Warriors' Stephen Curry Discusses Kevin Porter Jr., Says Trash-Talk Provides 'Boost'
Feb 1, 2022
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 31: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets talk after the game on January 31, 2022 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
Stephen Curry has been in something of a slump in January, but some trash-talk during Monday's 122-108 victory over the Houston Rockets may have provided just the "boost" he needed to snap out of it.
The Golden State Warriors star finished with 40 points and nine assists on 13-of-23 shooting from the field and 7-of-14 shooting from deep. He also ignored some trash-talk from Kevin Porter Jr.:
Curry told reporters he "had fun with it" but gets something of a "boost" when opponents trash-talk him. Head coach Steve Kerr said he would "highly encourage" opponents to trash-talk the guard in the future.
Ayesha Curry, who is Stephen's wife, tweeted "He's like this in real life too. Literally rolls with what comes his way and always sees the silver linings. Mr.Brightside. My favorite person in the universe."
For his part, Porter told reporters he "asked [Curry] for some pointers" because the two-time MVP is "someone I can learn from."
Whatever transpired, Curry was back to his typically dominant self after shooting just 36.9 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three-point range in January. He also averaged just 21.1 points per game during the month, which stands in stark contrast to the more than 27 points a night he posted in each of the season's first three months.
Monday's win wasn't a one-man show, as fellow All-Star Game starter Andrew Wiggins posted 23 points and Klay Thompson chipped in 14 points as one of five Warriors to score in double figures.
That was enough to outlast double-doubles from Christian Wood (24 points and 13 boards) and Porter (17 points and 11 assists) on the other side.
Porter can at least take solace knowing he played well, even if his trash-talking was a headline after the loss.
Golden State improved to 38-13 on the season and is three games behind the Phoenix Suns in the race for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
If more opponents trash-talk Curry, the Warriors may make that deficit up rather quickly.
Kyrie Irving Calls Warriors 'Legends'; Says Stephen Curry Revolutionized the NBA
Jan 30, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 29: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 29, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kyrie Irving had nothing but respect for the Golden State Warriors after they beat the Brooklyn Nets 110-106 on Saturday.
"They're legends. They got a few legends on their team," Irving told reporters after the loss. "They're making high-level basketball plays."
Perennial All-Star Draymond Green was out with a back injury, but the Warriors still had Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to lean on.
Kyrie Irving on Steph Curry: "I love Steph, man. The guy has completely revolutionized the game." Full analysis below pic.twitter.com/fO9jTse4F5
Interestingly, it was first-time All-Star Andrew Wiggins who led Golden State with 24 points, adding three steals and two blocks.
It's still Curry who impresses Irving the most as someone who "has completely revolutionized the game."
The two guards have gone head-to-head in some memorable games and series over the years, including the 2016 and 2017 NBA Finals. Irving noted there is a "mutual respect" between the two that goes beyond just battling on the court.
"Going against each other has been great, but studying each other has been even more of a special bond. I see the moves that he does, and I know he sees the moves that I do. We're just leading this next generation that is coming up behind us."
The 29-year-old Irving also noted that both he and Curry have had success despite not having elite size (both are 6'2") or athleticism.
"When you look at me and Steph, I just feel like we're able to do things out there that keeps the normal person walking down the street, it just gives them hope that basketball could be for them as well," Irving added.
Brooklyn has now lost four in a row to drop to sixth in the Eastern Conference at 29-20, but the squad remains as talented as any in the NBA at full strength. If the team reaches its preseason expectations and gets healthy—Kevin Durant is currently out with a sprained MCL in his left knee—this matchup could be seen again in the NBA Finals.
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) shoots a 3-point basket over Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets 110-106 on Saturday at San Francisco's Chase Center.
Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins starred everywhere, finishing with 24 points, eight rebounds, three steals and three blocks. He had 14 first-quarter points to give the Warriors a 31-20 edge after one.
Golden State later opened up a 19-point second-half lead, but that disappeared after a furious Nets comeback that included a 30-8 run to give Brooklyn an 81-78 edge early in the fourth quarter.
However, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson put the Warriors back on top after they scored Golden State's final 17 points. They got hot late after combining to shoot just 4-of-23 through the first three quarters.
Still, the Nets never went away and cut the Warriors' lead to 107-106 after guard Kyrie Irving hit a three with 10 seconds left.
