Steph Curry reacts to late travel call in Mavericks game: "I didn't think it was a travel... but who am I to say?"
Steph Curry was called for a crucial traveling violation with 10.1 seconds left in the game between the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks. Golden State were trailing 115-113 against Dallas when the referee called the infraction on Curry.
The visibly-frustrated two-time MVP had this to say about the potentially game-changing call:
“Bang, bang situation. Dumb play by me not to take the layup. I got a little confused on what the time and the score was, honestly, and went for the hero shot. I didn’t think it was a travel until the point where you don’t let the play run out, but who am I to say?”
Steph was called for a travel with 10 seconds left in the game ... https://t.co/mgcv9Gk1mD
Steph Curry squeaked past Mavericks center Maxi Kleber and could have continued to drive into the lane for a floater or a layup. Instead, he took a step back, faked and was about to launch a 3-point attempt when the traveling violation was called.
It was the second time that the Warriors' point guard was called for a similar infraction. Curry used the same move on Christian Wood with 35.9 seconds left in the third quarter when he was whistled for traveling. He stared long and hard at the referee, almost in disbelief at the decision.
Before Steph Curry’s error, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic was also aghast at the officials for a traveling violation.
The NBA has recently cracked down on this type of play. There were 10 such calls tonight between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks.
Superstars such as Curry and Doncic, who use the step back and fake before pivoting in a different direction, will have to adjust. Unfortunately, tonight, the Warriors took a big blow following the infraction call on Curry.
Steph Curry finished with 32 points, five rebounds and five assists. Two of his four turnovers were due to the aforementioned violations.
Steve Kerr urges the NBA to be consistent with its emphasis on traveling violations
Coach Steve Kerr wouldn’t comment if Steph Curry committed two traveling violations, saying that he would review the replay first. He also would not point out that Curry’s infraction cost them the game as the Dallas Mavericks were still leading by two points.
Kerr, however, had this to say on how officiating should work moving forward:
“Calls are calls, some go your way, some don’t. I guess the NBA’s making an emphasis on plays like that. … It’s gonna be really interesting to see, like if we’re gonna call that now, we’re gonna call it all the time because it happens 30 times a game.
“Guys change pivot feet. I’m really happy that the officials are really gonna emphasize it but gonna be consistent with it.”
Steve Kerr wants to see consistency if the NBA is going focus on traveling calls https://t.co/xgG979ppCv
The emphasis on the legal use of the pivot foot could be significant this year for Steph Curry. He has been reliant on his guile, ball handling and footwork to create separation between himself and defenders.
Curry is having one of the best seasons of his career. If he fails to adjust to the emphasis on traveling, he may start to struggle, particularly against bigger opponents who can keep up with him.