- Steph Curry is the only unanimous MVP in the history of the NBA
- Magic is considered the greatest point guard of all time with 5 championships
- Both of them changed the game in their own way for the better
Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry resonate as legends of distinct eras, each etching their indelible mark upon the game. Their intriguing comparison transcends the realms of statistics and records, delving deep into the heart of their unique playing styles and the profound impact they’ve had on their respective teams and the sport at large.
As we delve into this exploration, we’ll journey through the intricate layers of their careers, uncovering the multifaceted facets of their scoring, rebounding, playmaking, defensive acumen, and sheer influence on the game. In a head-to-head analysis of Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry, the contrasts and parallels serve as a profound testament to the evolution of basketball, where versatile brilliance meets unparalleled shooting artistry and where both players stake their claims as all-time greats.
Points
1. Stephen Curry – 24.6
2. Magic Johnson – 19.5
In the realm of career scoring averages, Stephen Curry and Magic Johnson illuminate their divergent styles and invaluable contributions to their respective teams. Curry, often hailed as a contemporary virtuoso in the art of long-range shooting, boasts an impressive career scoring average of 24.6 points per game.
Curry’s mastery of draining three-pointers from well beyond the arc has not merely redefined the game, but consistently left defenders in a perpetual state of disbelief. His scoring acumen is not solely characterized by his remarkable shooting accuracy, but also by his uncanny capacity to single-handedly seize control of games with his explosive scoring exploits.
Conversely, Magic Johnson, maintaining a career scoring average of 19.5 points per game, embodies a contrasting approach. While his scoring output may appear less bedazzling when juxtaposed with Curry’s, Magic’s unique skill set is an ode to orchestrating his team’s offensive symphony and creating opportunities for his teammates.
His exceptional court vision and playmaking prowess remain peerless, cementing his legacy as one of the most extraordinary facilitators in the storied annals of the NBA. Johnson’s scoring abilities harmonize seamlessly with his extraordinary passing and transcendent leadership, rendering him an iconic figure in the grand tapestry of basketball history.
Rebounds
1. Magic Johnson – 7.2
2. Stephen Curry – 4.7
Magic Johnson, the towering 6-foot-9 point guard, showcased a remarkable ability to secure an average of 7.2 rebounds per game over the course of his illustrious career. His prowess in dominating the boards as a guard served as a resounding testament to his versatile skill set, underscoring his capacity to influence various facets of the game. Johnson’s rebounding tenacity did more than just bolster his personal stats; it ignited fast breaks and consistently translated into second-chance opportunities for his team.
Furthermore, Johnson’s adeptness at securing rebounds allowed his team to maintain possession, thus extending offensive possessions and, in turn, pressuring opponents to play defense for longer stretches. His capability to initiate fast breaks from his own rebounds provided his team with a valuable transition game, exploiting opponents’ vulnerabilities.
Conversely, Stephen Curry, renowned primarily for his scoring prowess and mesmerizing three-point wizardry, presented a career average of 4.7 rebounds per game. While Curry’s contributions in this category may appear relatively modest in comparison to Johnson’s, it is important to recognize that Curry’s true value on the court transcends mere statistics.
Assists
1. Magic Johnson – 11.2
2. Stephen Curry – 6.2
When delving deeper into the career assist statistics, the stark contrast between the playmaking styles of Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry becomes particularly evident. Magic Johnson, an icon celebrated for his extraordinary playmaking prowess, astoundingly maintained an average of 11.2 assists per game throughout the course of his illustrious career.
Johnson’s proficiency in orchestrating the offense and creating easy scoring opportunities for his teammates, especially as a point guard, was nothing short of unparalleled. He stood as the veritable maestro behind many of the Los Angeles Lakers’ highly successful offensive schemes, shaping their play and elevating his teammates to new heights. His court vision and precision passing often left the opposition in a state of perplexity, unable to stymie the seamless flow of the Lakers’ offensive game.
In stark contrast, Stephen Curry, primarily celebrated for his extraordinary scoring feats and three-point shooting heroics, boasts a career average of 6.2 assists per game. While Curry’s assist numbers may not ascend to the lofty heights of Johnson’s, it would be a disservice to overlook his capabilities as a playmaker.
