Stephen Curry proves worthy heir to Kobe Bryant

Last night’s Warriors-Lakers game served as a passing of the torch from one star to another.

While Kobe Bryant played his last game in Oracle Arena, Stephen Curry put on another three-point shooting exhibition.

Curry was 8-of-16 on threes and scored 26 points in all. Curry illustrated once again that he is unfair when he is flowing. This is very similar to what people used to say about Kobe Bryant.

Bryant scored differently than Curry. He scored from the post with his patented fadeaway jumpers that Klay Thompson tries to emulate. He could also score around the rim with thunderous dunks, get to the free throw line and also score from outside. Bryant was one of the greatest competitors this game has ever seen.

Curry is well on his way to dominating the NBA as a scorer like Bryant used to be back in the day. Curry operates in a way unique to anything the NBA has ever seen. His ability to shoot the basketball is second to none, his handle might go down being the best we’ve ever seen, his efficiency is insane for someone who shoots so many jumpers.

Finally, Curry operates with a cool mindset throughout the game. He stays hidden for most of the game waiting to strike, and when he does it’s over.

January 14, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) controls the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 116-98. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Bryant as well as LeBron James have marveled at Curry’s ability to shoot the ball. According to Kevin Harlan on last night’s broadcast, Bryant first met Curry when Curry was 19 years old. Bryant was impressed with Curry’s ability to shoot. This sounds very similar to what James said about Curry as well after seeing him for the first time.

The NBA is transitioning from the slow-it-up-and-bang-game that Charles Barkley prefers. Instead it’s a game of analytics and three-point shooting. Curry and the Warriors are at the forefront. Curry has become the most unstoppable offensive force in the NBA because of his ability to shoot, handle and pass. Kevin Durant has about six inches on him, but doesn’t have Curry’s killer instinct.

Curry’s killer instinct is the same as Michael Jordan and all the greats, except we don’t notice it because it’s so sudden. Curry can go from having a bad game to a great game in a three-minute stretch.

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Another reason why Curry is the heir apparent to Bryant is because of his popularity. Curry’s popularity is world-wide and it’s only growing. Ratings for Warriors games are at an all-time high, and Curry’s jersey is the most popular in the NBA. The Warriors are popular because of Curry, just like the Chicago Bulls were popular because of Jordan, the Lakers were popular because of Magic Johnson (and later Kobe), and why the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers were/are popular because of James.

Curry has the opportunity to be an all time great if he continues performing at his level. Curry will have the opportunity to win multiple championships on this current Warriors squad and etch his name alongside the greatest who have ever played this game.

Oracle Arena paid homage one last time to a great player in Bryant, while showcasing the current face of the NBA in Curry.

Of course, Warriors fans already knew what they had in Curry. Lets just sit back and enjoy him while he’s on the top of his game, because it won’t last forever.

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