Golden State Warriors fans got quite a show from Stephen Curry on Sunday. Having been selected as an All-Star starter after averaging 29.7 points per game, the second-most of his career, Curry did not disappoint.
Up until yesterday, Curry hadn’t shown much in All-Star games. He had scored over 20 points just twice. Against Team Durant, Curry went off for 28 points, the most of his All-Star Game career and the third-most in the game.
8-for-16 from deep, Curry was incredible. To end the first half, Curry and fellow superstar Damian Lillard exchanged half-court triples. Curry’s shooting clinic was truly something fans were able to marvel at.
Stephen Curry dropped six first-half triples yet a slow second half saw Giannis Antetokounmpo claim the All-Star Game MVP award.
Curry’s three-point barrage didn’t stop in the three-point shooting contest. Curry won that for the second time, defeating Mike Conley in the finals. He went off with the most first-round points. He was the only player to notch 30 in the first round.
As for the game itself, Curry was red hot early on but tapered off in the second half. To be fair, Team LeBron was up a couple of dozen in the fourth quarter, so it wasn’t the most competitive game down the stretch.
Antetokounmpo won the MVP. He was an incredible 16-for-16 from the field, not missing a single three-point field goal. He also played in just 19 minutes which didn’t rank within the top five on the team.
For the two-time MVP Curry, he made shooting triples look too effortless. All night long he was drilling shots for deep, making sure those at home didn’t forget that he’s the best shooter to grace the hardwood.
Curry will look to carry this dominance into the second half of the season. Without Klay Thompson by his side, Curry has had to carry a much greater offensive load. It’s been tough for the team to win when Curry doesn’t drop at least 30 points.
While having the All-Star Weekend was criticized by players, it seemed like a good break from the regular, intense season. That said, the players will get a couple of days off before the season resumes.
For Golden State, they’ll get a tough draw to restart as they head to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers.