As the Golden State Warriors won their fourth title in eight years, you could not help but give Stephen Curry his flowers this time around.
There was no Kevin Durant, no outstanding defensive performance from Andre Iguodala, or even the stacked supporting cast around Stephen Curry this time around. Instead, heading into the 2022 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics, it felt as if it was Steph vs. a team of destiny.
And through three games, it seemed as if the team of destiny would prove to be too much. But as time expired in Game 6, there was plenty to celebrate for the Warriors.
And not just that they had won three straight games against a Celtics team that had not lost back-to-back games since March. Or even the fact that they managed to win the NBA Finals on the road, the team’s fourth in eight years.
More than anything, this time – this celebration – was all about the coronation of Steph Curry. It was his time. His moment. And he took full advantage of it.
Time and time again in Game 6, it was Steph who shut the door every time the Celtics tried to make a run to get back in the game – he finished with 34 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists on 12-21 shooting from the field and 6-11 shooting from 3.
Curry stepped up big in closing out the Celtics to help the Warriors clinch their fourth championship in eight years. He also won his first Finals MVP award in which he finished the series by averaging 31 points, six rebounds, and five assists on 48 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent shooting from 3.
When the Warriors needed him most, Curry was there to step up and carry the team. The splash brothers aren’t the splash brothers anymore – thanks to back-to-back significant leg injuries to Kaly Thompson – and Draymond Green, more often than not, is a shell of his former self.
This was not the same overwhelming Warriors that beat LeBron James to win their first title. This was a much different team led by Steph, who was still amazing, and a new collection of players – including Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, and Kevon Looney.
The result was the same, however, in large part to Curry.
And he finally got his flowers.
Curry left no doubt. He’s an all-time great and there’s really no nitpicking his performance in these Finals. The Warriors may have won their fourth title in eight years to extend their dynasty, but make no mistake, this title was more about the coronation of Steph.