By now, you probably know that Steph Curry and LeBron James were both born at the same hospital – Akron General Medical Center.
In the decades since, the paths of Steph and LeBron have intertwined on the biggest of stages. For the first time since the Warriors and Cavaliers faced off four straight years from 2015-18 in the NBA Finals, the two rivals will lock horns in the postseason on Tuesday night in San Francisco, as the Warriors and Lakers tip off their second-round series.
While talking with reporters on Monday in Los Angeles, after seeing Steph become the first player in NBA history to drop 50 in a Game 7, LeBron gave Curry his flowers, via NBC Sports Bay Area.
"He puts in the work,” James said. “When you put in the work, nine times out of 10, you’re going to see results. And he’s done that throughout his whole entire career. I’ve got nothing but the utmost respect for Steph and everything he’s been able to accomplish, not only on the floor but also off the floor, too. Great to have people like that in this league that can set an example for the generation to come."
All-time, Curry holds a 3-1 advantage in the Finals against James, though two of those titles were won with Kevin Durant on Golden State. Overall, Steph is 15-7 in 22 career postseason games against LeBron, though James and the Lakers beat Steph and the Warriors in a 2021 play-in game.
So, does LeBron see any similarities between himself and Steph?
"Just two of the most competitive players that’s ever played the game,” James said. “We want to etch our name in the history books as much as we can, but playing, doing it all our own way,"
Likewise, Curry showed a lot of respect for LeBron during his postgame address with reporters on Sunday in Sacramento. He’s ready to reprise the rivalry while the rest of us debate who’s the true ruler of this NBA era.
“It’s amazing because you’re still in the fight,” Curry said. “It’s better than the alternative of being on the outside looking in. Having been down 0-2 in this series, nothing is guaranteed. We don’t take anything for granted. It is special to know it’s the first series we played him was in Cleveland in 2014-15 season to now. We’re blessed to be playing at this level still. We’re excited about a new chapter. Two teams trying to keep a season alive and chase a championship. That’s what it’s all about.”
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