Hot pursuit: non-stop! stopWarriors superstar’s fierce rival takes shocking backseat in the bus in all-time record chase…
Stephen Curry’s historic pursuit of the NBA’s all-time three-point record has become a defining chapter of his storied career. As he narrows the gap to surpass Ray Allen, the journey reflects his evolution as one of the game’s greatest shooters.
However, an equally intriguing subplot is the diminishing role of James Harden, once Curry’s fiercest rival during heated playoff battles and MVP races.
In the mid-2010s, Harden and Curry symbolized contrasting approaches to superstardom. Harden’s relentless scoring and iso-heavy style defined his Houston Rockets tenure, while Curry revolutionized the game with unparalleled range and off-ball movement. These opposing philosophies frequently collided in playoff series, most memorably during the Warriors’ dynastic run.
The 2018 Western Conference Finals exemplified their rivalry, with Curry and Harden facing off in a grueling seven-game series. Harden’s Rockets came close to dethroning the Warriors but ultimately faltered, cementing Curry’s superiority in head-to-head matchups.
Fast forward to 2024, and their careers have diverged significantly. While Curry, at age 36, remains the centerpiece of a resurgent Golden State Warriors team, Harden has struggled to find stability. After forcing trades from Houston, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia, Harden now finds himself with the Los Angeles Clippers, where early-season woes and lack of cohesion have dimmed his once-blinding star power.
Curry’s brilliance lies in his adaptability. Despite aging and the loss of key teammates like Klay Thompson, who joined the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason, Curry has kept the Warriors competitive.
Their 8-2 start to the season highlights Curry’s enduring impact, aided by rising stars like Moses Moody and the sharp shooting of Buddy Hield. As he inches closer to the three-point record, Curry’s consistency and leadership shine brightly.
Meanwhile, Harden’s decline is emblematic of the challenges faced by ball-dominant players as they age. The Clippers’ roster, featuring stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, has struggled to integrate Harden’s playstyle. Once a nightly triple-double threat, Harden now faces questions about his role and ability to adapt to a complementary position.
Adding another layer of intrigue is Curry’s emotional reflection on facing Thompson as an opponent. The pair, known as the “Splash Brothers,” revolutionized basketball together, combining to win four championships. Thompson’s move to Dallas has sparked mixed emotions, with Curry expressing nostalgia while focusing on maintaining the Warriors’ momentum. Thompson, now adjusting to his role alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, has struggled to replicate his Golden State success, highlighting the unique synergy he shared with Curry.
Curry’s impending milestone further cements his legacy as the NBA’s premier sharpshooter. Surpassing Ray Allen’s record, once considered insurmountable, serves as a testament to Curry’s transformative impact on the game. His ability to balance individual brilliance with team success sets him apart from peers like Harden, whose career has been marked by spectacular highs but a lack of ultimate triumph.
This juxtaposition underscores the fleeting nature of NBA greatness. While Curry’s legacy grows, Harden’s star dims, reflecting the importance of adaptability and team dynamics in sustaining success. As Curry climbs the ranks of basketball immortality, his journey stands as a lesson in perseverance, evolution, and the enduring power of the three-point revolution.
