Stephen Curry put on a show with 20 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 132-126 win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. After witnessing Curry’s heroics, Shaquille O’Neal wondered out loud if it was time to include Curry in the GOAT conversation.
“I’m wondering, not saying,” O’Neal said. “I’m just wondering because he’s been consistently the best shooter his whole career, I’m wondering, is it time to start putting him as the best player of all time?”
When Kenny Smith asked if O’Neal was putting Curry over himself, the big man said he was. Shaq even went as far as to say that Curry is “way better” than him and explained why he thinks so highly of the Warriors star.
“I’ve played 20 years and watched 20 years before that,” O’Neal stated. “I’ve never seen a guy like him and he is doing it consistently and he has championships.”
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1737358434704498869
Ernie Johnson asked whether O’Neal believes Curry is greater than Michael Jordan, and he made it clear he is not saying the 35-year-old is the greatest. Shaq is simply wondering if the time has come to have the nine-time All-Star in that conversation for the greatest player and posed that question to the fans.
NBA Fans Responded To Shaquille O’Neal’s Question
Such questions tend to generate a ton of buzz on social media, especially when the person asking it happens to be an all-time great like O’Neal. NBA fans responded to this question, and many felt it wasn’t that time just yet.
One thinks Curry is in the top 10, but can’t be in the conversation for the greatest ever.
I mean he's top 10, but you can't be serious if you're trying to put him in the top 3-4 convo.
— Ben (@TheHurricaneBen) December 20, 2023
A fan thinks Curry is in that conversation because he changed the game.
Yes sir!! Changed the game of basketball forever. Steph is in that conversation.
— Noah Delatorre (@noah_dlt) December 20, 2023
One thinks you can’t be in that conversation if you aren’t a good defender.
Cant be best player of all time without good defense
— F (@FFrancis__10) December 20, 2023
A fan says he wouldn’t put Curry over O’Neal, so the conversation can be killed right there.
Shaq is a huge fan I get it. But I wouldn’t put steph over shaq ever. We can kill the conversation.
— DJ GOTTI WXRLD (@MallyFlexinOnEm) December 20, 2023
One believes Curry cannot touch the top three, as those spots are already cemented.
The top 3 is cemented. Curry ain’t touching those guys. I’m fine putting him on Mount Rushmore
— Henry K. (@ohhenryTOTFC) December 20, 2023
I would assume the top three here are Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. They were also the three that Kenny Smith went with later in the episode, as he believes you start to reach once you get past those three.
I tend to agree with that sentiment as well. The two men who are widely considered part of the GOAT debate are Jordan and LeBron, with Kareem also getting some consideration. For as great as Curry is, having won four championships, a finals MVP, and two MVPs, he simply does not compare to them at this point, in my opinion.
Is he one of the all-time greats? Sure, and he might have an argument to be considered the greatest point guard ever, but he is not in the conversation for the greatest player ever. If he wins a couple more championships and Finals MVPs, then perhaps he could insert himself into that debate, but not right now.
Stephen Curry Has Been Incredible In The Clutch In 2023-24
Getting back to that game against the Celtics, the 20 points that Curry scored in the fourth quarter and overtime meant he continues to be incredible in the clutch this season.
“Steph Curry Ranks in the Clutch This Season:
• 1st in Points
• 1st in Field Goals Made
• 1st in Three-Pointers Made”
Steph Curry Ranks in the Clutch This Season:
• 1st in Points
• 1st in Field Goals Made
• 1st in Three-Pointers Made pic.twitter.com/mkFQpMztpU
— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) December 20, 2023
It has been a pleasure to watch him perform at such a high level in the big moments. The Warriors were down by 17 points at one stage in the third quarter against the Celtics, but Curry put the team on his back to lead a stunning comeback.
He ended the night with 33 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists, and is now averaging 28.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game this season.
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