Steph Curry described Kyrie Irving and LeBron James performances in the 2016 NBA Finals as something he's never seen before
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Steph Curry spoke highly about LeBron James and Kyrie Irving when discussing about the exciting 2016 NBA Finals matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Curry’s Warriors locked horns with the Cavs for four straight years on the biggest stage. They were able to secure three championships in their four visits, with their only loss coming in 2016, which was the Warriors went on to secure a league-best 72-9 record.
The Warriors grabbed a 3-1 lead and were looking comfortable for a second championship in a row. However, LeBron James and Kyrie Irving took things under control and put on a clinic for the remainder of the series, to help the Cavs complete a remarkable comeback. It was the first time in the history of the NBA that a team came back from a 3-1 deficit. Steph Curry, who was one of the Warriors’ best performers heaped high praise on James and Irving’s performances in his recent appearance on “The Old Man and the Three” podcast. He said:
“When I say about the 3-1 situation is, I’ve never seen two guys play at that level for three straight games, it is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. Like Bron and Kyrie were just on, like we played well, but they just played better and it was, it was hard to watch and be in that vibe, but you couldn’t do anything about it and we still had an opportunity to win Game 5 and 7 down the stretch. And then the Kevin Love possession, which is one of like, if there’s one play like I know I should have done something different, it’s that one. It was like way more time on the clock than I thought, me trying to answer Kyrie’s three over me was like kind of in my head, you force up a shot and you kind of lose momentum and they win on your home floor, but you can always tip your hat to those who outplayed you and that’s what they did for three straight games.”
Steph Curry has been in six NBA Finals and his performances in each one of them have been better than the other. During the 2022 NBA Finals, he had no option but to deliver as all the expectations from everyone in the Bay Area were on Curry. He certainly stood up to that challenge by averaging 31.2 PPG, 6.0 RPG and 5.0 APG against the number-one-ranked defensive team in the Boston Celtics.
By winning his fourth ring, Curry proved that he had a lot of basketball left in him. So far in this season as well, he has been performing like a true superstar. Although the Golden State Warriors have struggled, his performances have taken no dip this season. With a lot of basketball still to be played, the Warriors still have a lot of time to figure things out. Their start has not been something that makes them championship favorites, but the Dubs are known to thrive in such situations.
If Steph Curry continues playing at a high level, they could certainly find their way back. Klay Thompson’s 41-point performance against the Houston Rockets was a big relief for the Dubs fans. If he gets back into form and all the things align well for them, Curry and the Warriors could surprise a few and win another championship.
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