Golden State Warriors: 5 alternative facts

Feb 4, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry speaks with the media at the stakeout position outside the West Wing after a ceremony honoring the 2015 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors in the East Room at the White House. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry speaks with the media at the stakeout position outside the West Wing after a ceremony honoring the 2015 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors in the East Room at the White House. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors
Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Golden State Warriors defeated the Orlando Magic 118-98. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Steph Curry isn’t the best point guard in basketball

In some alternate universe, Steph Curry is probably doing something innocuous, like being a guidance counselor at his former high school. Or maybe he’d be working admissions at Davidson College. Something relatively low key for the tall yet baby-faced young man.

In this universe, however, he’s the best point guard in the NBA. He’s one of the baddest dudes to step on a basketball court. He’s one of the league’s most lethal weapons ever.

When Durant signed, there was talk of a looming power struggle between Curry and him. How could the two-time MVP allow another alpha come to his team? They were two top dogs and something had to give.

Thus far, it’s been Curry that has taken a smaller role. Early in the season, he struggled to find his way in his new role. The media ran with it and talked about his enormous drop-off.

The funny thing about Curry’s season–which, admittedly, is not as special as last year’s–is that his “down year” is still better than most point guard’s best years. He’s averaging over 24 points, six assists, and four rebounds per game. He leads the league in three-pointers and plus-minus.

Curry got off to a slow start yet he’s still the best point guard in the league. He’s not putting up gaudy numbers like Russell Westbrook or James Harden, but it doesn’t matter. Curry’s all-time talent didn’t disappear and his impact is as high as ever.

Numbers don’t tell the whole story. Teams game plan for Curry more than they do any other player in the league. Defenses are designed to stop him and let everyone else–including Durant–run freely. That’s how scary he is.

He can take over when he wants and defer when a teammate gets hot. His skill set is unprecedented. He’s a winner and an amazingly gifted offensive player.

A triple-double doesn’t supersede him. An incredible shot in Game 7 doesn’t dethrone him. He is one of the most gifted players ever.

Here is a fact: Steph Curry is the best point guard in the NBA. Here’s an alternative fact: [insert non-Steph Curry name here] is the best point guard in the NBA.