Steph Curry’s best 5 seasons
Table of Contents
It's been said that the NBA's evolution over the past decade, from a game dominated by big men to a perimeter-based symphony, owes a lion's share of its transformation to a baby-faced assassin named Wardell Stephen Curry II. But just which season of Curry's illustrious career stands above the rest? Today, we'll peel back the layers, one shot, one dribble, one no-look pass at a time, and dive deep into the artistry of Steph Curry's five best seasons. It's like ranking Scorsese films - even the "worst" is better than most players' best.
5. 2015-2016: The Unanimous MVP
Some would argue that this season should rank higher. Heck, this is the season Curry became the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. His three-point marksmanship was akin to Da Vinci painting the Mona Lisa, every night. He buried 402 threes (shattering his own record), with an absurd 45.4% accuracy. Remember when you'd play those old arcade basketball games, and it felt like every shot you took went in? Curry was the real-life version of that.
Beyond the stats, there was a freewheeling looseness to his game. His handles became stuff of legend; opponents might've preferred facing Medusa rather than Curry in open space, with her turning them to stone probably being less embarrassing than getting ankle-broken by Steph. His 30.1 PPG, 6.7 APG, and a 66.9% true shooting percentage - they all were testament to his evolution as the league's premier scoring point guard. But the reason this season doesn’t top the list is that he set the bar so ludicrously high for himself that he went on to outdo this in subsequent years. Insane, right?
4. 2018-2019: Overcoming Adversity
In the realm of Curry seasons, 2018-2019 feels like that cult classic album you'd recommend to a friend saying, "It wasn’t their biggest hit, but man, give it a listen." This season saw him average 27.3 PPG, hitting five threes a game on 43.7% shooting. Impressive stats, no doubt. But what stands out this year was his resilience. With KD’s injury in the playoffs, the weight of Golden State’s success rested squarely on Steph's shoulders. And did he deliver? It's like asking if 'The Godfather' is a good movie.
With Durant sidelined, Steph's playmaking took center stage. He was that maestro in an orchestra, dictating the tempo and ensuring every instrument (teammate) played their part. This was evident with his 5.2 APG during the regular season and his even more impressive playoff performances. Think of this season as Curry’s 'Taxi Driver' - dark, gritty, and against all odds.
3. 2014-2015: The Breakthrough
In a way, this season was Curry's 'Goodfellas' - an explosive coming-out party. Winning his first MVP award, Steph was the engine behind the Warriors' 67-win juggernaut. Averaging 23.8 PPG and 7.7 APG, his synergy with Klay, forming the iconic Splash Brothers duo, was like Lennon meeting McCartney for the first time; magic just ensued.
His 44% from beyond the arc was jaw-dropping. But what was more compelling was the narrative shift. The league began to ask: could a team led by a point guard, especially one so three-point reliant, win a championship? Curry, with his mix of youthful exuberance and assassin-like focus, responded with an emphatic 'Yes,' leading the Warriors to their first NBA title in 40 years.
2. 2020-2021: Resurgence in the Face of Doubt
The post-Durant era. A hobbled Klay. Critics murmuring maybe the dynasty was over. But like Rocky Balboa in 'Rocky III,' Curry trained harder, punched meat in freezers (metaphorically), and came back with a vengeance. His 32 PPG led the league, earning him his second scoring title, all while maintaining an impressive 5.8 APG.
The season showcased Curry as a scoring maestro, a Picasso with his brush, painting masterpieces game after game. His usage rate skyrocketed, as did his importance. The weight of expectations would've crushed lesser athletes. For Steph, it was just another day at the office. A season that solidified his place as not just a generational talent, but an all-time great.
1. 2019-2020: The Phoenix Rising
The sheer poetry of this season! A year removed from their Finals loss, with injuries plaguing the Warriors, this was the season Curry showcased his most versatile avatar. His assists spiked (6.6 APG), emphasizing his role as a facilitator. It's like when Scorsese decided to make 'The Last Temptation of Christ' after 'Raging Bull.' Unexpected, but breathtaking.
He was no longer just the guy to put up threes (though he did plenty of that with a 42.5% success rate). Instead, he morphed, becoming the team's lynchpin in every aspect. Defenses threw everything at him, and Curry, with his ball-handling wizardry and unparalleled court vision, adapted, proving that his game wasn't one-dimensional. It was multidimensional, ever-evolving, and absolutely unmatched.
In conclusion, the beauty of Steph Curry's game lies not just in his statistics but in the narrative arcs of each season. From breakout star to unanimous MVP, from resilient leader to the very embodiment of the Warrior spirit, Curry's game has, like fine wine, only gotten better with age. And as we toast to these five illustrious seasons, one can't help but wonder: what masterpiece will he paint next?
