Two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry delivered a vintage clutch performance to seal the Golden State Warriors‘ 126-121 win over the LA Clippers in the NBA’s play-in tournament on Wednesday.
When Curry checked back into the game in the fourth quarter, the Warriors were down 13 points. The 2022 NBA Finals MVP would score 11 of his game-high 35 points in the final 9:27, including a dagger three in the final minute to end the Clippers’ season.
Curry’s teammates and peers from around the league, along with scores of fans and analysts, reacted to his blistering performance.
Warriors Celebrate Steph Curry
“He’s unreal,” Kristaps Porzingis said of Curry after playing with the four-time NBA champion in a high-stakes game for the first time since arriving from Atlanta.
“I’m happy I’m on his side now because I used to be on the other side. And there’s not much you can do when he gets going. It’s truly unique. One of the most special players we’ve ever seen.”
Al Horford was in awe watching his new teammate.
“That was great,” said Horford, who was on the receiving end of Curry’s brilliance in the 2022 NBA Finals between the Warriors and Boston Celtics.
“You don’t like being on the other side when he does what he does. Just as clutch of a player as you can find. I catch myself just watching him when I’m out there because it still impresses me.”
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Curry proved why he returned from a knee injury when so many implored him to sit out the rest of the season.
“This is why Steph came back,” Kerr said. “Everybody out there who thought Steph shoulda taken the rest of the year off, this is what he does. This is who he is. If he can compete, he’s going to compete, and it was just incredible to watch.”
Curry Heroics Keep Warriors Alive
As Kerr noted, Curry dealt with a lingering injury that forced him to miss 27 consecutive games.
“Most people would quit,” Green said while praising Curry’s resolve, via ESPN.
“Especially when you’re in a position like that — you leave [the lineup] in the seventh spot and you come back and we’re in 10th. Locked in 10th. Most people would get themselves right and do it again next year.”
Clippers guard Darius Garland wasn’t too surprised by Curry’s performance.
Below are more reactions from across the NBA world.
The Warriors will face the Phoenix Suns on Friday in another play-in game, with the winner advancing to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post NBA World Reacts to Steph Curry Performance in Warriors Play-In Win appeared first on Heavy Sports.