How Steph Curry and Golden State Warriors draw inspiration from Lionel Messi and Barcelona
NBA all-star Stephen Curry has been dominating the game of basketball for more than a year now and the reigning 2014/15 Most Valuable Player looks all set to defend his title this season as well. The Golden State Warriors have already booked a playoff berth with 68 wins in 75 games so far with Curry averaging 30 points a game and sinking an unbelievable 361 three-pointers so far.
With El Clasico around the corner, Curry has admitted that he will be watching the game with keen interest as Real Madrid travel to the Camp Nou to take on Barcelona. It is an opportunity for Real Madrid to exact revenge for the 4-0 loss in the reverse fixture at the Bernabeu as they look to reel in the league leaders who have a seemingly unassailable 10-point lead.
The fixture has seen its popularity rise in recent years after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in La Liga and the two players have shattered records on their way to the last eight Ballon d’Or wins, with Messi winning five of them. And Curry is aware of the rivalry on the pitch between the two world class players.
“They’re two very talented guys with different styles,” Curry said. “So there will usually be some dramatics and something very entertaining going on in that game.”
More: Stephen Curry – The evolution of a superstar and the similarity to Lionel Messi
Warriors watch videos of Messi
Curry also revealed that he and the team have watched videos of Messi and Barcelona thanks to their coach Steve Kerr who wanted his team to play in a similar manner. Barcelona’s play is heavily reliant on moving the ball around with players always available for a pass and the Warriors have strived to emulate and perfect that strategy in the NBA.
“Coach Kerr showed us films of some soccer greats, especially Messi,” Curry explained. “We watched how they play, the style and what they do every single game, how they score.
“He drew a lot of similarities to how we play, moving the ball, using each other.”
A lot of similarities have been drawn between Curry and Messi too – currently the two best players at the top of their respective sports. And the 28-year-old American is aware of the comparisons and admits he loves to watch Messi in action.
“Both of us have a creative style of play. I try to do nice things with my hands, to be creative like Messi.
“I love watching him play because you never know what he is going to do with the ball and I love the talent he has.”