Following a thrilling double overtime loss Golden State Warriors superstar point guard Stephen Curry said to Lakers star Lebron James, “how does it keep getting better?” referring to their long-lasting rivalry, and as someone who has been a viewer for the whole saga, I could not agree more.
Curry vs Lebron has, and always will be, a matchup that involves the most narratives no matter the given situation. Lebron has the never ending greatest of all time narrative to his every step onto the court, and the same with Stephen Curry and his three-point shooting ability. Also, they have been at great highs and lows when dealing with narratives. Lebron had to deal with the 2011 finals loss to the underdog Dallas Mavericks, to take down the newly established big 3, “Heatles” with Lebron, Wade, and Bosh, causing viewers to say, is the pressure too much for Lebron? For Steph Curry it was the infamous 3-1 blown series lead to none other than Lebron in 2016 by the record setting 73-win Golden State Warriors. Following this were two championships by Golden State but with a different face, Kevin Durant, leading the team being awarded both Finals MVP awards leaving viewers wondering, will Steph ever lead a team to the championship under his wing? Lebron and Steph as the pure professionals they are made sure that the praise should be as loud as the disrespect, with Lebron winning 4 championships, and Steph winning his long-awaited finals MVP.
Lebron and Steph truly bring out the best in each other, and last Saturday was no exception. Steph set the level straight immediately having a quick 11 points in the first quarter shooting 4 for 6 from the field. Lebron followed this energy scoring an aggressive 9 points in the second quarter with both stars being efficient and effective. It was when Anthony Davis went down halfway through the 3rd quarter with a groin injury that it was all in the hands of LeBron, and he did not disappoint, taking full initiative on the rebounding production that Anthony Davis was absent for. After numerous clutch plays, and many flashes of the vintage rivalry, the Lakers got the win by one point after 2 intense overtime periods. Lebron James finished with a 36-point triple double, grabbing a career high 20 rebounds, and dishing out 12 assists. Stephen Curry made his case for player of the game, racking up a season high 46 points, draining 9 three-pointers, and dishing out 7 assists.
As a fan, you cannot ask for more out of the two stars in the later half of their careers. The longevity of the stars in the league like Lebron, Steph, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, and others is an absolute pleasure to watch, and it will be celebrated by the league when it’s all said and done.
