Stephen Curry exploded for 34 points in the second game of Golden State's NBA playoffs series against Denver, as his comeback tour hit full stride just two games in.
Curry missed the last month of the regular season with a foot injury, before returning off the bench in the Warriors' game 1 win over Denver over the weekend.
Once again he did not start game 2, as coach Steve Kerr manages his superstar's minutes, but Curry poured in 34 points on 12/17 shooting in under 23 minutes as the Warriors kept home-court advantage with a 126-106 win.
No player in the NBA's shot-clock era has scored 30 points in 23 or fewer minutes in a playoff game, according to the league's official statistics.
"The first half a little pep in my step and the body felt good, I was able to kind of get to some spots," the two-time MVP said.
"When you make certain shots it feels a little different, it feels a little bit more normal and more emotion kind of comes out, especially with that lay-off, so it was a nice feeling."
That emotion, the pep in his step and confidence in his injured body was particularly evident after an audacious lay-up late in the first half, when he spun past perimeter defender Monte Morris and MVP candidate Nikola Jokic at the rim and tumbled as he somehow found the bottom of the net.
"I'm f***ing back," he loudly announced to the home fans at Chase Center.
"It didn't surprise me because we've been watching this for a long time with Steph," Kerr said.
"You never really are surprised when he has an outburst like that. It's great to see."
Nikola Jokic had 26 points and 11 rebounds before being ejected with seven minutes left after a second technical foul and was held back from a referee, after his first technical came with 2:31 to go in the third.
His emotions ran high all night, with Curry and fellow guard Jordan Poole having to hold back the hulking centre after Golden State's Gary Payton II patted him on the backside and the big man turned to confront him.
The series shifts to Denver for game 3 on Friday AEST, with Kerr still unsure if Curry will return to his usual starting role.
AP/ABC
