Stephen Curry is having a season similar to his 2016 unanimous MVP year
By Nick Andre
Through the first third of the season, Stephen Curry is on an NBA MVP pace.
The best shooter in the NBA has played with a chip on his shoulder throughout this season. As Stephen Curry continues to play at a high level, his name continues to swarm around MVP conversations. The performances he has put on makes you reflect upon his previous MVP season, where he won the award unanimously.
Stephen Curry’s 2015-16 season
Let’s take a look back at Curry’s 2015-16 campaign. He was by far the best player around the association and it showed with the performances he displayed every night. As the Golden State Warriors were coming off of their first championship as a unit, speculations surrounded the team believing that the team wouldn’t approach the next season with the same mentality.
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Led by Curry, the energy in the Warriors players was top notch. They began the season winning their first 24 games and didn’t show any signs of slowing down.
Curry averaged 30.1 points per game on the season while averaging a career-high 50 percent from the field. It was incredible breakout games night after night and it was no signs of slowing down. Curry played so well throughout the season that many were considering him ranked ahead of LeBron James. Curry was growing into a global icon every step of the way, as the Warriors finished the season with a 73-9 record.
If Golden State would have defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals that season, the crown would have been on Curry’s head and revoked from James. As Curry and the Warriors were on the pace of a repeat, injuries slowed the team down.
Since the 2016 season, Curry’s name dwindled from MVP conversations. But five years later, his name has once again been in the conversation for the award.
Stephen Curry’s 2020-21 season
As Curry was sidelined for most of last season, he has had a chip on his shoulder to return to his team stronger than before. As the Warriors are without Klay Thompson for the second consecutive season, Curry has turned up scoring. He understands that he has to be more aggressive scoring the ball for the Warriors to win.
Curry’s numbers are nearly the same as they were in 2016. He is averaging 30 points per game on 49 percent from the field. It’s incredible for Curry to continue to play at a high level, considering how defenses have played him throughout the season.
The difference between this season and 2016 is Curry must have scoring outbursts to win games. Although he has great teammates surrounding him, the other players’ lack of consistent offense forces Curry to become more of an offensive threat. Luckily, Curry hasn’t burned as of yet. He will look to become even better as the season progresses.
What are Stephen Curry’s MVP chances?
Although LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, and Joel Embiid have been higher favorites to win the NBA MVP Award, Curry’s name deserves to be in the same conversation. In year 12, Curry only continues to get smarter each game.
Stephen Curry possesses such an impact on the floor that all eyes are glued to him. As Golden State looks to push for a playoff spot, Curry will continue to keep his average afloat, amid Golden State’s season.