But Irving was called for a questionable away-from-play personal foul before the Warriors inbounded the ball on their next possession. The Nets chose against challenging.
The foul led to a made Curry free throw plus a Warriors' possession, which led to two more Thompson free throws for a 110-106 edge with 5.7 seconds remaining.
Warriors guard Gary Payton II got a steal on the Nets' final possession to end the game.
Curry shot just 5-of-18 from the field but added 19 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Jordan Poole scored 17 off the bench, and Otto Porter Jr. and Thompson each had 16.
Brooklyn played without Kevin Durant (MCL sprain, left knee) and James Harden (right hand strain). The Nets also lost LaMarcus Aldridge after he played 15 minutes (left ankle sprain).
Irving, who cannot play home games at Brooklyn's Barclays Center because he is unvaccinated against COVID-19, did return to the lineup after the Nets' two-game homestand.
Despite San Francisco having rules requiring the Warriors and fans attending games at Chase Center to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the same rule does not apply to visiting players, creating a loophole for Irving to play.
Irving led all scorers with 32 points, and Patty Mills chipped in 24.
The 37-13 Warriors have won five in a row. The 29-20 Nets have lost four straight.
Warriors F Andrew Wiggins: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks
Warriors G Stephen Curry: 19 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals
Warriors G Klay Thompson: 16 points, 6 rebounds
Wiggins Early; Curry and Thompson Late Good Enough for Win
First-time All-Star starter Andrew Wiggins was the best player on the court Saturday, doing it all for a team that sorely needed his production with Curry and Thompson going through off-shooting nights.
Wiggins exploded in the first quarter for 14 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks to give Golden State an early 11-point lead.
He was aggressive early, driving by Irving for a layup midway through the first quarter:
Irving responded with his own three, but the Warriors closed the game on the free-throw line for the win. Overall, it was a good team victory for the Dubs, who continued to stay hot as the All-Star break approaches.
Shorthanded Nets' Furious 2nd-Half Rally Falls Short
This game appeared to be all but over when the Warriors took a 72-53 lead in the third quarter. Golden State's offense was clicking despite Curry and Thompson slumping, and the Nets' scoring attack didn't have much of an answer against the Warriors' tough defense.
The resilient Nets hung tough, though, and nearly stole a win in San Francisco.
Irving served as the comeback catalyst, scoring 14 third-quarter points to cut the Warrior lead to two entering the fourth.
KAI had the ball on a string late in the third before hoisting a long-distance jumper over Porter:
Curry and Thompson's resurgence gave the Warriors a late four-point lead, but Irving wasn't done yet as he hit this three to slash the edge to 107-106:
At that point, the Nets needed to go for a steal or attempt to play the foul game with the shot clock turned off. That's when Irving got hit with a questionable foul.
Nets head coach Steve Nash explained why he did not challenge postgame:
Steve Nash said "a little bird" told him not to challenge the away from the play foul on Kyrie Irving, and instead opted to preserve the Nets' last timeout pic.twitter.com/b4AaBRYCXF
The Warriors will visit the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Monday at 8 p.m. ET. The Nets will continue their five-game Western Conference road swing with a Tuesday matchup against the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns at 10 p.m. ET in Footprint Center.
Warriors' Steve Kerr Jokes Stephen Curry 'Is No Longer a 3-Point Shooter'
Jan 26, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Stephen Curry #30 and Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors smiles during the game against the LA Clippers on November 28, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve
Kerr joked it's time for Stephen Curry to change his offensive
repertoire given his recent shooting struggles.
"Steph is no longer a three-point
shooter," Kerr told reporters after Tuesday's 130-92 win over the
Dallas Mavericks. "We're going to really get the ball to him in the
paint and turn him into a back-to-the-basket [player]."
Curry has endured an ultra-rare
shooting slump in recent weeks. He's connected on just 29.1 percent
of his three-point attempts in January, including only three of his
23 shots (13.0 percent) from beyond the arc over the past two games.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzhgPstoK3g
After Sunday's win over the Utah Jazz,
the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers said he's been happy with
the shots he's been taking and is trying to determine why they're not
falling.
"I'm not worried about the selection
as much as figuring out what needs to change in terms of knocking
them down and finding the joy of shooting the ball," Curry said. "That's always a part of my game. I got to be better at that."
