The Golden State Warriors were on the verge of losing their early-season battle against the rival Sacramento Kings, but Stephen Curry wasn’t about to let that happen. In a game that seemed to be slipping away, Curry stepped up and delivered a jaw-dropping performance. With just 45 seconds remaining on the clock, Curry found himself at the top of the 3-point line, nailing a shot that silenced the Kings’ hopes of a comeback. This was just the beginning of Curry’s incredible season, defying all expectations and setting new records along the way.
Curry’s performance against the Kings set the tone for what was to come. He has been an offensive powerhouse, averaging an astonishing 30.9 points per game on 55.1% shooting from the field, 46.5% from 3-point range, and 94.4% from the free-throw line. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Curry is the first player in NBA history to average 30 points through the first eight games of a season at age 35 or older. This is the third time Curry has achieved such impressive shooting splits in the first eight games of a season, a feat that no other player has accomplished. His contributions have been instrumental in leading the Warriors to victory, as he has been the team’s leading scorer in all eight games, a record-breaking streak for a player at age 35 or older.
Unlike the previous season, where the Warriors heavily relied on Curry’s theatrics to keep their offense alive, this year’s team has found different sources of strength. Last season, Curry started strong but was sidelined by a shoulder injury in December. During that time, the Warriors struggled immensely without him on the court. However, this season, the team’s improved defense has allowed them to stay competitive even when Curry is resting. In the 130 minutes without Curry, the Warriors have outscored their opponents by an impressive 11.5 points per 100 possessions. This defensive improvement has given the team much-needed confidence and resilience.
One factor that has contributed significantly to the Warriors’ success without Curry is the addition of Chris Paul. Paul’s presence on the floor has elevated the team’s performance, particularly when Curry is not playing. Second Spectrum data reveals that the Warriors have outscored their opponents by more than 13 points per 100 possessions with Paul on the court and Curry off it. This emphasizes the impact of the Warriors’ bench unit and Paul’s ability to maintain or extend leads, even in Curry’s absence. Curry himself acknowledges Paul’s influence and points out that the bench unit has been more productive than the starting lineup in terms of plus-minus.
This season has demonstrated a significant shift in the Warriors’ reliance on Curry. The team is not solely dependent on him to carry the offensive load. Instead, the Warriors have focused on reducing turnovers, an area where they excelled with the help of Chris Paul. When Curry is on the bench, the Warriors rank among the top five in the league in turnover percentage. This improvement has allowed the team to stay competitive and maintain leads even when Curry is not on the court.
While Curry’s performances may seem effortless, his sense of joy and accomplishment is evident. Whether it be celebrations like the “Kevin McCallister from Home Alone” dance or his famous shimmy shake, Curry is having fun on the court. He surprises even himself with the incredible moves he pulls off during games. But behind the fun and games, there is a dedication to his craft that cannot be denied. Warriors coach Steve Kerr has repeatedly praised Curry’s work ethic and expressed his awe at the player’s greatness. Teammate Draymond Green concurs, stating that Curry’s ability to take over games is truly remarkable.
With his exceptional performances and the Warriors’ success, there is speculation that Curry could be a strong contender for a third MVP title. If he were to receive the award, he would become the oldest player to ever achieve this honor. Curry’s impact on the court, his leadership, and his consistent ability to deliver breathtaking performances make him a worthy candidate. Many of his teammates, including Draymond Green, believe that he has what it takes to secure the MVP trophy once again.
Stephen Curry has defied all expectations this season, setting new records and leading the Golden State Warriors to victory. His scoring ability, combined with the team’s improved defense and the collective contributions of his teammates, has allowed the Warriors to thrive. As Curry continues to shine, there is a sense that he is pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an elite player in the NBA. With each game, he solidifies his place among the greatest players of all time. The sky is the limit for Stephen Curry, and the basketball world eagerly awaits what he will achieve next.
Leave a Reply