The Golden State Warriors, led by the masterful play of none other than Stephen Curry, showed their teeth in a thrilling 124-120 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. Nets guard Cam Thomas dazzled with a sensational 41-point performance, but Curry’s finesse on the court won out. Curry was in his element once again, shooting 14-for-22 from the field, including 6-for-8 from beyond the arc, for 37 points with that Steph enters giving him 3,500 in his regular-season career, a milestone unmatched by any other player.
However, it was an interview where Curry spoke about his former teammate that won fans’ hearts.
Stephen Curry’s Reflection on Monta Ellis
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In a poignant post-game conference, Curry expressed his deep respect for former teammate and Warriors legend Monta Ellis. Responding to a question about reconnecting with Ellis, Curry reflected on their shared history, acknowledging the initial “growing pains” in their relationship.
Steph shares his respect for former teammate and Warriors legend Monta Ellis 🤝 pic.twitter.com/EvfQFhWM3w
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 17, 2023
Stressing Ellis’s significance as a Warriors legend, Curry said that he deserved the standing ovation given to him, recalling his many valuable contributions to the organization. Curry’s feelings recalled a shared past, and the fraternity born of on-court competition and off-court moments alike. But the night offered more than just basketball. Ayesha Curry orchestrated the touching act for Monta Ellis and his wife.
Curry spoke about how his wife mentioned Monta Ellis and his wife’s role in introducing them to the world of giving back to the community. As a rookie, Curry attended Ellis’ charity turkey drive and learned the importance of the community in Oakland. He went on to say the Ellis deserved his flowers for what he meant, not only to the team but also the community at a large.
Read More: “I Ain’t Get Nobody Involved”: Stephen Curry Dismisses Leadership Praise Citing Hilarious Reason
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Curry and Ellis backcourt saga struggle to success
During their two-plus years together, Curry and Ellis manned Golden State’s backcourt until a crucial franchise decision to build around the young point guard. A trade to the Milwaukee Bucks was a case in point, as Ellis experienced with the Warriors, who had a 99-123 record during his time there.
In those early days, they weren’t on the same wavelength; Ellis, feeling rushed aside, even went public by saying that their playing styles just didn’t mesh. Probably no player before Curry, along with another rich shooter in the form of his friend Klay Thompson, has so regularly flipped skepticism on its head. And he did, like a bolt from the blue.
The decision to build around Curry brought the Dubs much success (4 NBA titles) but in the early days, Ellis and Curry were unable to get along. He even once claimed that the two could never play together due to differing play styles.
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In one of the biggest what-ifs of the modern NBA, what do you think the Warriors would have looked like now had they chosen to trade Steph Curry instead? Let us know in the comments.
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