He's still found ways to impact the
game despite the lackluster outside shooting. He's averaging 20.6
points, 7.2 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals across 12
appearances in January.
All joking aside, Kerr said the
two-time NBA MVP has been "playing really well" in the
other areas of the game to help the team continue its winning ways.
The Warriors have won four of their past five contests and sit second
in the Western Conference with a 35-13 record.
Curry is still shooting 37.3 percent on
threes this season. While that would represent the lowest full-season
mark of his Hall of Fame career, it still ranks 62nd of 154 qualified
shooters in the NBA, a shade above former teammate Kevin Durant (37.2
percent).
The odds are he'll get it figured out
before the playoffs arrive, which will only make the Warriors more
dangerous as they attempt to resume their dynasty with a fourth title
since 2015.
Updates to midseason NBA MVP ladders don't always include shakeups near the top. This is not one of those times. Familiar faces are once again peppered throughout the top five, but continuity is not an assurance anyone enjoys...
Warriors' Steph Curry on Reason for Shooting Slump: 'Who Gives a Damn About Excuses'
Jan 24, 2022
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry against the Houston Rockets during an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The Golden State Warriors escaped Sunday's contest against the Utah Jazz with a 94-92 victory. But star point guard Stephen Curry notably shot just 5-of-20 from the field and 1-13 from deep as his shooting slump continued.
When speaking to reporters after the game, Curry didn't find it necessary to look for a reason for his current shooting woes.
"Who gives a damn about excuses, or anything anybody wants to hear about why? You either make shots, or you miss shots, so I gotta start making some shots," Curry said.
Steph Curry asked about possible reasons for his shooting slump: “Who gives a damn about excuses?” pic.twitter.com/lL5OIhPmjH
Curry finished with 13 points and six assists in the victory. It was Curry's second consecutive game shooting under 30 percent from the field.
In January, he's averaging 21.6 points on 37.1 percent shooting, a far cry from the numbers he was putting up to start the season.
The two-time NBA MVP looked like he was back to his old form early on. Curry averaged 27.4 points on 46.6 percent shooting and 42.3 percent from three-point range in November. He dropped a season-high 50 points in a win over the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 8.
Curry's numbers dipped as he got closer to breaking the NBA's all-time three-point record. He admitted that he was pressing while he chased the record, but even after he broke it, he hasn't been able to get back to his early-season efficiency.
Golden State has been trying to integrate Klay Thompson back into its offense since his return to the lineup earlier this month.
The team has also been dealing with the absence of forward Draymond Green, who hasn't played since injuring his calf and back before the Warriors' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 9.
The Warriors improved to 34-13 with Sunday's win, and they remain in second place in the Western Conference behind the Phoenix Suns (36-9). Golden State will host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.
Warriors' Stephen Curry on 1st Career GW Buzzer-Beater: 'About Time I Made One'
Jan 22, 2022
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the game-winning basket against Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) at the end of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen
Curry checked off another box on his to-do list Friday night by
hitting the first game-winning buzzer-beater of his NBA career to
secure the Dubs' 105-103 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The memorable moment capped an
otherwise rough shooting night for the two-time NBA MVP, who knocked
down just six of his 21 shots from the field, including only four of
his 13 three-point attempts.
"I know I got to shoot the ball
better," Curry told reporters. "I want to shoot it better,
and I'm gonna shoot it better. ... I obsess over the shooting numbers
because that's what I do and that's what I work on. When you don't
reach those levels, it's frustrating."
It's borderline stunning that it took
Curry, one of the best shooters in league history, until his 13th
season to hit a walk-off shot at the buzzer. Of course, opposing
defenses understand his game-changing ability too and have doubled the seven-time All-Star in those situations to force the ball
elsewhere.
The 33-year-old Ohio native received a
one-on-one opportunity against the Rockets' Kevin Porter Jr. on
Friday and made no mistake by swishing the long-range two-point
jumper.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr credited
the future Hall of Famer for sticking with it on a tough night.
"That's the deepest level of
confidence that a player can have," Kerr said. "Turning
0-for-10 or whatever into a night where he hits the game-winning shot
... he lives by the motto 'the next one is going in.' He genuinely
believes it."
