The Golden State Warriors are currently at the top of the Western Conference, with a record of 29-1 at this point in the NBA season. With the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder trailing closely behind, fans of the basketball community are eager to see whether the Stephen Curry squad could maintain the lead. In the meantime, the Klay Thompson team is expected to match or even surpass the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan's reign. In fact, this could be possible since Steve Kerr is the head coach of the Draymond Green team.
The recent face-off of the Golden State Warriors saw the NBA champs without Curry. With the 91-114 victory of the Dallas Mavericks over the Harrison Barnes squad, it looks like the reigning MVP is truly an essential part of the team. Before the conclusion of the said match, the Golden State Warriors stars were preparing to show off their skills despite the absence of their leader. However, it appears that no one can replace Curry's brilliance in the hardwood court.
"We told the guys we need everyone else to step up, but not in an individual attitude, as, 'I'm going to go get these points for us,'" said Luke Walton, referring to his message to the team following the announcement of Curry's absence, according to ESPN. The Golden State Warriors coach added, "It's got to be, 'We are going to do this. And we're going to be aggressive, and we're going to look for our shots, and we're going to attack and create for our teammates.'"
As for Curry, the NBA's top scorer is said to understand the importance of putting his health first. Walton said, "He wants to be competing. A lot of that will be decided between the medical staff and Steph. As coaches, obviously, we put our input in, making sure he's healthy before we clear him to play. That will present itself as the days go on here."
The performance of the Golden State Warriors sans Curry was earlier reported to be the testing ground for the NBA star's significance in the team. With a powerhouse lineup, which includes Thompson, Barnes and Green, some fans believe that Curry's excellence is rooted in his support system. The presence of Andre Iguodala and Andrew Bogut also add depth to the Golden State Warriors defense and offense.
Hence, it is challenging to determine if Curry is truly the key to the team's success. That is, can the Golden State Warriors continue their reign without the NBA MVP? Given the recent performance of the champs, it looks like the fans and the front office have their answer. Curry is irreplaceable.
"In the case of the Warriors, it's not only that they're winning, it's the way they are winning," said Adam Silver, according to the Washington Post. He went on to state, "It's with the fact that we have a transcendent player like Stephen Curry - a player that, by NBA standards, is not extraordinarily big, but one who is incredibly aesthetically pleasing to watch, a highly skilled player."
The NBA commissioner added, "I have no doubt that 15 years from now, there will be a generation of players in this league as kids, boys and girls, who fell in love with the game of basketball because they watched the Golden State Warriors and Steph Curry, so I think it's wonderful for the game."
