Stephen Curry celebrated his belated 36th birthday with a stellar performance, leading the Golden State Warriors to a crucial victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Despite missing the previous three games due to a sprained ankle, Curry scored 31 points, showcasing his trademark skills. Coach Steve Kerr praised Curry’s ability to influence the game and create opportunities for his teammates.The win pushed the Warriors ahead of the Lakers in the Western Conference standings, setting up a potential play-in tournament matchup. The game was marked by delays and technical issues, including overturned calls and clock malfunctions.The absence of Lakers’ star Anthony Davis allowed the Warriors to dominate inside and control the tempo of the game. Despite a strong performance from LeBron James, who scored 40 points, the Lakers couldn’t overcome the Warriors’ resilience.A crucial reversal of a three-point shot further dampened the Lakers’ momentum, securing the win for the Warriors. Lakers coach Darvin Ham acknowledged the disruptive impact of the replay stoppages on their rhythm and momentum.The victory underscores the Warriors’ determination to secure a higher playoff position as the season progresses.