The atmosphere crackled with anticipation at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center as the Golden State Warriors systematically dismantled the Kings’ defense, building a commanding 68-53 halftime advantage. But beneath the surface of another Warriors victory lay a deeper narrative – one that would cement Stephen Curry’s legacy among basketball’s greatest playmakers.

Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody combined for 43 points, Buddy Hield and Stephen Curry made it four Golden State players with 20 or more, and the Warriors improved to 4-1 in the Jimmy Butler era with a 132-108 romp over the rival Sacramento Kings on Friday night in the California capital.