“He didn’t earn it”- Stephon Marbury denigrates LeBron James' MVP case over arch-rival
Stephon Marbury took a harsh stand against LeBron James after he won the 2024 Paris Olympics MVP award over Steph Curry. Marbury commented on multiple posts six times, claiming it was 'wrong' for LeBron to win the prestigious individual honor at the Olympics. One of his six comments turned out to be a vehement rant.
He commented on his Instagram post (via @starburymarbury), which featured Curry's clutch 3 over Nicholas Batum and Guerschon Yabusele to seal the USA's gold medal win.
"They gave the MVP to the wrong player," Marbury wrote. "Maybe they called out the wrong name by accident ... In international ball, if you can’t shoot, you can’t have the ball at the end of the game.
"I get LeBron is the King to many, but let me say this: when you give him what he doesn’t deserve, you basically say that because of what he’s done, he should receive such a high honor on the biggest stage. No, he didn’t earn it this time."
You can read Marbury's comment here:
Marbury was at the game, sitting courtside next to Carmelo Anthony. He even congratulated LeBron James after he shared a moment with Carmelo. However, James didn't reciprocate Marbury's gesture. The yesteryear two-time All-Star has frequently taken shots at James, especially with him not being one of the most efficient jump shooters.
He used the same reason when putting his point forward about James not deserving to win MVP over Curry after the latter's exploits in the clutch against France on Saturday. Curry took the USA over the line with four consecutive triples in the final three minutes, killing France's hopes of causing an upset at home.
LeBron James, meanwhile, took a backseat in that stretch. However, he was involved in the plays next to Steph Curry as the two spammed empty side pick and roll actions that benefited the latter.
Did LeBron James deserve MVP over Steph Curry? Close look at Stephon Marbury's rant
Stephon Marbury based his case for Steph Curry to win MVP on his performances in the semifinals and finals. If not for Curry rediscovering his rhythm in those games, the USA may have had to settle for a bronze or silver. Curry scored 36 points in the semis against Serbia, shooting nine 3s, in a game where the USA were down 17 points at one point.
Curry's shotmaking, especially in the first half, kept the gold medal winners in the contest. The finals were similar after Curry produced 24 points, making eight triples. He hit four with three minutes left in the game and a three-point lead separating the USA from France.
LeBron James, on the other hand, was the most consistent player for the USA throughout the tournament. While Steph Curry struggled until the quarterfinals, James cruised as a Swiss army knife, impacting the game in various areas. He led the team in rebounds and assists (6.8 and 8.5, respectively) while averaging 14.2 points on 66.0% shooting.
Curry was the best player in the final two games, but even then, James made invaluable contributions. In the semis, he registered a 16-point triple-double, shooting 66.7%, and in the finals, he had 14 points, six rebounds and 10 assists on 60.0% shooting.
Steph Curry undoubtedly stepped up when the USA needed it the most. However, LeBron James maintaining his impact was just as critical to the team's success, making him the rightful MVP award winner by a slight margin over his long-time NBA rival.