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Golden State Warriors: Steph Curry is the Dubs catalyst for success

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a photo to celebrate his 15,000 point career milestone after a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 17, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a photo to celebrate his 15,000 point career milestone after a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 17, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors win when Stephen Curry is at the top of his game. He’s truly their team’s catalyst, and it makes it easy to predict their success.

If there’s one thing that’s both slightly obvious and 100% true, it’s that when Stephen Curry is at the top of his game, the Golden State Warriors are significantly better.

While it sounds stupidly obvious, it’s not.

Kevin Durant, regardless of the Warriors’ win or loss, excels. Durant averages just two more points per game in victories than he does in defeat. For Curry, it’s a much more wide margin, scoring about 11 more points per game in victory.

Their shooting percentages, which impact their overall success, follow the same trend. For Durant, the differences in his percentages are minimal while for Curry they’re significant. Ultimately, it seems like Curry’s play dictates the outcome for the Warriors.

That makes Curry the Warriors catalyst for success. If he’s at his peak, they’re at their peak. Durant will give you about 29 almost every night, but Curry is one that may erupt for 50 on any given night or go for just ten.

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That’s what we saw on Christmas Day.

In their 26-point loss to the Lakers, Durant put up 21 points on 5-for-13 from the field and Curry dropped just 15 points on 5-for-17 from the field and 2-for-8 from three. While no Warrior played well, Durant’s 21 was the second highest on the team outside of Andre Iguodala‘s 23.

This trend isn’t something that’s rare. When Curry is hitting, the Dubs are better off. It’s the same with any superstar. However, not many get the opportunity to play alongside arguably the most gifted scorer in the era.

That’s what gives Golden State an advantage almost every other team in the NBA. While the Lakers may’ve beat them this time, don’t expect superstars like Stephen Curry to stay cold forever. Draymond Green might, but Curry most certainly won’t.

Success isn’t easy to come by in the NBA, and the Dubs have found it because of Stephen Curry and how well he’s performed over a long stretch of time. Over the last five seasons, he’s the reason for sustained excellence.

Next. 5 reasons the Dubs should consider trading Draymond Green. dark

Being a catalyst for success isn’t easy. Only superstars are typically given such title, and Curry, who has three rings under his belt, will determine how far Golden State will go this postseason.

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