Stephen Curry told Kendrick Perkins about the Cleveland center’s leg placement.
Then, Curry told the Cavaliers about himself.
Curry air-balled a heavily contested fadeaway 3-pointer in front of the Cavs bench to end the third quarter, backed into the legs of a seated Perkins then jawed with the much larger opponent. After Tristan Thompson and LeBron James intervened, Curry walked away shaking his head.
Then, Curry made all five of his 3-pointers in the fourth quarter (including a couple extremely difficult attempts):
…broke the record for 3-pointers in an NBA Finals game (nine):
…and set the all-time record for 3-pointers in the NBA Finals (90):
Though LeBron – now second place with 85 3-pointers – is also still active in these Finals, it’s hard to see him retaking the record. Curry is a far more prolific outside shooter.
Likewise, it’s tough to see LeBron catching Curry for Finals MVP. Curry has been the Warriors’ best player, leading them in points and assists in both Games 1 and 2. More importantly, Curry has helped Golden State take a 2-0 series lead, and it’s extremely unlikely voters would honor a losing player.
Curry is drilling shots from outside, unless the defensive attention is just too great. Then, he’s maximizing his gravity with passes to teammates moving toward the basket. Repeatedly challenged by the Cavaliers on the other end, Curry is holding up.
His first Finals MVP is hardly cinched, even if the Warriors win. Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson and have played well and are in striking distance. Draymond might be too if we properly valued defense.
But Curry has the narrative, actual production, highlight moments and even trash-talking spirit on his side so far.