On Tuesday, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 134-120 to win the game. The Warriors had defeated the Lakers for the third time in a row.
Curry was all over it as usual. In the Warriors victory, the point guard recorded 23 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Curry has contributed to his team’s success in each of the Lakers and Warriors’ games this season. Curry has scored 31, 32, and 46 points in their previous meetings. Curry is the main threat for any team that plays the Warriors, but he also frequently goes off and is nearly unstoppable at times.
On the most recent episode of his podcast, “Mind the Game,” with former shooting guard J.J. Redick, Lakers All-Star forward LeBron James discussed what makes Curry so difficult to defend. James and Curry have faced off in five playoff series, with the Lakers All-Star forward going 2-3 versus Curry. This includes four straight NBA Finals.
“Guarding Steph is uncomfortable and the problem with our guys in our league, they’re not comfortable with being uncomfortable,” James stated. “That’s why Steph and the Golden State Warriors will always be relevant, because they play an uncomfortable style of play.”
Over the past ten years, during which the Warriors have established a dynasty and won four NBA championship trophies, their offensive prowess and Curry’s ability to get open have been essential factors in their success. Over this time, the Warriors have consistently been among the best NBA teams. As James said, even in a season like this one, when they are only the No. 10 seed, this ability keeps them relevant.
James and Curry now have a fierce rivalry as a result of this. The two frequently square off in thrilling games—like the thrilling double overtime match from January—as well as in the NBA Finals and playoffs. In their last three meetings, Curry and the Warriors have defeated James and the Lakers, but each player has a chance to win each time they play.