Storyline: As another NBA season winds down, there stands Steph Curry–the player who has transformed the NBA. Written by Prateek Kansal, Delhi, India
The story of Stephen Curry is very different from other MVP winners.
When you think of MVPs, you think of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Paul George, and maybe even James Harden. But who would have predicted the little, sharp-shooting guard from Golden State would rake in the honours? This is the story of the latest MVP and one who looks like has always belonged there.
Courtesy: LA Times
The best player on the best team should be the MVP, and this year it was more than apparent. Golden State has developed into an explosive two-way unit with one of the deepest benches and most dangerous players. And the impact of Curry on the team is more than obvious. Curry’s ability to make difficult and impossible shots makes him almost un-guardable.
Curry has always been a terrific shooter, able to knock down three’s on a regular basis. He can shoot from almost anywhere with deadly accuracy. He can make shots whether he’s balanced or unbalanced and whether he’s open or guarded closely.
But it’s not just silky shooting and swooshes that made him the MVP. Curry, a magnificent passer and ball handler, has been on top of assists charts regularly. Curry has the flair and audacity that point guards need to possess. He limits turnovers, too. He’s able to maintain and control the tempo of the game, as well as play the role of general for his team. He makes every player better.
His running of fast breaks has transformed the NBA. His tendency to stop behind the arc and shoot the open three (rather than going to the rim) has taken the League by storm. He dares to shoot a difficult, traditionally low-percentage shot. Not only does it get the extra point and throw off defenses, it gets the crowd to its feet and demoralizes the opponent.
Courtesy: Ibtimes.com
Curry throws a defense-splitting 70-foot pass and then fakes under the basket for an alley-oop to his teammate. His dribbling and ability to get into position are second to none. He mesmerizes, twists, and turns his way around traffic.
His defense and rebounding, although underrated, can’t be overlooked. Curry is a regular on the steals leaderboard and he has worked extremely hard to improve his energy on the defensive end.
But what really stands out from previous seasons is his physique and mental strength. Not only has Curry become physically stronger–able to mix with the dirtiest of point guards and grind out hard fought gritty results–he isn’t being pushed around and bullied on the court.
Curry is leader on one of the best teams in NBA history. He has led by example. His desire to win is second to none. He’s the most clutch player in the NBA right now.
A fitting end to this season … winning the NBA championship.