Curry’s ability to craft scoring opportunities for his teammates is a testament to his multifaceted skills. His dazzling ball-handling, combined with his acute court vision, often initiates the intricate dance of his team’s offensive flow. Despite his primary focus being on scoring, Curry’s playmaking abilities remain an integral and inseparable part of his overall impact on the game.
Moreover, it’s important to emphasize that Curry’s ability to create open shots and passing lanes, often through his mesmerizing dribbling and pick-and-roll execution, ensures that he contributes significantly to the strategic diversity of his team’s offensive approach. His knack for drawing defenders and finding open teammates has, on countless occasions, been the catalyst for his team’s success, further solidifying his status as one of the most versatile and impactful players in the modern era of the NBA.
Steals
1. Magic Johnson – 1.9
2. Stephen Curry – 1.6
Magic Johnson etched an average of 1.9 steals per game in his illustrious career. Although his defensive finesse often played second fiddle to his offensive brilliance, Johnson’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and ignite turnovers proved to be a cornerstone of his all-encompassing game.
Notably, Johnson’s defensive contributions, in the form of those critical steals, were akin to a hidden gem, contributing to his team’s ability to transition from defense to offense seamlessly. These steals not only thwarted the opposition but also provided his teammates with prime opportunities to capitalize on fast breaks and capitalize on opponent vulnerabilities.
On the contrasting end of this spectrum, Stephen Curry posted a career average of 1.6 steals per game. Although Curry isn’t traditionally touted as an elite defender, his quick hands and anticipatory instincts make him a more than capable force on the defensive end. His ability to swipe the ball from opponents and incite transition opportunities for his team, although not as celebrated as his scoring and shooting, forms a valuable dimension of his overall game.
Blocks
1. Magic Johnson – 0.4
2. Stephen Curry – 0.2
In terms of career shot-blocking statistics, Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry both have relatively modest averages, with Magic Johnson holding a slight advantage. Magic, at 6-foot-9, registered an average of 0.4 blocks per game over his illustrious career. Johnson’s shot-blocking ability was an unusual asset for a player of his position and showcased his defensive versatility.
Curry has a career average of 0.2 blocks per game. While he is not a shot-blocking specialist, his defensive contributions extend beyond this statistic, encompassing areas such as contesting shots, positioning, and defensive rotations. Despite not being a dominant shot-blocker, Curry’s defensive efforts complement his offensive excellence and contribute to his overall impact on the game.
Turnovers
1. Stephen Curry – 3.1
2. Magic Johnson – 3.9
Stephen Curry and Magic Johnson showcase differing statistics when it comes to career turnovers. Steph, renowned for his ball-handling and high usage rate, has averaged 3.1 turnovers per game throughout his career. While his exceptional scoring and playmaking abilities are undeniable, Curry’s aggressive style of play occasionally results in turnovers.
On the other hand, Magic Johnson, with his exceptional playmaking skills, recorded a career average of 3.9 turnovers per game. Johnson’s turnovers can be attributed to his willingness to take risks and attempt ambitious passes, often leading to both spectacular assists and turnovers. Despite the higher turnover average, Johnson’s ability to orchestrate his team’s offense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates remains a defining aspect of his legacy as a point guard.
Shooting Percentages
1. Stephen Curry – 47.5% FG, 42.8% 3-PT FG, 90.9% FT
2. Magic Johnson – 52.0% FG, 30.3% 3-PT FG, 84.8% FT
Stephen Curry’s shooting percentages are a testament to his status as one of the most prolific long-range shooters in NBA history. His career field goal percentage of 47.5% is impressive, considering his frequent reliance on three-point attempts. This proficiency extends to his 42.8% three-point shooting rate, making him a league leader in this category. What sets Curry apart is his ability to not only shoot efficiently from beyond the arc but also to do so in critical moments, often sinking clutch three-pointers that can sway the course of a game.
