Steph Curry an all-time great

Will Steph Curry go down as one of the all-time greats of the NBA?

Game 3 of the 2019 NBA Finals moved back to Golden State, but the Warriors squad that took to the court wasn’t all that familiar. Kevin Durant hasn’t played since May 8^th due to a calf strain injury. Klay Thompson left Game 2 with a hamstring injury that left him unable to play in the latest Finals match-up.

This left the majority of the offensive workload on two-time NBA MVP Steph Curry’s shoulders.

Curry and the rest of the Warriors were unable to pull out the win and are now down 2-1 in the series. Curry ended on 47 points, the second-highest mark in a loss in Finals’ history; with 45% shooting from the field and 43% from behind the three-point line.

An over-achiever

Curry’s performance is one that should last in the memory. His achievements have been remarkable (All-Star, All-NBA, and MVP accolades) but the “super-team” which the Warriors have been described has diminished his credibility for some. Playing with fellow former MVP Durant, All-Stars Thompson and former Finals MVP Andre Iguodala might have helped him, but it’s arguably hurt his reputation.

However, the magnitude talent is one that should make him universally known as one of the best players the game has seen, let alone his ranking at his position. Magic Johnson is his only rival who could compete in his position. Just like Steph, Magic changed the game as it is known. Johnson’s unbelievable ball handling, incredible playmaking decisions, and flashy passes were the driving force behind the Showtime Lakers dynasty that dominated the 1980’s.

Curry vs Magic

When comparing Steph to Magic, it is hard to cross the generational gap. While most would say that Magic was a better creator for his teammates in the “pure” point guard aspects, Steph’s gravity on offense is outstanding. He is the best shooter of all-time, maybe both off the catch and off the dribble. Defense must focus him once he crosses half-court, allowing the rest of the Warriors to get good and open looks.

Curry should be known as a top-10 player of all-time. Curry has the statistics, resume, and awards to back up that claim. He is obviously an incredible shooter, but his scoring and passing are both elite; even his rebounding and defending are underrated strong suits of his.

His shooting changed the NBA, as well as the game of basketball itself. Curry should be recognized for his talent when talked amongst the greatest the sport has ever seen.

Featured Image Credit: “Steph Curry Warriors vs. Jazz @ Energy S” (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by Rus.K