It was a glittering night for the Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers. They commanded the game, made big plays and Stephen Curry was at the epicenter of the action. He dropped in 37 points and showed out in another entertaining matchup against LeBron James. The moment of the night though came at the end. The entire crowd broke out into MVP chants for the Chef.
But to him, it felt weird. As important as it is to compete on the floor, Curry acknowledges that the fan rivalry is captivating too. “I appreciate the way our fans travel… It’s in every sport. It’s a vibe for sure. You love the competitiveness on the court and in the stand,” he said. But the chants in the Lakers’ arena is something he hasn’t experienced frequently.
It was because of the allure of one man. And no it is not LeBron James. Curry recalled his first few years and how Kobe Bryant’s craze consumed the Oracle. “I remember our first couple of years we used chant Beat LA in the Bay at Oracle but the Lakers fans were way louder Kobe came in. So it’s kind of like a weird dynamic seeing one side of it and then seeing what it is now. It’s just sports, it’s fun. You embrace it all,” Curry commented on the moment.
As unusual as it felt, Stephen Curry called for those chants.
Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after a three-point basket during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In two games, the 36-year-old has scored 89 points, including a 50-point night against the Memphis Grizzlies. Moreover, the turnaround for the Warriors commands such chants. The Baby Face Assassin is gearing up right before the most important phase of the playoffs. It comes at the perfect time for the Golden State Warriors.
However, as vital as Curry’s contributions were tonight, Steve Kerr launched a great plan too.
Steve Kerr and his master plan
The Lakers’ defense has posed several problems to teams around the league. JJ Redick likes to play with ferocity and high energy. Closing the gaps comes with a lot of switching action. Generally, it has helped the Lakers curtail offense. But tonight, those tactics hurt them. Kerr decided to attack matchups.
In a rare instance, Stephen Curry shot 14 free throws tonight, which Kerr thinks is a “season high”. But he was more of the direct influence. What has changed the game for the Warriors is playing through him and Jimmy Butler.
“Yeah, it’s just freeing Steph up with screens… But being able to play through both Steph and Jimmy and attack switches with different guys under different circumstances was really key,” the Warriors coach added.
It was evident in how the production came. Jimmy Butler although hobbled by injury only produced 11 points. However, Brandin Podziemski took advantage of the switches. He went off for 28 points, hitting a season-high eight three-pointers. Jonathan Kuminga also attacked favorable matchups, getting to the line five times and scoring 18.
It goes to show how much the trade deadline has transformed the Warriors. Having Jimmy Butler has opened up great space for the remainder of the Warriors. And closer to the playoffs, these chess matches could determine a series. Having two stars that can attract the defense’s attention is a major advantage to have.
Players like Podziemski and Kuminga will be in the limelight. If executed well, stunning results like tonight won’t be uncommon for the Bay.
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