Steph Curry, the star guard of the Golden State Warriors, made an amazing shot over his former teammate Kevin Durant, who now plays for the Phoenix Suns, in their game on Saturday night. The shot, which was a banked three-pointer from the corner, went viral on social media and drew praises from fans and analysts. The game, which was a showdown between two of the best teams in the NBA, ended with a 118-113 victory for the Warriors.
The Shot and the Reaction: How Curry Made the Shot and How Durant Responded
The shot happened in the first quarter of the game, when the Warriors were trailing by four points. Curry received a pass from Draymond Green, and dribbled to the corner, where he was guarded by Durant. Curry then launched a high-arching shot over Durant’s outstretched arm, and banked it in from the side of the backboard. The shot was so difficult and impressive that even Curry looked surprised and amused.
The shot was captured by the cameras and shared on social media, where it generated a lot of buzz and admiration. Many fans and analysts commented on how Curry is one of the best shooters and players of all time, and how he can make shots that no one else can. Some also noted how Curry and Durant have a friendly rivalry and respect for each other, as they were teammates for three seasons on the Warriors, and won two championships together.
Durant, who is also one of the best players in the NBA, and who scored 37 points in the game, reacted to the shot with a smile and a shake of his head. He later said in a post-game interview that he was not surprised by Curry’s shot, and that he has seen him do it many times before. He also said that he enjoys playing against Curry, and that he is happy for his success.
The Game and the Result: How the Warriors Beat the Suns and What It Means
The game between the Warriors and the Suns was one of the most anticipated and hyped games of the season, as they are both leading the Western Conference with the best records in the NBA. The game was also a rematch of their previous meeting on December 25, 2023, when the Suns beat the Warriors 108-103 in a close and thrilling contest.
The game lived up to the expectations, as it was a back-and-forth battle that featured many lead changes and clutch plays. The Warriors led by as many as 13 points in the first half, but the Suns rallied back and took a four-point lead in the fourth quarter. However, the Warriors responded with a 14-2 run, capped by a three-pointer by Curry, to take a 10-point lead with less than three minutes left. The Suns tried to make a comeback, but the Warriors held on to secure the win.
The win was a statement for the Warriors, who improved their record to 38-9, and extended their lead over the Suns to two games. The win also snapped the Suns’ 18-game winning streak, which was the second-longest in NBA history. The win also showed that the Warriors are still the team to beat in the NBA, and that they have the talent, depth, and chemistry to contend for another title.
Curry was the hero of the game, as he scored 41 points, including nine three-pointers, and added seven assists and six rebounds. He also made several clutch shots and plays in the fourth quarter, and outplayed Durant in their individual matchup. Curry is having an MVP-caliber season, as he is leading the NBA in scoring with 30.7 points per game, and shooting 46.4% from the field and 42.9% from the three-point range. He is also leading the Warriors in assists with 6.3 per game, and steals with 1.7 per game.
The Implications and the Outlook: What the Game Means for the Warriors and the Suns and What to Expect Next
The game between the Warriors and the Suns was not only a thrilling and entertaining spectacle, but also a potential preview of the Western Conference Finals. The Warriors and the Suns are widely considered as the favorites to represent the West in the NBA Finals, as they have the best records, rosters, and coaches in the conference. They also have a lot of respect and admiration for each other, as they play a similar style of basketball, based on ball movement, shooting, defense, and teamwork.
The game also had some implications for the MVP race, as Curry and Durant are both among the top candidates for the award, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. Curry and Durant are both having phenomenal seasons, and are leading their teams to the top of the standings. However, Curry may have an edge over Durant, as he has been more consistent and dominant, and has less help from his teammates.
The game also had some implications for the All-Star Game, which will take place on February 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. Curry and Durant are both locks to be selected as starters for the game, as they are leading the fan voting for the Western Conference guards and forwards, respectively. They may also be joined by some of their teammates, such as Klay Thompson and Draymond Green of the Warriors, and Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton of the Suns, who are having All-Star-worthy seasons as well.
The game also set the stage for the next meeting between the Warriors and the Suns, which will take place on March 5, 2024, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The game will be the third and final regular-season matchup between the two teams, and will likely have implications for the playoff seeding and home-court advantage. The game will also be another opportunity for the fans and the media to witness and enjoy the rivalry and the friendship between Curry and Durant, and the excellence and the excitement of the Warriors and the Suns.
