Curry saw your tweets, and is out for a vengeance
The Golden State Warriors faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers in back-to-back games, both at the Chase Center to ring in the new year. After the Blazers took the first battle handily, Steph Curry and the Warriors had the last laugh, winning 137-122.
The bay area superstar contributed in spectacular fashion, scoring a whopping 62 points on an impressive 18-31 from the field. Curry simply could not be stopped, making difficult shot after difficult shot, and attacking the rim fearlessly the whole game. It’s important to note that days before this career-high night, Curry’s ability to lead a team with minimal help had been in question by fans and media. When asked the following day in his post-practice press conference if part of his performance felt personal to him after the slander he had received the week prior, Curry replied, “Que the Jordan meme, right? I take all that personally.” Safe to say he heard the noise and responded in a big way. Steve Kerr also weighed in after practice noting, “It’s just a privilege to coach him. Not just because of his talent, but by the way he carries himself and leads.”
Three games later, the Warriors were host to the Los Angeles Clippers, who had just won the first of once again back-back home games in Golden State. The Clippers built a large lead midway through the third quarter, with 22 points being the biggest lead of the night. Suddenly the Clippers began to struggle offensively, and the Dubs comeback started to become a real possibility. By the start of the fourth quarter, the lead had been cut down to just six points. The Clippers were unable to regain any rhythm or momentum, as they were outscored 34-18 in the final quarter. Once again, Stephen Curry shot the lights out, scoring 38 points and going 9/14 from beyond the arc while leading his team to a major comeback victory.
Players are faced with countless obstacles during the regular season, criticism being one factor that’s particularly hard to escape. Stephen Curry being no exception, has embraced the words of the doubters and turned it into motivation, and that’s been evident in his recent play. With Klay Thompson’s injury sidelining him for the season, expectations for Curry have increased significantly. Being one of the best players on a team that defeated three Lebron James lead Cavalier teams in the NBA Finals is an overwhelming feat, inevitably raising the bar. Fair or not, Curry will remain under the microscope as all NBA greats are, especially those who shatter barriers and change the way the game is played.
The Dubs have won four of their last five games, in large part to Curry’s scoring outbreak and the increased productivity of those around him. Although it’s been an up and down beginning to the season, the team finds themselves at 6-4 and the 5th seed in the Western Conference. With a lot to like but also much to correct, Steph Curry and the Warriors will look to continue their recent momentum in a matchup against the Indiana Pacers this Tuesday, before hitting the road for their next three games. The NBA season is still very young, only time will tell how things unfold for Golden State and the rest of the league.