Curry remained more focused about his
overall shooting woes after the game, saying he didn't have a deep
explanation for why he's shooting 42 percent from the field and 38.4
percent from three-point range this season, which are both career-low
figures.
"I'm just missing shots,"
Curry said. "There's no reason, other than you just miss shots."
He added: "I obsess over it, but I
don't panic. If I did, I wouldn't be shooting as much as I am."
Perhaps the most worrisome part for
opponents is the fact the Warriors are second in the Western Conference
with a 33-13 record despite Curry's shooting struggles, Klay Thompson
still working his way back to full strength and Draymond Green's
recent injury absence.
If Golden State is firing on all
cylinders come playoff time, it'll be tough to beat. That quest to
find top form continues Sunday when it hosts the Utah Jazz (30-16).
LeBron James, Stephen Curry Lead NBA's Top-Selling Jersey List for 1st Half of Season
Jan 21, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 19: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 19, 2022 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
In news that will surprise few who follow the NBA, LeBron James and Stephen Curry remain popular with fans.
The NBA announced on Friday that James and Curry have the two best-selling jerseys from the first half of the 2021-22 season based on sales from league's official online store:
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and Luka Doncic round out the top five in jersey sales.
James continues to be the standard-bearer in the NBA as far as jersey sales. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has sat in the top spot on this list every season since 2018-19.
The last time James wasn't No. 1 on the list, he was second only to Curry at the end of the 2017-18 season.
James and Curry remain the most popular players in the NBA. They are the top two vote-getters for the 2022 All-Star Game, based on the updated results released on Thursday.
Curry was leading the vote for the first two rounds, but he slipped to second behind James after the third round. They are the only players who have received at least 6 million fan votes thus far.
Further down the list, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is certainly gaining a lot of new fans based on his performance in the first half. The 22-year-old had the 14th best-selling jersey in the second half last season, but he's climbed up to No. 7 so far in 2021-22.
Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball cracked the top 15 in jersey sales for the first time.
Over the last few weeks, we've seen obvious signs of mortality from a number of contenders in both conferences...
NBA All-Star Game 2022: LeBron James, Stephen Curry Lead 3rd Voting Results
Jan 20, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 19: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 19, 2022 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant continue to lead the voting results for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.
LeBron James now leads the NBA in the latest fan returns for NBA All-Star Voting presented by Tissot, which concludes this Saturday, Jan. 22.
Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, DeMar DeRozan and James continue to be the top vote-getters at their respective position groups. pic.twitter.com/LBIU5BamC6
Curry and James have been the leading vote-getters throughout the process, with the two Western Conference stars battling for the conference's captaincy. Durant and Antetokounmpo have been lapping the field as they vie for the Eastern Conference captaincy.
James has been a captain every year since the NBA adopted its new fantasy-draft format in 2018. His teams have also won each of those four games. Antetokounmpo has captained two teams, while Curry and Durant have each captained one.
The struggles of James' Lakers, combined with Curry spearheading the No. 2 seed Warriors, have helped the Golden State star get in position to potentially win his first captain spot since 2018. Curry led the West voting through the first two rounds of results but was eclipsed by a massive surge from James.
Elsewhere, Ja Morant continued to take a leap amid the Memphis Grizzlies' stellar play. Morant moved into a backcourt starter spot in the previous round of voting and has seemingly locked himself into the No. 2 spot in the West behind Curry.
DeMar DeRozan continues to be the leading vote-getter in the East backcourt amid his All-NBA-caliber season. Trae Young, Zach LaVine and James Harden are all in a race for the second backcourt spot in fan voting.
Perhaps the most interesting race is for the third Western Conference frontcourt slot. James and Nikola Jokic are mortal locks, but Andrew Wiggins is in third place in voting but has not put up All-Star numbers. Paul George and Anthony Davis, fourth and fifth in the voting, have missed significant time due to injury and may not even be healthy for the Feb. 20 event. Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert is arguably the most deserving amid a career-best season, but he's ninth in fan voting and will face an uphill climb.
Fan votes account for 50 percent of the formula to determine All-Star starters. Media members (25 percent) and fellow players (25 percent) also vote to select All-Stars, with the top three frontcourt players and top two backcourt players from each conference being named to the team.
Coaches vote to determine the All-Star reserves.
Fan voting concludes Saturday, Jan. 22 at midnight ET.
