Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry delivered a record-breaking performance as he outshone LeBron James in the NBA semifinals Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. Curry, who struggled in Game 1, had an impressive 12 assists and equaled his career-high with 8 of those coming in the first half, making it his most assists in a half in his playoff career. He also passed Dwyane Wade on the NBA’s all-time assists list in the NBA Playoffs.
The two-time league MVP’s gravity on the court was on full display as he found his teammate’s open looks, helping the Warriors secure a blowout win against the Lakers. The Warriors made eight of their first 10 shots, with six coming off Curry’s passes, two of which were three-pointers. By halftime, the Warriors were already ahead 66-42, and the lead only continued to grow in the second half.
Climbing 🆙
Stephen Curry has passed Dwyane Wade for 24th most assists in Playoff history! pic.twitter.com/qRQS9dU6Lk
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) May 5, 2023
On the other hand, LeBron James struggled to find his rhythm in Game 2 and had only three assists. The Lakers could not handle the Warriors’ energy on both ends of the court, leading to a disappointing performance. The Warriors’ bench also stepped up and contributed to the blowout win, outscoring the Lakers’ bench 47-9.
With Curry’s impressive performance, the Warriors have tied the series with the Lakers at one game apiece, and it has certainly made the second-round series a lot more interesting. The win in Game 2 has given the Warriors the momentum they need as the series shifts to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4. The Lakers need to regroup and come back stronger if they hope to take back the lead in the series.
Curry has once again proved his worth as not just an incredible shooter but also an excellent playmaker, setting up his teammates and leading the Warriors to a crucial win. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how LeBron James and the Lakers respond to Curry’s record-breaking performance in Game 2.
Michael Jordan Changes Tune, Certifies Stephen Curry as a First-Ballot Hall of Famer
In a 2019 interview, Michael Jordan sparked controversy when he claimed that Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry had not yet achieved Hall of Fame status. Despite Curry’s three championships and two MVP awards, Jordan argued that he still had more to accomplish before securing his place in basketball history.
However, in a recent one-on-one interview with Curry during the Ryder Cup, Jordan admitted to changing his views. When Curry questioned Jordan about his earlier statement, the NBA legend retracted his claim, saying that Curry is a “first-ballot Hall of Famer, no problem.”
Jordan’s initial critique of Curry came during a discussion about a list of unbeatable players in a pickup game, which Jordan had compiled and did not include Curry. This prompted the discussion about Curry’s Hall of Fame status.
The reversal of Jordan’s opinion is a significant validation of Curry’s place in the NBA pantheon. With three championships, two MVP awards, and numerous other accolades, Curry’s resume is already impressive.
His impact on the game, including his record-breaking shooting ability and revolutionary impact on offensive strategy, makes him a near-lock for the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible. Now, with Jordan’s endorsement, Curry’s place among the all-time greats is more secure than ever.
