By Matthew T.F. Harrington

Stephen Curry’s Most Valuable Player campaign received a massive boost Thursday night with the All-Star guard scoring 45 points in a 116-105 Golden State Warriors victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers. Curry also dished out 10 assists to pick up the double-double.

Curry hit 17 of 23 shots attempted, including an 8-for-13 night from behind the 3-point line. One of those eight treys helped Curry to set the new record for three’s in a season, eclipsing the previous mark of 272 in a campaign also set by Curry two seasons ago. He now sits at 276 on the year.

As a team, the Warriors (64-15) hit 48 of 90 field goals for a 53.3 shooting percentage. Klay Thompson supported Curry with 26 points, while Draymond Green picked up a double-double of his own with 11 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

LaMarcus Aldrige topped the playoff-bound Blazers (51-28) with 27 points while Damian Lillard added 20 of his own.

With the win, Golden State has now clinched the best record in the NBA. It also ended a losing streak of two-straight games for the Warriors. The only downside is that the Warriors, considered one of the best defensive teams in the association, have now given up 100-plus points in six consecutive games.

Golden State can buck that trend when the Dubs host the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves Saturday night. The T-Wolves currently only hold 16 wins on the season.