Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry’s Finals legacy further cemented

Stephen Curry doesn’t need any further vindication – his legacy is cemented as one of the most transcendent players in NBA history. But if the Golden State Warriors superstar is looking for even more praise, he may have got it in the form of a video game.

Yes, 2K ratings are often criticized for being out of touch with reality, but they do at least give us a defined way of comparing players and teams. Ratings for NBA 2K23 have begun leaking through, with the game to be released this Friday 9th September.

If fans wanted another glimpse into the historic level of Stephen Curry’s 2022 Finals performance, they need only look at the latest ratings for NBA 2K23.

No one, least of all Warriors fans, should need a reminder of Curry’s brilliance in the Finals – he averaged 31.2, 6 rebounds and 5 assists as he led Golden State to a fourth championship in eight seasons.

If you wanted an extra dose though, just marvel at the fact that Boston went into the series with three of the four best players, according to 2K. Ratings have been revealed for each team’s top five players, and it’s fair to say some Warriors may have been hard done by.

Curry leads the way with a 96 overall, with Andrew Wiggins next at 84. Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Jordan Poole are all 83 overall. In comparison, Boston has Jayson Tatum at 93, Jaylen Brown at 87 and Robert Williams III at 85. Al Horford and Marcus Smart round out their top five, both at an 82 overall.

Not that Curry will care about further affirmation, but it does seem that one Warrior is annoyed at the rankings. Thompson let rip on social media, voicing his frustration for a relatively low three-point rating, despite sitting equal second behind Curry.

This is further confirmation of Curry’s extraordinary performances in the Finals, a continual undervaluing of his teammates, and the greatness of the Warriors’ system as a team-based approach delivered them another NBA title.