Happy birthday, Chef: 5 memorable plays from Stephen Curry
It seems criminal to imagine, but during a season when Russell Westbrook is a walking triple-double, James Harden is reinvigorating the Houston Rockets' offense, an injured Kevin Durant is in the Bay Area, and LeBron James continues to play like LeBron James, it feels as though reigning back-to-back NBA MVP Stephen Curry has become somewhat of an afterthought.
If there was ever a day for the spotlight to shine solely on the Golden State Warriors sharpshooter, though, it would be today, as Curry is turning 29 years old.
The Splash Brother's numbers have taken a hit throughout the campaign, which was to be expected with a player of Durant's caliber in the mix. Then again, they haven't fallen off to the point where Curry shouldn't still be considered one of the Association's premier talents. With all of the compelling storylines playing out elsewhere in the league, we are sometimes guilty of forgetting that.
Well, forget no more, as we look back at some of Curry's most mesmerizing plays from his career to refresh your memory:
Curry sends CP3 into a CP-freefall
Oh, Chris Paul.
One of the greatest defenders ever at his position, yet you wouldn't know that from how silly Curry made him look with this behind-the-back dribble.
Watching this again in slow motion further emphasizes how dirty the move was.
Curry weaves through Clippers' defense, drains 3-pointer
How does one even begin to explain what Curry did on this possession?
Sure, we could try, but a picture truly is worth a thousand words when it comes to ... whatever this was.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr's reaction pretty much sums it up, anyway.
Curry displays limitless range, buries Thunder
"Way downtown," Mike Breen?
This game-winner against the Oklahoma City Thunder was from so far back, Curry had to go through customs just so it would count.
How many people would have the fortitude to attempt a shot at such a pivotal moment in the game from that area of the floor? Not many, that's for sure.
It's showtime at the Oracle
A no-look pass in transition leading to an uncontested slam dunk?
Yes please.
It's easy to be in awe of Curry for his scoring prowess and 3-point marksmanship, but his ability to drop highlight-reel dimes such as this with relative ease isn't too shabby either.
No foul, but plenty of backboard
It's safe to say the basketball gods have a soft spot for Curry, but on this night at the Grindhouse, they showed him some extra love.
Few officials would blow the whistle from this far out on what looked like the slightest of contact, yet that didn't stop Curry from trying to pick up a foul and head to the line for three free throws.
The refs didn't bite, but the gods answered his prayers on this running bank shot from the perimeter, salvaging what would've otherwise been a questionable decision on Curry's part.