Two years ago they were Golden State Warriors Worst team in the NBA due to injury. Now they are champions – and Steph Curry is finally Final MVP.
The game was still going. It was in this sixth final game between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors still about 18 minutes to complete. But the referee could have safely ended the match – actually should have ended it. There was no longer any doubt of that. Stephen Curry had just put his fifth treble in the Celtics basket, with Golden State leading 72-50.
Even more interesting than this throw and the big lead, however, was Curry’s reaction. He turned to the audience and pointed his left index finger at his right ring finger. According to the motto: I will wear my fourth championship ring there. And there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.
Curry turns the series in game four
It was a mixture of coolness, boldness and skill – and somehow typical Curry. While they waited in vain in Boston for their admittedly only 24-year-old star, Jayson Tatum finally showing an outstanding game in these finals, it was Curry who had turned the series in favor of his Warriors. In the important 107-97 away win in game four, he almost shot and scored as he wanted, scoring 43 points and being the main reason for the 2-2 aggregate.
And now, on Thursday night, he was also the one who finished those NBA playoffs. With 34 points, Curry was again the most successful thrower. And he became – and this choice could only fall on him – the “most valuable player” (MVP) of this final series. It was the last major title he was missing.
Coach Kerr: “Steph is the reason for this decade”
The Warriors have now won four championships since 2015. Draymond Green is considered the anchor in the defense. About the jump shots of Clay Thompson thick books would have to be written, they are so beautiful and perfect. But the big name and face of this club is that Wardell Stephen Curry, whom they call “Steph” everywhere.
“As great as the organization is, starting with the owners, Steph is the reason behind this decade. He is an otherworldly athlete and human being”said Warriors Trainer Steve Kerr. At ESPN was from the “Steph Curry Era” the speech. He has been playing for Golden State since 2009 and has experienced a lot. The great years with five finals and three titles from 2015 to 2019, for example.
Tears after winning the title
But also the crash in 2020, when Thompson and himself were injured – and Golden State was bottom of the league. The hard way back from the valley, this climb up to the NBA summit within two years, Curry apparently had to think about that after the final whistle. And he couldn’t hide his emotions, cried and sobbed. He said: “At the beginning of the season, nobody but us would have believed that we would be here. We were so far away, we were at rock bottom.”
This was his sixth time in an NBA Finals. But he appreciates it more than ever. “Never take anything for granted”, he warned. “Because you never know when you’re going to get that far again.However, according to bookmakers, the Warriors are the top favorites for the 2023 title, followed by Boston.
Fast start Boston, intermediate sprint Golden State
The Celtics were confident before the all-or-nothing game against Golden State. you have “no fear” (Jaylen Brown) and the German Daniel Theis said one was “still just two wins away from the title.” The Boston Celtics also started with hope, leading 14:2 after four minutes.
But then the California Warriors made it clear that they wanted to win the battle for the NBA crown here and now. In Boston’s TD Garden. Below the 17 Celtics league banners.
A 35:8 sprint followed and when Klay Thompson put the ball in the basket to make it 51:33 in the 21st minute, the Celtics fans started booing. The game now had a training character. The hosts made mistakes again, such as too many turnovers, and the guests gratefully took advantage of this. Even Draymond Green suddenly scored from a three.
Celtics as green as their club colours
The Celtics sometimes looked like a bunch of players who happened to meet in front of the arena shortly before the game started and decided to play a little basketball. Hardly anything worked. Ironically, in this most important game of the season, this one “must win game”they often presented themselves as green as their club colors.
Some ball losses even bordered on slapstick – all that was missing was Benny Hill’s background music. “It hurts and it will hurt for a while”, coach Ime Udoka gave an insight into the inner life of the team. But he also knew what message is important in the hour of defeat. “Learn from it, grow and don’t make the same mistakes again next year.”
Teammates wanted titles for curry
Warriors coach Kerr said he knew how the Celtics would feel. Because he himself lost the NBA finals twice. Most recently in 2019 against Toronto. But the small, untitled time is now over. The Warriors are the best in basketball again. “champs baby”Curry yelled in the dressing room while splashing around with a large bottle of champagne.
Kerr enjoyed these pictures. “We kept telling ourselves we’d do anything and we wanted that title for Steph”he said and couldn’t help but smile. “I know that sounds ironic because he does everything for us.”