The Knicks are back to playing their brand of basketball, and it’s been a problem for their opponents. Three days ago, they completely dismantled the Kings, turning defense into instant offense. They forced 16 turnovers, drained threes like they were layups, and made Sacramento look unrecognizable in a 133-104 rout. OG Anunoby was everywhere, shutting down passing lanes, while Miles McBride hounded ball handlers like he had something personal against them. And today Stephen Curry fell prey to their brand of basketball.

When Steph took to the court on Saturday against the Knicks, there were concerns regarding his health. He had a bruise under his right eye. And it wasn’t because of the Knicks’ physicality. During his postgame media availability, a reporter jokingly asked if the injury was a result of his recent birthday celebrations. The Warriors superstar just turned 37 on Friday. So it would make sense.

“It looks like you got kind of a shiner on your right eye. I assume that didn’t happen at your birthday party,” the reporter asked. Curry laughed off the suggestion. “Uh, that would have been a good story, but no,” he said. “No worries, though.”

Then, flashing his signature sense of humor, he added, “Still, you should see the other guy. Joke.” While Curry didn’t give details on the exact cause of the injury, he made it clear it wasn’t anything serious. But something did happen because of the Knick’s physicality.

Marcus Thompson, who was at the game, reported that the 2x MVP looked visibly fatigued as he battled through 34 minutes of physical defense against the Knicks on Thursday night. With officials letting a lot of contact go, he struggled to find his rhythm, missing all four of his three-point attempts in the fourth quarter.

After the game, reporters asked the 4x Champion about the physicality and the referees’ officiating. Rather than complaining, he embraced it.

“Uh, I kind of like that kind of basketball,” Curry said. “I think it was consistent on both sides, even though it was more physical than other games that we’ve seen recently. But as long as they establish style of play and stay consistent with that, we have no problems with it.”

Despite the heavy defensive pressure, Curry appreciated the way the game was officiated, noting that it allowed both teams to adjust without getting caught up in calls.

“It wasn’t too much, you know, arguing or worrying about the calls,” he added. “It was kind of you settled into the type of game and just try to figure out a way to win.”

Curry and the Warriors had to grind through a defensive battle, but they came out on top with the 11x All-Star scoring 28 points, grabbing 7 rebounds and 5 assists to hand the Knicks a 97-94 loss. Even before this game, Curry had already etched his name in the history books yet again, which earned him a nod from one of the greatest point guards of all time.

Stephen Curry receives praise from Magic Johnson

In Golden State’s last game against the Kings, Stephen Curry made history as the first player to drain 4,000 career three-pointers. Just another day at the office for the greatest shooter ever. But it’s not just milestones—Curry has been on a tear, leading the Warriors to a scorching 13-2 run since the trade deadline. Jimmy Butler’s arrival has helped, but make no mistake—this team still runs through Steph.

Over the past 15 games, Curry has been nothing short of unstoppable. He’s averaging 28.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and six assists while knocking down over 40% of his 11.7 three-point attempts per game. That kind of dominance has, once again, ignited the never-ending GOAT point guard debate.

Kendrick Perkins made his stance crystal clear. “Steph Curry is the greatest point guard of all time,” he declared on First Take. Stephen A. Smith wasn’t convinced. “You wanna call him the greatest point guard to ever live when Magic Johnson is right in this city?” Smith argued.

Since Curry won his fourth ring and first Finals MVP in 2022, the debate hasn’t gone anywhere. Curry has made his case, while Magic remains firm that his resume is untouchable. But should every milestone spark another round of comparisons?

Magic doesn’t think so. Instead of debating, he simply gave Curry his flowers. “I want to congratulate Steph Curry on becoming the only player in NBA history to make 4,000 threes!” the Lakers legend posted on social media.

Maybe it’s time for everyone else to follow his lead.