James Harden reflects on "special' rivalry with Steph Curry: "Had to really go up against a real dynasty"
James Harden opened up about his rivalry with Steph Curry after leading the LA Clippers to a fantastic 112-104 win over the Golden State Warriors. Harden and Curry added another chapter to their decade-long rivalry on Sunday at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
The two perennial NBA All-Stars faced off for the 38th time in the regular season, with Harden extending his lead in their head-to-head matchups to 22-16. However, the most thrilling aspect of their rivalry has been the high-stakes playoff battles when Harden played for the Houston Rockets.
The two superstars have met in 20 playoff games, where Curry has a commanding 14-6 advantage. Reflecting on his rivalry with Curry, Harden acknowledged the challenge of going up against a “dynasty” led by Curry.
“It happened fast. Just the prime of that Rockets situation going up against that dynasty was just like real," Harden told reporters after the game, as quoted by the Clippers beat writer Joey Linn. "I had to really go up against a real dynasty. It’s special. I’m overly excited and proud of what he’s accomplished in his career. It’s one of those things and stories we can talk about when we get older and retire."
The latest chapter in the Harden-Curry rivalry was bittersweet, as the Warriors superstar had to leave the game with a left ankle injury. Harden played 35:39 minutes, tallying 23 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists, while Curry exited in the fourth quarter after scoring 18 points in 26:42 minutes.
Also read: "Steph hurt season is over": Warriors fans in disarray after Steph Curry exits game against Clippers with gruesome injury
James Harden vs. Steph Curry NBA journeys
James Harden and Steph Curry both entered the NBA in the 2009 draft. Harden was selected third overall by the OKC Thunder, while the Warriors chose Curry with the seventh pick. Since then, both players have become modern-day greats.
Though Harden has yet to win an NBA championship, his resume is impressive, featuring an MVP award, three scoring titles, two assist titles and 10 All-Star selections, among numerous other accolades.
Curry, meanwhile, has defined this generation alongside LeBron James. The Warriors’ superstar has claimed four championships, two league MVPs and a Finals MVP, while forever transforming the game with his extraordinary shooting ability.