At 36 years old, Stephen Curry discovers the Olympic Games, like Tyrese Haliburton or Anthony Edwards. Twice world champion, in 2010 and 2014, he is only a “rookie” in the most prestigious of competitions.
Having won everything in the NBA, he is looking for a first Olympic title to complete his collection, and the Warriors point guard admitted that he felt nervous before entering the court.
“I was very nervous before the match, until the national anthem”, he recognizes. “It was a really cool atmosphere there. It was obviously sold out. The energy was great. To put that jersey on at that level… I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time, and I’m just enjoying the moment. That’s why you see me being so demonstrative, from the opening ceremony to tonight when I’m on the bench. I love it, and I wanted to show it at the end of the game as well.”
Discreet beginnings
Very demonstrative in his encouragement, on the field but also on the bench, and author of a 3-point basket without looking if the ball went in, the Warriors shooter finished the match against Serbia with “only” 11 points at 4/8 shooting, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. With such a squad, there is no point in forcing, and it is better to share the ball with the one who has the hot hand. Like Kevin Durant, for example.
“This is our sixth game together, and I'm not even counting the first one because nobody was in good shape,” he continues. “So it’s a strange dynamic where you know what’s at stake and you have to give your best. But at the same time, you have to adapt to the uncomfortable situation of not knowing what it’s going to look like every night. You don’t know who’s going to get hot. It was KD (against Serbia), it could be someone else on Wednesday. And that’s the beauty of this team.”
Of his 11 points, Stephen Curry scored only three before the final quarter, a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 10-5 after Serbia's strong start. However, that start doesn't seem to particularly worry Steve Kerr.
“Steph started slowly”admits the coach. But you see the impact he has. He comes up after a double team, and LeBron (James) throws the ball to Jrue Holiday for a layup because they're terrified of Steph. So Steph's strength is that whether he scores or not, he impacts the game because he scares the other team. Just the threat that Steph creates impacts the game.”
