Stephen Curry has accomplished so much throughout his NBA career that he is considered among the best of the best. One of the people who fully understands that is Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving.
After the Mavericks beat Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, Feb. 12, Irving did not hold back when talking about how he felt about facing the four-time NBA champion.
Kyrie Irving Explains Why He Sees Stephen Curry as a ‘Legendary’ Player
Irving gave Curry endless praise while discussing his experience going up against each other and the example Curry set for Irving.
“It’s incredible, man. I’ve gone on record saying that’s the guy for us as point guards, outside of Magic [Johnson] and Isiah Thomas. Steph has etched himself as one of the most legendary players of all time,” Irving told reporters, per ClutchPoints’ Joey Mistretta.
“And for me, that’s just testing my game against him, and knowing you’re going against the best of the best, you want to play well. We know each other’s games very well. A lot of matchups, but at the same time, some of the things that he’s accomplished, I’m still trying to accomplish.”
Irving added what Curry has done in the NBA is not easy and what that does for Irving himself.
“To be a multi-time championship winner in our league is the toughest thing to do. He’s a [two-time MVP] of our league, so that’s really the barometer at times where you can look and stay motivated as a peer of his,” Irving said.
“No jealousy or any hate, just straight competition and being willing to admit when someone else is great. You’re taking things from his game. He’s taking things from your game. It’s a mutual respect. That’s how I feel about it.”
Both Curry and Irving have made names for themselves as two of the biggest stars of this era of NBA basketball. Curry has reached a higher level than Irving has, but Irving has still proven himself to be up there with Curry among the most efficient scoring guards in the NBA.
Curry and Irving have matched up with each other on the NBA’s biggest stage multiple times. They faced off against one another in three NBA Finals. Curry won twice (2015 and 2017), while Irving won once (2016), though, Irving missed most of the 2015 NBA Finals because of a knee injury.
It’s clear that after all these years, there’s nothing but admiration when the two go up against each other.
