Difficult to understand the why of the how but it was enough of a match of Stephen Curry with less success so that part of the public wonders if Andrew Wiggins should not be elected MVP of the finals in the event of coronation of the Golden State Warriors. We know that this segment of the basketball population remains a minority and we hope that most of them play the provocation card.
Because even the word “hater” is weak to define a fan who would consider Curry unworthy of the individual trophy – again assuming the Warriors go all the way, which they don’t.
The Golden State point guard has been two notches above everyone since the start of the NBA Finals. He is by far the best player on the pitch. His 30 points average make him the most prolific player, with a real head start on Jayson Tatum (23), Jaylen Brown (21) then Wiggins (18). While knowing that he is also more skilful: 46% success in shots and 41% in three-pointers despite a 0 out of 9 in the last game.
2022: the best version of Stephen Curry?
Stephen Curry is on another planet. It has perhaps never been so strong, even if that lends itself to debate. On the other hand, what seems certain is that he has never been so fit. His physical condition is exceptional. He is constantly targeted by the opposing defense and that does not prevent him from shining like no one else.
Steve Kerr often says the Warriors wouldn’t be where they are today without Andrew Wiggins and he’s right. But it is above all to highlight the impact of his winger, whose performances are decisive in the Californians’ quest for the trophy. Except that we must not confuse factor X and MVP. Without Curry, Golden State wouldn’t even be a title contender.
Without his 43 points in Game 4, one of the craziest performances of his career, the Boston Celtics would probably have led 3-1 and would be close to the crown. What’s worse is that even Steph’s no-address match wasn’t a particularly bad match. He still finished with 16 points, a few important baskets, 8 assists and only one lost ball.
Whether he scores or not, he always makes life easier for his teammates by creating movement and drawing the attention of the defense to him. Andrew Wiggins was excellent in his role by exploiting these spaces and attacking his opponents with dribbles. He was the hero of Game 5. But not of the series. You have to know how to put things into perspective and keep a cool head. The Canadian asserts himself as the second best element of Golden State in these finals and it is already a very good achievement.
For the MVP, we will stay on Stephen Curry. Maybe even in case of defeat of the Warriors as he seems above the lot. Moreover, precisely, if he continues to evolve at this level, difficult to imagine his team not going to the end.
