3 ways Steph Curry could have a huge bearing on Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Steph Curry is gearing up to make his debut at the Olympic Games. The four-time NBA champion has won two FIBA World Cup titles with Team USA but in his glittering 16-year career, the "greatest shooter" has never represented the USA in the Olympics. Curry, along with his long-time rival LeBron James, are two of the biggest superstars in Team USA's roster for the quadrennial competition.
Curry's ability to shoot the basketball is well-documented. The one-time NBA Finals MVP is the secret weapon on Team USA's roster that can decimate any opponent with an explosive shooting burst. If Curry gets hot from the 3-point range, there is nothing an opposing coach or players can do.
His ability to run across a gauntlet of screens and spot up for a shot, combined his with skills to create 3-point shots make him an impossible player to guard. One thing is for certain: when teams face the USA, Curry will most certainly be on the top of their scouting report. Let's take a closer look at some mind-boggling Steph Curry stats that could be prevalent at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
3 ways Steph Curry could impact Team USA at the Olympics
#1, Steph Curry's 300+ 3-point seasons
Steph Curry recorded his fifth season in the league with at least 300 made 3-pointers during the 2023-24 NBA season. The 10-time All-Star knocked down 357 shots from beyond the arc in 876 attempts. It was Curry's second-most prolific season from behind the arc after he made 402 3-pointers during the 2015-16 season.
Apart from 2022-24 and 2015-16, Curry recorded 300 made 3-pointers in 2016-17, 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons.
To understand the sheer magnificence of Curry's aforementioned numbers, there have been only two instances of a player recording a season with 300 made 3s in the last 45 years (as per NBA.com). Expect Curry to be a force from the 3-point line.
#2 Ability to perform in clutch
Steph Curry has the ability to rise to the occasion under extreme pressure. In the 2023-24 NBA season, the Warriors' poster boy recorded incredible numbers in clutch situations. Curry scored 189 points on 49.6% shooting from the floor, including 45.7% from beyond the arc. Overall, he made 59 shots, including 32 shots from the 3-point range.
When the Chips are down, Curry is at his best, so expect him to come up big in clutch situations.
#3 Ability to get hot and stay hot
Surprisingly, Steph Curry hasn't been at his best leading up to the Paris Games. Curry was the third-leading scorer behind LeBron James and Anthony Edwards. The point guard averaged 12.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 21.8 minutes, shooting 44.0% from the field and 37.8% from the 3-point range.
Most notably, Curry made 14 of his 37 shots from beyond the arc. The volume of attempts and makes are considerably down for a player who can break the game open in a span of minutes with his inspirational shot-making. For instance, last season Curry scripted a colossal record when he knocked down seven or more 3-pointers in four consecutive games.
The four-time NBA champion is due for a big offensive game where he catches a heater from the 3-point range. When Curry finds his form he has a habit of maintaining it, and opposition teams and coaches will be aware of this too.