Yardbarker
x
Stephen Curry Speaks Out on NBA Gambling Scandal After Warriors’ OT Win Against Nuggets
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the fourth quarter of game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors successfully defended their home court against the Denver Nuggets in the Nuggets’ season opener, but not all post-game discussions centered on basketball. Following one of the most unexpected days, as federal investigations unfold around a scandal involving both players and coaches, Stephen Curry was questioned about the lingering uncertainty surrounding the sport.

In front of reporters, Curry expressed his perspective clearly. “I think on a whole everybody’s very mindful of what to do, what not to do,” Curry said after the game. “And understanding the current landscape of sports in general — that’s not just an NBA thing. This is new territory for everybody. So I think, on the whole, we are all very responsible.”

It’s a composed answer in a moment where the NBA seems to be mired in chaos. Curry’s tone reflects the perspective of a veteran who knows that the sacredness of the game is under a national microscope: “The integrity of the game is fine. And then obviously we’ll let the situation play out, whatever happens, but I wouldn’t worry about that too much.”

The 37-year-old didn’t avoid questions about the scandal; instead, he reframed them to remind everyone that players, teams, and even fans are navigating an unfamiliar situation—one where mistakes can have far-reaching consequences. His words served as a steadying presence for the league. On a day filled with headlines about arrests and federal indictments, Curry has positioned himself as a voice of calm.

For many in the league, this matters deeply. The scandal involves Miami Heat player Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, and former player Damon Jones, marking the most high-profile case of gambling related to NBA products since the Tim Donaghy referee scandal. Adding to the controversy is the Jontay Porter scandal from last year, which has sparked debate about the same industry that helps fund the league’s broadcasts.

Stephen Curry Balances Leadership Amid Chaos

Even apart from off-court controversy, Curry was sharp tonight. Golden State pulled off pulled off a 137-131 win in overtime against the reloaded Denver Nuggets in a matchup that had fans at the edge of their seats. The teams exchanged leads repeatedly throughout regulation, with the pace remaining unrelenting. The intensity of the matchup only highlighted the high-stakes nature of an early-season showdown- potentially a Western Conference Playoff matchup, as the Warriors’ resilience and clutch shot-making in the final moments of regulation forced the game into overtime.

Curry led the Warriors’ charge, scoring 42 points and hitting a game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds of the fourth quarter to force overtime. For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic delivered a stunning 21-point, 13-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in overtime, but the real standout was Aaron Gordon, who scored 50 points on 10 three-pointers, breaking the Nuggets’ single-game season opener record, previously held by Alex English with 47 points. The overtime period saw the Warriors execute a decisive 12-2 run, overcoming a deficit from regulation and showcasing the team’s depth and ability to perform under pressure.

Looking ahead, the Warriors are set to face the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center, setting up a matchup between veteran experience and youthful potential. This clash with a feisty, talented Western Conference rival will be crucial, as how Golden State builds on their early wins against the Lakers and Nuggets will determine their success throughout the regular season.

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!