Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors got the best of the Los Angeles Lakers once again on Tuesday,Β taking down the Lakers 134-120. This was the third straight win for the Warriors against the Lakers.
As usual, Curry showed out. The point guard scored 23 points and hit seven rebounds and eight assists in the Warriors win. In every game between the Lakers and Warriors this season, Curry has produced for his team. In their prior matchups, Curry has scored 31, 32, and 46 points. While every team facing the Warriors knows that Curry is the primary threat, he often still goes off and is practically unstoppable at times.
Lakers All-Star forward LeBron James, who has gone 2-3 against Curry in their five playoff series against each other (including four straight NBA Finals), broke down what makes Curry so tough to defend on the latest episode of his podcast with former shooting guard J.J. Redick, “Mind the Game.”
“Guarding Steph is uncomfortable and the problem with our guys in our league, they’re not comfortable with being uncomfortable,” James said. “That’s why Steph and the Golden State Warriors will always be relevant, because they play an uncomfortable style of play.”
The Warriors’ offense and Curry’s ability to get open have become a pivotal reason for the Warriors’ success over the last decade, in which the team has formed a dynasty and won four NBA championship trophies. The Warriors have regularly been one of the top NBA teams during this span, and even during a season like this one when they hold just the No. 10 seed, this capability makes them relevant still, as James said.
This has also created a great rivalry between James and Curry. The two often face off in great games, like the double overtime thriller from January, as well as during the playoffs and even NBA Finals. Curry and Warriors have gotten the best of James and the Lakers last three matchups, but either star has a chance of getting the win every time they face off.