Stephen Curry (Part 3)

On June 25, 2009, Curry was drafted as the seventh overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2009 NBA draft. Despite concerns about potential redundancy with existing guard Monta Ellis, Warriors coach Don Nelson, known for his inclination towards small lineups, favored the idea of selecting Curry. However, Ellis publicly expressed doubts about their compatibility, citing their similar playing styles.
Nonetheless, Curry made an immediate impact in his rookie season, appearing in 80 games, with 77 starts. He displayed his versatility by averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.90 steals per game. His outstanding performance in the latter half of the season propelled him into contention for the Rookie of the Year award. Curry received Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors multiple times and became a unanimous selection for the NBA All-Rookie First Team, marking the first Warriors player since Jason Richardson in 2001–02 to achieve this accolade.


Throughout his rookie season, Curry showcased his scoring prowess, recording multiple 30-point games and setting a rookie record with 166 three-pointers made. Notably, he posted five 30-point/10-assist games, tying NBA legend Michael Jordan for the second-most such games by a rookie. He also achieved a rare feat by registering a triple-double with 36 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds against the Los Angeles Clippers, becoming only the sixth rookie in NBA history to achieve this milestone.
In the following season (2010–11), Curry continued to excel, appearing in 74 games and averaging 18.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. He set a new Warriors single-season record for free throw percentage and led the NBA in that category. Despite facing setbacks due to ankle injuries, Curry remained a key player for the Warriors, earning recognition for his skills and sportsmanship.


During the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, Curry's career faced challenges due to recurring ankle and foot injuries, which caused him to miss significant playing time. Despite this, he remained resilient, and his perseverance paid off when he emerged as a central figure for the Warriors. Curry's potential was recognized when the Warriors included him in a trade offer to the Milwaukee Bucks for Andrew Bogut, a move that ultimately paved the way for Curry to become the leader of the team.


Before the onset of the 2012–13 NBA season, Curry inked a four-year contract extension worth $44 million with the Warriors. This move drew skepticism from some basketball pundits due to Curry's injury-prone history. Nevertheless, Curry, alongside his fellow guard Klay Thompson, emerged as a formidable duo renowned for their perimeter shooting, earning them the moniker "Splash Brothers."
During the 2012–13 season, Curry's performance reached new heights as he showcased his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. He appeared in all 78 games, posting career-best averages of 22.9 points and 6.9 assists per game. Notably, he set a new NBA single-season record with 272 three-pointers, surpassing the previous mark held by Ray Allen. Curry's remarkable achievements earned him Western Conference Player of the Month honors for April.


In addition to his regular-season exploits, Curry made his playoff debut in 2013 as the Warriors secured the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Throughout the postseason, he continued to shine, averaging 23.4 points and 8.1 assists per game. Curry set a new franchise playoff record with 42 three-pointers, solidifying his status as a premier long-range shooter.
The following season (2013–14), Curry further solidified his place among the NBA elite. He continued to excel, averaging career highs of 24.0 points and 8.5 assists per game. Curry led the league in three-pointers made for the second consecutive season and earned All-NBA Second Team honors. He also made his first All-Star appearance and finished the regular season tied for second in triple-doubles.
Despite Curry's stellar performance, the Warriors fell short in the playoffs, losing in seven games to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. Nonetheless, Curry's impact on the team's success was undeniable, cementing his status as one of the league's premier players.


Prior to the commencement of the 2014–15 NBA season, the Warriors made a significant coaching change by appointing former NBA player and general manager Steve Kerr as their new head coach. Kerr introduced substantial alterations to Golden State's strategies, emphasizing a faster pace of play and granting Curry more liberty to shoot, which played a crucial role in transforming the team into a championship contender.
Curry's exceptional performances throughout the season solidified his status as one of the league's premier players. On February 4, he showcased his scoring prowess by dropping a season-high 51 points in a victory over the Dallas Mavericks. His stellar play continued as he earned the title of the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game and emerged victorious in the Three-Point Contest on All-Star Saturday night.


On April 9, Curry surpassed his own league record for three-pointers made in a season during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Warriors concluded the regular season with an impressive 67 wins, and Curry was subsequently honored as the NBA Most Valuable Player for his remarkable contributions, averaging 23.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 2 steals per game. Notably, he sat out 17 fourth quarters due to Golden State's commanding leads throughout the season.
During the playoffs, Curry continued to shine, delivering standout performances that further solidified his legacy. In Game 5 of the Conference Semifinals against the Memphis Grizzlies, he etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player in NBA history to record six three-pointers and six steals in a single game. He followed this up with a playoff career-high eight three-pointers in Game 6, helping the Warriors secure a series-clinching victory.


In the Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets, Curry set a new NBA record for the most three-pointers made in a single postseason. Despite facing some challenges in the Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Curry showcased his resilience by bouncing back with strong performances in Games 5 and 6. Ultimately, the Warriors emerged triumphant, capturing their first championship in 40 years.
Throughout the Finals, Curry averaged 26 points and 6.3 assists per game, playing a pivotal role in the Warriors' historic playoff run. Their journey to the championship marked the first time in NBA history that an All-NBA First Team selection eliminated all other First Team selections en route to winning the title, underscoring the significance of Curry's impact on the team's success.

References

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