Stephen Curry has been playing exceptionally well since the start of the season and the NBA community recognized that. He is even doing much better defensively, although he is still a way from being an elite two-way player.
Nonetheless, you could argue that no other player has had the same impact in leading their teams to victories every night this season. The MVP debate has been heated, with Steph and Kevin Durant as the favorites to win the award. Before their games on Tuesday night, both players had played the same number of games (19), had the same amount of total points (544), and point averages (28.6).
Speaking ahead of the Golden State Warriors-Phoenix Suns matchup, TNT basketball analyst and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, chose Steph as his MVP.
“Right now he is the clear favorite for the MVP. Crystal clear.”
Given O’Neal’s experience, you can understand that he’s still enough to know Steph is out to make a statement and will not be slowing down. To Shaq, Steph is also the greatest shooter in NBA history. Curry has spoken about how he dreaded missing the playoffs in the last two seasons, and will undoubtedly do everything in his power to ensure a repeat of that does not happen.
Despite the vote of confidence from Big Diesel, the Phoenix Suns did an outstanding job marshaling Steph in that matchup. He had the worst shooting percentages with 20+ attempts in his career, going 4-of-21 from the field. On Friday, he will have his opportunity to exact revenge in the second of their back-to-back.
With his 12 points, Steph is now second behind Kevin Durant in points per game. He is averaging 27.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.6 steals.
Steph, alongside Durant, are still in a different tier on the MVP leaderboard. Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, and Chris Paul are some of the other MVP candidates who also have a decent shot if they maintain the intensity they’ve started the season with
