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Golden State’s midseason awards

By Carlos Murillo

January 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35), guard Stephen Curry (30), and guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pistons 127-107. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 12, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35), guard Stephen Curry (30), and guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pistons 127-107. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 21, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Kevin Durant (35) celebrate after Curry made a three-point basket during the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Valuable Player – Stephen Curry

I’m going to be honest with you guys: I changed my mind last minute. As I’m writing this section, the title for it still says “Kevin Durant.” That’s how sure I was that this was going to be him.

But, as I thought about it, the more I realized it should be Stephen Curry. Ultimately, this comes down to the arbitrary definition of MVP. And mine says Curry is it for this team.

Durant has been the best player on Golden State, by far. He should be in the running for the league MVP, gaining ground on James Harden and Russell Westbrook. But for the team, the Warriors’ MVP is Curry.

It doesn’t work without him. Everything the Warriors do falls apart without him. The spacing, the passing, the Durant implementation, and the Thompson non-sacrificing doesn’t work without Curry.

So, my definition for this exercise isn’t who’s best, necessarily. It’s about who makes the team go and who makes it work. It’s about impact and not tangible production.

To be fair, Steph Curry has also been pretty great. While he’s not producing at the level he did during his unanimous MVP selection, he’s still fantastic. Curry is averaging 24.7 points, 6.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals. He leads the league in three-pointers made.

Curry was named Co-Player of the Month in January with Durant. Then he was named Player of the Week. He set the record for most threes in a game earlier in the year. He’s no slouch.

But it’s about more than just numbers. His gravity gives everyone else a lot of space to work with. His willingness to sacrifice for the greater good makes the Warriors’ machine go.

The Warriors are better when Curry is sharp rather than when Durant is, especially at home. Nothing electrified crowds and the team more than a three-pointer from the two-time MVP. He just has an infectious energy.

Next: Top 25 Warriors of All-Time

Curry is running the best team in the league. While Durant is producing more and putting up amazing numbers, it starts and ends with Steph. He is the conductor.

The two-time MVP isn’t going to win the award for the third time, but he’s still the Warriors’ Most Valuable Player.

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