SAN
FRANCISCO, United States — Golden State coach
Steve Kerr saluted the “breathtaking”
contribution of Stephen Curry after the Warriors star inspired a
series-leveling victory over
Boston in the NBA Finals on Sunday.
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Curry led the
scoring for the Warriors with 29 points in a 107–88 blowout that tied the
best-of-seven series at 1–1.
The 34-year-old
two-time NBA MVP was at his majestic best in a third-quarter that effectively
decided the game as the Warriors outscored Boston 35–14.
Curry
contributed 14 points to that third-quarter onslaught, and was also a key
contributor to a steely Warriors defensive display that shut down Boston’s
scoring.
“Steph was
breathtaking in that quarter,” Warriors coach Kerr said afterwards.
“Not just the
shot-making but the defensive effort. He just doesn’t get enough credit for his
level of conditioning, physicality and defense.
“People go at
him to try to wear him down because they know how important he is to us offensively.”
At 1.88m) and
weighing in at around 84kg, Curry has often faced criticism of being “too
small” for the
NBA despite establishing himself as one of the greatest players
in history.
Kerr said
Curry’s physique had evolved since he arrived at Golden State.
“The difference
in Steph’s strength and physicality in his body now than from eight years ago
when I first got here is pretty dramatic,” Kerr said. “The guy’s amazing. He
just keeps working on his game, his strength, his conditioning year after year,
and it’s a pleasure to watch him play every night.”
Curry says
attitude has played as much a part in his success as his physical conditioning.
“It’s been a
physical development that’s happened over time that obviously helps, a lot of
work that’s gone into that,” Curry said.
“But at the end
of the day, from my rookie year to now, it’s always been about effort and just
a care factor ... If you try hard, good things will happen. And you’ll continue
to get better.
“It’s always
been a point of emphasis. Just better at it now.”
Golden State’s
defensive general
Draymond Green said Curry doesn’t get enough credit for his
defensive prowess.
“I’ve been
talking about it the last couple years how much he’s improved on that side of
the ball,” Green said.
“Teams used to
try to call him into every action, and just try to pick on him.
“That doesn’t
work anymore. He sits down, he guards, and we all are there behind him if he
does need help. But he hasn’t been needing that often, and it’s great.
“I’ve spoke about how
much stronger he is. He’s able to hold his ground, so you’re not able to bump
him off his spot, and that’s been huge for us. I’m not shocked he’s playing
that type of defense. He’s been doing that for the last couple years.”
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