The LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry rivalry became a thing again last season. The Golden State Warriors beat the Sacramento Kings in the First Round of the playoffs, while the Los Angeles Lakers took care of the Memphis Grizzlies. They clashed in the next round, with James taking that duel.
This duel could happen again next season, and some think that Curry could get his revenge. However, Kendrick Perkins doesn’t think that Curry stands a chance against James without Kevin Durant.
“Without Kevin Durant on the Warriors, LeBron James basically can beat the Warriors any given time when it comes down to that head-to-head matchup with Steph Curry,” the former NBA player-turned-analyst said on ESPN’s First Take today.
"Without Kevin Durant on the Warriors, LeBron James basically can beat the Warriors any given time when it comes down to that head-to-head matchup with Steph Curry."
😯 @kendrickperkins pic.twitter.com/6K5e9Q90xJ
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 29, 2023
In 49 games, Stephen Curry has a 27-22 winning record over LeBron James, including a 17-11 record in the playoffs. They’ve faced each other four times in the NBA Finals, with Curry winning three championships against one. The Warriors won in 2015 (when Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love got injured), in 2017 and 2018, with Kevin Durant playing for the Warriors.
LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers won in 2016, coming back from a 1-3 deficit in the Finals, with Kyrie Irving playing a key role in that championship run. The King has averaged 31.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 8.5 assists in 28 playoff duels against Curry.
The legendary point guard has posted 25.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds in 28 playoff games against his long-time nemesis.
During the 2017 and 2018 Finals, Kevin Durant averaged 35.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists and 28.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, respectively, leaving no doubt that he was the best player on the floor during those series.
Still, Curry has beaten James before, and if they run into each other next year, he’ll have a chance to get revenge on the King and co.
LeBron James Beat Stephen Curry In 2023 NBA Playoffs
The most recent edition of this duel took place in the 2023 NBA postseason, with Curry beating James without Durant by his side for the first time in over 2,500 days.
Ultimately, James took the win in the Second Round of the playoff and advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2020. Curry paid his respect to James after the series was done, reflecting on his memorable duels with the 20-year veteran.
The Warriors tried to extend the series as much as possible, but the Lakers took care of teams and ultimately challenged the Denver Nuggets for a spot in the Finals. They were swept by the eventual NBA champions, but James got another win over Curry in their personal duel.
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