Pretty much everything is going right for Steph Curry and the Warriors right now. Curry is playing at the height of his powers at 33 years old, and entering Monday the Warriors own the NBA's best record at 18-2.
However, during the previous two seasons, there were some dark days in the Bay Area.
Curry played only five games in the 2019-20 season, and the Warriors had the NBA's worst record at 15-50 after going to five straight NBA Finals. This past season, Curry played like an MVP again and led the league in scoring by averaging 32.0 points per game. Still, the Warriors went just 39-33 in the regular season and failed to reach the playoffs after losing two straight play-in tournament games.
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One instance of the previous two seasons sticks out to Curry, though.
“Watching the bubble was the lowest point of those two years,” Curry told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. “There was a part of me that felt it was nice to get refreshed, and a part of me really missed playing on that stage. That was the first time in seven years of not being in the playoffs. We know each player had their own experiences in the bubble, but I would have loved to have been there competing.
"I would say that was the lowest point in terms of my basketball experience because I felt so far away from it. This is what I love to do.”
As Curry and his Warriors teammates watched from home, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers were crowned champions. Players all across the NBA put up ridiculous shooting numbers without opposing fans breathing down their necks.
Golden State Warriors
There's no doubt Curry had to wonder how many 3-pointers he could have swished on a neutral court without fans.
The Warriors superstar is the greatest show on a hardwood court. He admits it hurt to leave that spotlight for a bit, but the lights can't be brighter on him after proving last season and early this year that he still might be basketball's very best.
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“It got to me a little bit because you're so used to performing in certain times of the year,” Curry said to Haynes. “You understand the chatter or the narratives of the league when it's at the highest stage, but for me, it’s more so just the competitive nature. You remember how much fun it is. I know the bubble was different, but you’re watching teams that you know everything about.
"That was hard because we know what it’s like to prepare for the playoffs and into a championship chase and how much fun that is. That’s the motivation I needed. That’s why I’m enjoying the ride we’re on now, and we’re not done.”
It has only just begun for Curry and the Warriors this season, with major help on the way.