In his first Olympics, Stephen Curry left an indelible imprint. After a cold tournament, his burst in the two most vital games ensured Team USA retained its glory atop the basketball ladder. However, those aren’t the memories he holds with him. The medal means a lot, but what goes beyond are the bonds he created with the 12 alphas that found a way to co-exist. Spoiler alert: he didn’t necessarily like all of them through their years before NBA competition.
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While speaking to USA Today, the Chef opened up about the journey and being “grateful” for having the experience. Without surprise, the contingent in Paris consisted of A-listers that rivaled the 1992 Dream Team. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Curry, Embiid, and more are the biggest personalities in the NBA. As he revisited his unforgettable tale in Paris, Curry also remembered the times when he despised some of his Olympic teammates.
“Like especially in today’s age it’s really hard for 12 different stories to come together and have a level of sacrifice and commitment to the group to get something done like that. We knew it was going to be a challenge. Memories for a lifetime with those guys. I played with some of them. I’ve been teammates. Others I played against for years and liked them, didn’t like them all the way through. But created friendships and bonds through this experience that I will forever be grateful for,” he told USA Today.
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With Kevin Durant, before their three dynasty-building years in the Bay, he and Curry battled to face the King in the Finals. His shared NBA experience with KD, though, helped smoothen their prior animosity. With LeBron James, though, the two-time MVP’s relation can only be described as complicated.
They were in a relentless battle to be called the best in the game. Recently, The Athletic’s Sam Amick revealed there was “tension” between the two camps at one point. And judging by the various times they clashed in the Finals and the intensity of it all, it isn’t unfathomable to believe it.
But at the end of the tunnel, they are two of the most recognized basketball icons of this era. And their story is wholesome.
Stephen Curry and LeBron James had to hate each other
Before Curry even made it to the NBA, James was his avid fan. His shooting prowess alarmed the basketball world when at Davidson. The Akron Hammer would be a regular member in the stands, watching in awe as Curry shot under incredible distress. In a way, that acknowledgment aided Stephen Curry to embrace his gifts and change the game forever.
However, when he did, he inadvertently stood against LeBron James at the pinnacle. Every season, debates flared about who is the ‘best.’ Curry has spoken about it previously. At that time, he called his feelings toward James a “healthy resentment.” Frankly, without it, Curry might have stuck to being a fan. The 36-year-old could have never been able to conquer the King as he did in 2015 with the degree of admiration he had for him.
At the same time, for James, Curry posed as a wall that denied him the opportunity to fulfill his promise to Cleveland. For the sport of basketball and their legacies, the rivalry was essential. It berthed the most lob-sided era in either conference. For four straight NBA Finals, they faced each other.
But a byproduct of such high-pressure contests is the recognition of the other’s passion. They are both bonded by their love for the game of basketball. And when one sees them now, they celebrate their battles rather than hold grudges of it. They pushed each other to the brink and enabled each other to achieve unchartered heights.
They were born in the same hospital, they mastered the same sport, and now, nearly decades later, their battles continue to rule the sport. The Paris Olympics provided them with a special opportunity to compete together for the first time. Likewise, their emotions and passion went into high gear.
It’s hard for LeBron James or Stephen Curry to carry hate after the history they share.
