Richard Jefferson Predicted No Player Would Join The All-Time Game 4 Performance List Before Stephen Curry Went For 43 Points
Stephen Curry had a performance for the ages against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Curry had 43 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, joining a very exclusive list of players that has put up a statline of that magnitude in a Finals game. He has been the best player on the court in this series, something that he is making more and more evident with every passing game.
And while Curry fans will tell you that his past struggles at this stage have been greatly exaggerated, it's safe to say that Steph hasn't been considered an elite Finals performer by any measure by those that discuss hoops. So before his historic performance that put him in Finals and Game 4 lore, it's no surprise that Richard Jefferson suggested that no one, not even Curry, would have a big performance in the game.
(starts at 4:15 minutes):
Richard Jefferson: "I don't think anybody has a chance to join that list. I'm not being a Debbie Downer, I just looked at that list with Kareem, Charles Barkley, MJ, and I'm just not..."
Zach Lowe: "You know Steph Curry's playing in the game, right?"
Richard Jefferson: "I don't think anybody has a chance. We'll see if I'm wrong."
Well, as it turned out, he was wrong. Considering that Curry not only scored 43 points but did so on excellent efficiency, while making incredibly clutch shots and grabbing 10 boards, it's safe to say that this performance will go down in the annals as an all-time Game 4 performance.
Curry has been doubted by people time and again throughout his career, and what he does best is bounce back from adversity to prove people wrong. Having now put Golden State back in a position where they have home advantage, Curry will be aiming to finally secure that Finals MVP and clinch his 4th ring.