Stephen Curry Struggles, Lebron James Thrives in MVP Matchup

It was a marquee matchup featuring a four-time MVP up against this season’s front-runner. It was the perfect time for Stephen Curry, to put on a show and outduel “The King” LeBron James on his home court in Cleveland, Ohio. It was the perfect time for Curry to step up and solidify his position as the Most Valuable Player in the league this season.

Unfortunately, after a humbling loss to LeBron and the Cavs, Curry’s position at the top is looking a little shaky while James is making a case for himself. James was clearly out to send a message in his team’s overwhelming win 110-99 victory over Curry’s Golden State Warriors.

For James’ part, he said that he wasn’t trying to make statement in the game. But his 42-point — a season high — 11 rebound, and five assist effort says otherwise. It may have been a coincidence that he had his best game of the season against the best player and team in the league. It’s possible, but with the intensity of the MVP race, to many it seems quite unlikely.

It may have been all the talk about Curry, James Harden, and even Russell Westbrook that got the four-time MVP fired up — as well as the lack of talk about him — to ball out in the game against the Warriors and show why he has won the award so many times before. Whatever the reason, James came out and performed like an MVP should.

Golden State Warriors /

Golden State Warriors

As for Curry though, there is no question he had a bad night. His signature step-back threes weren’t splashing through the net, his floaters weren’t dropping, and he simply had a hard time getting
anything going on the offensive end of the floor.

For the game, Curry finished with 18 points on 5 of 17 shooting. He also tallied six assists and three rebounds against the Cavs. In a big game, Curry definitely didn’t look like the MVP-caliber player he’s been showing the league he is all season.

When it comes to award races like the MVP, showing up in big games is as important — if not more important — than all of the other variables that apply. More than anything, to win the title of Most Valuable Player of the league, you must be able to beat the league’s best.

The big games are what defines players, the spotlight and stage showing what they are truly made of. If a player cannot perform to the best of their ability on these stages during the regular season, they very well may have a difficult time doing so in the playoffs.

James had been there, done that, and was prepared to take control of this game on his home court.