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Golden State Warriors: A third MVP-caliber season from Steph is what it’ll take

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 10: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 10, 2019 in San Francisco, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 10: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 10, 2019 in San Francisco, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors need Stephen Curry to return to his MVP-like self in hopes that he can once again lead them to the promise land.

In back-to-back seasons a few years ago, Stephen Curry put the Golden State Warriors on his back. He, along with Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, led them to the NBA Finals. This was the start of a league-changing dynasty in 2014.

Curry was ascending to superstardom right in front of fans’ eyes as he ended the 2013-2014 season with averages of 23.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. He elevated his game to yet another lofty level the very next season.

That season, Curry averaged a league-high 30.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. He also was able to notch a league-high 2.1 steals per game en route to being nominated for and being awarded his second MVP.

That offseason, after the historic 3-1 Finals comeback, Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors.

It was another move that changed the landscape of the entire league. And, while Stephen Curry made no unsettling comments about his addition, it did impact his usage on the team. His numbers were hit over the last three seasons.

Curry went back down to just over a 26-point per game average over the last three seasons. He’s been outstanding, but the Warriors will need more from him for the team to take on their sixth-straight Finals run.

That’s the Stephen Curry that the Warriors must find a way to bring back this season.

This is arguably the worst opening lineup the Warriors have had since the origin of the dynasty. They’ll only have one player starting Thursday that was an All-Star last year. Once upon a time, they had four.

The pressure now falls on that one.

Stephen Curry must perform, but he can’t just be the Curry that we saw last season. He needs to, on a nightly basis, be the Curry that erupted during the Western Conference Finals when the team limped to the Finals on his and Klay Thompson’s back.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

The last MVP-like season we saw from Curry, the Warriors had a historic regular season. While no one expects that this time around, there should be a higher expectation set on Curry this upcoming season.

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