Stephing Up

Steph Curry missed nearly the last calendar month of 2017.  In the 11 games he didn't play due to his ankle injury the Warriors were 9-2. That included winning games in which only two regular starters actually started, due to other injuries. So they continued to look like a championship team, and some began to wonder if Kevin Durant wasn't really the true leader and best player on Golden State.

Then Steph came back.  He scored 38 points on limited minutes, including 10 three pointers, the most any single player has hit in a game this NBA season.  His moves to the basket were equally dazzling, he pushed the pace, got opportunities for others as the Dubs distributed, assisted and cut down turnovers. The Warriors scored 141 points, easily outdistancing any single game in the past month without him.  He played with enthusiasm and fire. The energy on the court and in the Golden State stands was electric.

In one game, Curry proved he is the heart and soul of the Warriors, their most valuable player, and at least in terms of how he transforms the game, the MVP of the NBA.