WATCH: Epic Throwback Battle Between Steph Curry and Kobe Bryant

Back in 2014, a young Steph Curry was taking the NBA world by storm. The Golden State Warriors icon would lead the team to a title for the first time since 1975, announcing his presence in the league. It was a successful season for Curry, who set the tone at a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 13, 2014, at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA.

The highlight of the game was Curry’s one-on-one play against late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant — who was at the end of his prime by then. Curry and the Warriors, on the other hand, were just on the cusp of beginning their reign.

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Here’s a look at an epic Steph Curry-Kobe Bryant 2014 highlight

The Warriors were leading the entire game, completely controlling the court by the second half. Bryant, however, was not one to give up. He had a particularly bad night, scoring 6 points, 5 assists, and 1 rebound while going 3-for-13 from the field.

During the third period, the Warriors had already established a healthy 79-48 lead. With around five minutes left for the quarter to end, Curry attempted to make his way up the court — only to be blocked by Bryant right before the three-point line.

Anyone else, and the shot would’ve missed.

Aware that Bryant wouldn’t budge, Curry took a step back and drained a three right over Bryant. The five-time NBA champion was rightfully impressed, the smile visible on his face as they moved across the court.

While talking to the media after the game, Bryant admitted that challenging young stars like Curry makes him thrive the most, helping him keep up with the lot.

Curry finished the game with game-high 25 points, going 8-for-11 from the field. Klay Thompson added 16 points. The Lakers struggled as a team, Robert Sacre and Wayne Ellington posting team-high 12 points each off the bench. Warriors won 116-75.

That season, the Warriors led the Western Conference with a 67-15 win-loss record. They beat LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 4-2 series to secure their title. The Lakers finished 14th in the West with a 21-61 record.

A brief look at Bryant’s career with the Lakers

A year later in 2016, Bryant retired after playing with the Lakers for 20 years. The 18-time All-Star was a No.13 overall pick in 1996, traded to the Lakers by the Charlotte Hornets. He won five titles (2000-2002, 2009, 2010), winning the 2008 NBA MVP award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, the legend lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, in Calabasas, CA.

Can the Warriors win another title?

Curry is currently prepping for his 13th season with the Warriors. After missing most of the 2019-20 season due to a broken hand, the three-time NBA champion returned last season.

Despite Thompson’s absence, the 33-year-old had a career-best season, averaging 32 points while shooting 42.1% from the deep. With a full roster this season, the Warriors will surely look to bounce back as title contenders, now competing against a LeBron James-led Lakers team.

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