in 28 minutes off the bench.

Golden State outscored Orlando 62-40 in the second half, showcasing their ability to adjust and dominate after halftime. The Magic were significantly hampered by injuries, with Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner and Moe Wagner all ruled out, limiting their depth and offensive options.

Looking Ahead

This victory represents more than just two points in the standings for Golden State. The Warriors outscored Orlando 62-50 in the paint and won the turnover battle decisively, demonstrating improved fundamentals that could sustain future success. For Warriors fans, this performance offers hope that the team is finding its rhythm at a crucial point in the season, whilst the Magic will need to regroup and await the return of their injured stars to maintain their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.