The Goods Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 LAS VEGAS -- If you looked only at the numbers, you'd probably think that Stephen Curry is having a disappointing summer league: he shot just 4-for-14 in Golden State's first game and 8-for-22 in the second, missing his first eight shots on Saturday. For the best shooter in the draft, expectations were a bit higher -- and yet, for some reason, no one in UNLV's Cox Pavilion seemed to mind. Curry consistently heard some of the loudest cheers from Saturday's crowd, despite his early struggles. He rallied in the second half by making eight of his final 14 attempts on his way to a game-high 29 points, leading Warriors to a thrilling 98-95 overtime win against the Kings. He clearly fed off the crowd's energy, celebrating at least one clutch shot down the stretch by slapping hands with the fans sitting courtside. Curry has been quick to win fans wherever he goes: he was the sentiment favorite among Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden, and Golden State's front office was so happy he fell into their lap that the Dubs allegedly nixed a deal with the Suns that would have netted Amar'e Stoudemire. And now, after just two games, he's the runaway crowd favorite in Las Vegas. How does he explain his unusual popularity? "I think me playing three years in college and really making a story there opened the doors for me being welcomed a lot of places. People like to latch on to that story we made at Davidson in the [2008 NCAA] Tournament, going to the Elite Eight and stuff like that," Curry said after Saturday's game. "I'm just kind of riding that wave right now. It's fun, and hopefully it continues." Perhaps a more pressing question will be whether his new teammates will be just as affectionate once summer league closes and the regular season kicks off. It's one thing to demand the ball and carry the team in a small gym in July, and it's another altogether to fend off ball-hungry scorers like Corey Maggette, Monta Ellis and Stephen Jackson. "I hope to go into training camp and prove myself to be a great player that can be productive on the court with those guys," Curry said. "I know that they're going to get theirs and really do what they do best, and that's score the ball and demand the ball. So I've got to find my role on the team and see what happens." In the meantime, the Warriors have implored Curry to stay aggressive, both in terms of looking for his jump shot and getting into the lane. While he may never finish at the rim like a stronger, more athletic player Tyreke Evans, his Sacramento counterpart on Saturday, he did show off a surprising crossover to get into the lane and draw fouls. He finished the game converting 10 of 11 free throws. "I shoot the ball very well, but teams are going to recognize that and they're going to press up against me, so I have to find another way to score," he said. "I think being able to put it on the ground and blow by guys and keep them on their heels will make me a better player ... They're going to play you to your weaknesses, and I guess that's one of mine now, so I got to be able to do that." http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/07/12/everyone-loves-stephen-curry/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 We might actually get some coverage this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Artesticle Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 he kinda cute Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurbyFX Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 Or maybe the crowd is filled with drunk homos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWaLL Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 (edited) Curry just seems like he is going to be one of those "crowd-favorite" kind of players. He's already a very popular player. I mean, you heard the Knicks fans during the draft when they heard that he ended up being drafted by the Warriors. I like Curry though, and I can see him becoming an all star one day. Edited July 13, 2009 by Gil-Zero Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldChili Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 I like Curry, but I wonder how much playing time he'll get once the season starts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy Posted July 13, 2009 Report Share Posted July 13, 2009 I like Curry, but I wonder how much playing time he'll get once the season starts.According to Nellie, he will get minutes. But I wouldn't believe him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redickulous Posted July 14, 2009 Report Share Posted July 14, 2009 I love Curry. He is a perfect kind of player. He'll be great for the Warriors come this season. I really wish the Knicks got him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldChili Posted July 15, 2009 Report Share Posted July 15, 2009 According to Nellie, he will get minutes. But I wouldn't believe him.I guess we'll just have to wait... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.