As Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors redefine the limits of basketball this season, the NBA’s most valuable player has revealed a perhaps-not-surprising source of inspiration.
Curry, the Warriors point guard, took a conference call with international media late Wednesday and revealed he is a “big fan” of Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, and noted their creative approach to their respective crafts makes for apt comparison.
“We both have a creative style,” he said, “where it’s just about a feel when you’re out on the pitch or the court.
“I try to do some fancy things out there with both hands, making crossover moves and kind of having a certain creativity and flair to my game.”
Curry added he could see where that flair in his style on the basketball court translates to Messi’s showmanship in football.
“That’s definitely my style, that Messi has when he’s out there in his matches.
“I love watching him play. I’m a big fan. And to see just a guy that you never know what he’s going to do at any particular moment – when he’s on TV, everybody is glued in because, as soon as he gets a touch with the ball, something special could happen. And you’ve got to appreciate that kind of talent.”
It has served Curry and his team well so far, as his defending champions Warriors have raced to a record-breaking 16-0 start to begin the season.
The all-time record for a win streak in the NBA is the Los Angeles Lakers’ 33-game run, set 43 years ago, in 1972. Curry said it was a mark the Warriors do think about some, and want to strive for.
“That’s important to have like tangible goals that you can look at it and really work for.
“So, we talk about 33. I think I’ve probably talked about it more than anybody else on the team, just because I know about the history and just really how hard it is. We’ve had, like, two 16-game winning streaks the last two years and those are pretty special feats.
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“For us to have to double that output, I mean we’re going to play hard and hopefully close in on that record, but it won’t be a disappointing effort if we don’t get there. Because there are so many talented teams in this league and for us to just be playing at a high level right now, that’s what we’re worried about.
“And if we close in and get to 29, 30 games, we’ll talk about it a little bit more.”
Curry has been central to the development of the Warriors’ approach to basketball, which is built around a smaller line-up that plays more flowing and fluid basketball. The ability to stack the floor with shooters and push the tempo is also known as “pace and space” and he said it was something they prided themselves in taking it to a championship level.
“I’m sure it’s been done in the past, but I think our efficiency and obviously our record is kind of showing that it’s a very powerful line-up and a powerful way to play on the court. It’s turning a lot of heads.
“We’re going to use our skill and our athleticism and our shooting and just the different line-ups that we can throw out there to help us win games. And the three-point shot is definitely something that’s more prevalent now than it ever has been.”
One of the first teams to utilise that style prominently were the Phoenix Suns of a decade ago, led by their own MVP point guard, Steve Nash, who is consulting with the Warriors. Curry said he anticpates building a productive relationship with him the Canadian.
“I was really waiting for some more games to get under our belt to get some film so that we can sit down and watch it together and I can kind of see how he sees the game and decisions that he would make in certain … like the situations when I’m out there on the floor so that I can get a different perspective.
“But we have had some one-on-one sessions where he’s given me a few pointers on how to play the pick-and-roll and how to find, be creative, to find different shots. So we’re still in the beginning process of our … I guess you’d call it player-coach relationship, but he’s definitely going to be a valuable asset for us as we get into the main bulk of the season.”
Curry believes the Warriors’ cohesive and well-oiled style, combined with a determined spirit, can continue to reshape the game.
“It’s about being skilled. Obviously, I’m not the most physically dominant person out there. I’m six-foot-three inches (1.90m), 185 pounds (83.9kg) soaking wet, and you try to just be able to do a lot of different things on the court.
“Being able to dribble with both hands, being able to shoot the ball from inside and outside. Holding your own at the defensive end, and you’ve got to have heart.
“That’s the biggest thing that we show and demonstrate every night, with our small-ball tenacity, and the way we go out. It doesn’t really matter, really, the next guy if he’s taller than me, if he’s stronger than me, if he’s faster than me.
“If I have that will and heart to compete, I think more times than not, you’ll be successful.
“So, there is a lot of opportunity in the game of basketball for the shorter guy, and if there wasn’t, I wouldn’t be in this league.”
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