The NBA world marveled at Stephen Curry, as it has for the past 15 years, as it witnessed his latest act of greatness.
Curry once again stuck a dagger through the Celtics’ chest, sinking a rainbow 3-pointer from the wing off a magnificent pass from Chris Paul. The overtime 3 — a “moon ball,” as Klay Thompson said — gave the Warriors an impressive come-from-behind 132-126 win over Boston.
Curry, the two-time MVP, dropped 20 points in the fourth quarter and overtime period. Nothing he does shocks his head coach Steve Kerr anymore, but he’s still getting flowers from the NBA’s ruling class. Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal became the latest to shower Curry with praise.
“I’m wondering — I’m not saying, just wondering — because he’s been consistently the best shooter his whole career, I’m wondering, is it time to start putting him (in the conversation) as the best player of all time?” O’Neal said Tuesday on TNT’s “Inside The NBA.”
Curry has won four NBA titles — the same number as LeBron James. He could catch Michael Jordan in All-Star and All-NBA selections if he keeps his pace up through his late 30s, but likely won’t finish with as many team or personal accolades. What Curry has, though, is a claim to changing the sport unlike any other player: His unique skills have inspired a 3-point revolution that has taken over the game at all levels.
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The “Inside The NBA” crew has generally been tough on the modern NBA, holding onto the type of basketball they played. They have lambasted rule changes, 3-point-heavy styles and a perceived lack of defense, calling out specific players like Joel Embiid.
But Curry is undeniable, even for a legend like O’Neal.
“Yes, way better than me,” O’Neal said when asked if he thinks Curry is a better player than he was. “Of course. I played 20 years, watched 20 years before that, I’ve never seen a guy like him. And he’s doing it consistently, and he has championships.”
