Golden State star Stephen Curry scored 20 of his 31 points in a dazzling third quarter, leading the Warriors to a 123-114 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday.

Curry, returning after missing a game with a sprained left ankle, managed only nine points in the first half as Golden State trailed 65-58 at the break. But the two-time MVP took over in the third quarter, helping the Warriors outscore Utah 42-31 and seize control for good.

“We played great defense for most of that quarter, which gave us some transition opportunities too, and I was able to get out and run,” Curry said. “Thankfully shots went in and gave us a lot of momentum.”

Curry hit six of 12 three-pointers and added five assists with one steal. Jimmy Butler, back after missing a game due to illness, and Quinten Post each contributed 15 points. Golden State had been humbled at home on Friday by Oklahoma City while Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green were sidelined.

Green also returned but was ejected early in the second quarter after receiving two quick technical fouls for arguing with officials. “I don’t know what he said to the ref, but the consensus in the locker room was there wasn’t enough to get thrown out,” Curry said.

Other NBA Highlights

• Celtics Stun Clippers: Jaylen Brown scored 50 points to lead Boston past the Clippers 146-115, ending L.A.’s six-game winning streak. Brown shot 18-of-26, including six three-pointers, while Derrick White added 29 points. Kawhi Leonard and John Collins led the Clippers with 22 points each.
• Trail Blazers Edge Spurs: Portland’s Deni Avdija recorded a triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, with Donovan Clingan adding a career-high 24 points and 12 boards, as the Trail Blazers defeated the Spurs 115-110. San Antonio, still without injured star Victor Wembanyama, briefly took a third-quarter lead before Portland pulled away. Luke Kornet led the Spurs with 23 points.
• Mavericks Halt Rockets: Dallas snapped a four-game losing streak and stopped Houston’s four-game win run with a 110-104 victory. Anthony Davis tallied 26 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks, while Max Christie added 24 points, hitting four three-pointers. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 34 points, though All-Star center Alperen Sengun exited early with a sprained right ankle.
• 76ers Top Knicks: Tyrese Maxey scored 36 points to fuel Philadelphia’s 130-119 win over New York, extending the 76ers’ winning streak to three. Joel Embiid added 26 points and 10 rebounds, while rookie VJ Edgecombe chipped in 26 points. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns returned to contribute 23 points and 14 rebounds in a third consecutive loss.