Steve Kerr compares Steph Curry to Michael Jordan for witnessing wild fandom for former on road games: “He’s the modern MJ”
Steph Curry put on a masterclass right when the Golden State Warriors needed it the most. Coach Steve Kerr hailed him as the modern Michael Jordan.
The Dubs took on the Washington Wizards on the road and, in case you haven't been following the league lately, the Warriors have been abysmal away from Chase Center. After tonight's win, they're 5-17 on the road, second-worst in the league.
The Warriors found themselves with an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Dubs fans were upset and ranting on social media, steadily losing hope as they prematurely chalked it off as every other road game this season. Curry was then subbed in, and he proceeded to put on a show for the fans, winning the game with his gravity and supreme shot-making.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr heard MVP chants from the away crowd, saw the masterful clutch performance. His mind immediately went to Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest to ever lace up in the sport. After the game, Kerr compared his superstar guard with his former teammate:
"He’s the modern MJ. I used to see this with the Bulls, half the crowd's got red 23 jerseys on and now half the crowd's got blue and yellow 30 jerseys…Steph transcends the game. He elicits an emotion from people I think because he's so awe-inspiring with his play that no matter where we go, there are people who are cheering for him and can't wait to see him perform, because we have never seen anything like him…he's incredibly inspiring and as a result we get a ton of support on the road."
Steph Curry received MVP chants while he was at the free-throw late in the fourth quarter while standing in an opposing team's arena. Not many stars can brag about such love from away fans. Steve Kerr apparently last saw it with Michael Jordan while he was his teammate with the Chicago Bulls.
twitter.com/957thegame/sta…
Steve Kerr on Steph Curry: “He’s the modern MJ. I used to see this with the Bulls… Steph transcends the game." 💯 twitter.com/957thegame/sta…
With the game on the line and his backcourt partner Klay Thompson on the bench, Steph Curry decided to take over.
The Golden State Warriors were in an eight-point hole with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter. Kerr decided to sub-in Curry a minute earlier than he usually does, and he dropped 12 points in the final six minutes. He made a ridiculous step-back three-pointer from 28 feet with two defenders over him, and the crowd went berserk.
STEPH CURRY. 🔥
https://t.co/WxKcaZr7PN
The baby-faced assassin finished with 41 points, seven rebounds and two assists while shooting 12-28 from the field and 6-15 from three-point range. Steph Curry is now shooting at 52/42/100 splits when the Warriors are tied or behind in clutch moments this season.
Steve Kerr reckons Steph Curry broke through a barrier on his return
Steph Curry has dropped 41 points before but to witness such a flurry at the age of 34 while playing in a second game of a back-to-back, and it was an afternoon game as well was something else. The Dubs barely got rest or postgame recovery after the Chicago game, and they headed for the road to play in an afternoon game against the Wizards in DC.
However, Curry only cared about getting a win, and he played 38 minutes to do it. The Warriors are visiting the White House tomorrow as reigning champions, and the Finals MVP wanted to enter the building with a win on his mind. Kerr believes Curry broke through a barrier in his return to the court. He spoke after the game:
"I think we have seen him over the last few games since he's back, like take steps. He's had some moments, I thought even tonight…second quarter, kind of struggled, looked a little bit tired to me. I don't think he looked like he was looking three weeks ago, before the injury but you can see him breaking through barriers."
"Its hard getting a month off in the middle of the season with an injury and then trying to catch up to speed, everybody else is in mid-season full-go mode and I think (he is) trying to fight through some barriers. I think Steph made some strides today."
Coach Kerr suggested that Curry is finally getting rid of the rust and is getting back to mid-season form. Kerr equated the situation to Andrew Wiggins who also returned after a long stretch and is trying to find his rhythm.
Steph Curry played 38 minutes, shot 28 times and scored 41 points today on the second night of an afternoon back-to-back. Steve Kerr said he feels like Curry broke through a barrier in his return. https://t.co/dDFmNK7BGM
Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors continue their road trip with a much-anticipated Finals rematch at Boston. The Dubs won their first Finals rematch at Chase Center earlier this season, and now the red-hot Celtics will try to get revenge.