Furthermore, his free-throw percentage stands at a remarkable 90.9%, making him a reliable source of points from the free-throw line. This level of accuracy, especially in high-pressure situations, underscores his scoring prowess and highlights his impact on the game as both a lethal perimeter shooter and a dependable free-throw specialist.
Magic Johnson’s shooting percentages, although not as perimeter-oriented as Curry’s, reflect his unique qualities as a player. Johnson’s career field goal percentage of 52.0% is remarkably high, particularly for a guard. This statistic speaks to his ability to finish at the rim and execute high-percentage shots, often in the paint, where he used his size and skill to great advantage. While his three-point shooting percentage of 30.3% may not stand out, Johnson’s game was built on versatility and his capacity to influence multiple facets of the game.
His 84.8% free-throw shooting, while not at Curry’s level, remains a respectable mark, underlining his reliability as a scorer. What distinguishes Johnson is his emphasis on facilitating his team’s offense and creating high-quality scoring opportunities for his teammates. His exceptional efficiency, though in a different way compared to Curry, highlights his unique and invaluable role as a player who transcended traditional positions and excelled as a playmaker and scorer.
Player Efficiency Rating
1. Magic Johnson – 24.11
2. Stephen Curry – 23.84
Magic Johnson maintained an impressive PER of 24.11 over his illustrious career. This statistic is a testament to his all-encompassing influence on the game, emphasizing not only his scoring but also his outstanding playmaking and contributions on the defensive end. Johnson’s high PER can be attributed to his exceptional court vision, ball handling, and ability to orchestrate his team’s offense.
He was a maestro at creating high-percentage scoring opportunities for his teammates, and his proficiency in rebounding and defense only added to his overall efficiency. Johnson’s versatility and ability to impact virtually every aspect of the game made him a rare and invaluable talent in the history of the NBA, as evidenced by his PER.
Stephen Curry, while sporting a slightly lower PER at 23.84, showcases a different brand of efficiency that is a testament to his scoring prowess and three-point shooting. His PER reflects his exceptional ability to put points on the board in a highly efficient manner. Curry’s elite three-point shooting, combined with his knack for creating his own shot and finishing at the rim, is a defining aspect of his PER.
It’s important to note that Curry’s impact on the game extends beyond scoring, as his playmaking and ability to stretch defenses with his long-range shooting create opportunities for his teammates as well. His value goes beyond the box score, and his slightly lower PER should not diminish his status as one of the most efficient and influential players in the modern era of the NBA.
Final Result
Magic Johnson vs. Stephen Curry 5-4
Comparing Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry is a challenging task due to the diversity of playing styles, eras, and roles they occupied during their respective careers. Magic was known for his versatility as a floor general and his ability to impact all aspects of the game. Johnson was a natural leader and a wizard on the court, with extraordinary court vision, making him one of the greatest passers of all time. His scoring ability, coupled with an impressive career average of 11.2 assists per game, earned him recognition as one of the greatest basketball players in history. Magic is also a 5-time NBA champion, and 2-time Finals MVP, and holds 3 regular season MVP awards to his name.
In contrast, Stephen Curry has redefined the notion of a shooter and revolutionized the way basketball is played. Curry is widely regarded as the greatest three-point shooter of all time, boasting an impressive 42.8% accuracy from beyond the arc in his career. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, ball-handling skills and capacity to create his own shot have made him a dominant force in the league. Additionally, Curry is a 4-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors and has been a league MVP two times with a Finals MVP in 2022.
The choice of who is the better player between Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry is a topic of intense debate in the basketball community. Magic Johnson, with his legacy of five NBA championships and his ability to lead his team in all facets of the game, is seen as a basketball icon and a consummate leader. On the other hand, Curry has redefined what is possible in terms of shooting accuracy and has led his team to success in an era of highly competitive basketball.
The selection of the “best” among these distinguished players often depends on personal preferences and the significance attributed to different aspects of the game, whether it’s Magic Johnson’s versatility and team play or Stephen Curry’s scoring excellence and the three-point shooting revolution. Both players have left indelible marks on the NBA and deserve prominent places in the conversation of the greatest of all time.
