Stephen Curry is destined to leave an indelible mark in the annals of basketball history, regarded either as the greatest point guard of all time or one of the top three. Even as he approaches his 36th birthday during the 2023-24 season, Curry’s prowess remains intact. Knicks’ guard Miles McBride sheds light on why Curry’s dominance persists while discussing the challenges of defending him in the NBA.
McBride emphasizes that Curry’s strength and balance make him nearly impervious to being easily knocked off course—a trait that greatly contributes to his exceptional shooting ability. Furthermore, Curry’s extensive experience has exposed him to a myriad of defensive strategies, enabling him to swiftly adapt to how defenders approach him. This strategic acumen allows him to decipher how opponents are guarding him and, in turn, predict how the rest of the defense will react. This level of anticipation grants him a unique sense of freedom on the court.
Even though injuries have occasionally hindered Curry’s availability for an entire season, he consistently demonstrates that he can be a preeminent force when he is on the court. His average of 29.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game from the previous season attests to his multifaceted skill set. Despite his inability to remain completely healthy, Curry’s performances when active make a compelling case for his status as one of the league’s premier players.
Miles McBride, still working his way toward NBA stardom, had limited playing time last season, averaging 3.5 minutes and 1.1 assists as a sophomore. He hopes to assume a more significant role in the upcoming season.
Curry’s offensive prowess is universally recognized across NBA teams, with the realization that constraining his production can be a formidable challenge. Whether opponents choose to make his scoring efficient or challenging, Curry consistently racks up 20-25 points per game. A notable example was the Lakers’ approach in the playoffs, where they managed to limit Curry’s shooting percentages, albeit his scoring remained impactful.
Despite averaging 26.7 points per game, Curry’s shooting efficiency was lowered to 43.9% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range by the Lakers during the series, both figures below his regular season averages. During the offseason, Curry dedicated significant effort to honing his skills, a testament to his commitment as his team aspires to regain championship contention and secure the NBA title.
As Curry approaches his 36th year, fans are eager to witness the trajectory of his career, especially given his style’s reliance on off-ball movement to create open shots. While his shooting prowess is likely to remain steadfast, his physical condition could pose challenges, as evidenced by his recent injury history.