SAN FRANCISCO – All these years later and Steph Curry is still winning against Chris Paul.
The two guards have been involved with some high-profile duels over the past decade-plus, dating back to CP3’s days with the Lob City Clippers of yesteryear. On Monday night, Curry got the best of Paul once again, as he dropped 23 points in a 123-112 Warriors win over the Phoenix Suns.
At one point during the first half, TV cameras spotted Curry telling Paul, “this ain’t 2014 no more.”
Why 2014? That’s the last time the Warriors lost a playoff series to a Western Conference opponent – a seven-game thriller against CP3 and the Clippers.
A lot has happened since then.
While Steph and the Dubs have built a dynasty, winning four of the past eight championships, CP3 is still searching for his first ring in Year 18. In all, Curry owns a 31-24 career record against Paul in their 55 head-to-head matchups.
“It’s all competition,” Curry said. “You play against somebody for so many years, and the love I got for him because of our history and all that. It’s just competition back and forth. Give it and take it.”
Asked about the video clip after the game, Paul said he didn’t get the 2014 reference, via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. At least he claimed he didn’t get it.
“I dunno what happened in 2014,” Paul said. “Y’all tell me. That was like nine years ago, what happened?”
In fact, Paul said he didn’t even realize Curry was talking to him.
“I ain’t trying to be funny,” Paul said. “Y’all got time. Go ask him.”
Whether we should believe Paul or he was just messing with Rankin is up to interpretation, but it sure looked like he was holding back a smile. There’s definitely an edge between CP3 and Steph. When thinking about their personal rivalry, Warriors fans are probably quick to remember the time Steph shook Paul on the baseline with some sick dribbling in 2015.
Tuesday marks Steph’s 35th birthday and he still seems to be at the peak of his powers. Paul has definitely slowed down at age 37 but remains a fierce competitor and one of the savviest players in the game.
Steph said he’s been able to adjust his preparation as his career has progressed.
“It requires just a little bit more time and attention behind it,” Curry said. “But I can still get to that point where I feel like my 25-year-old self out there."
While Curry wasn’t spectacular he was solid on Monday night. Paul was dogged by Donte DiVincenzo on defense all night and finished with 11 points and 11 assists. Ultimately, the Warriors’ were buoyed by a furious first quarter after which they led 43-21.
Curry and Paul have met three times in the playoffs before and it’s a possibility they could face off again this postseason. If the season ended Monday, the No. 4 seed Suns would be facing the No. 5 seed Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.
Another possible Steph-CP3 postseason battle? With the chance to see KD and GP2 back in the mix? Sign us up.
Related
