The Unstoppable Scoring Machine: Stephen Curry's Reign in 2020-21
Get ready for a deep dive into the remarkable scoring prowess of Stephen Curry during the 2020-21 NBA season. Curry's journey to becoming the league's top scorer is a testament to his exceptional talent and a story that deserves to be told.
But here's where it gets controversial... Curry's dominance in scoring not only earned him the title of the NBA's top scorer but also sparked debates about his place in NBA history. Is he one of the greatest scorers of all time? Let's explore the numbers and the impact he had on the court.
Curry's average of 32.0 points per game in the 2020-21 season was a sight to behold. He was in a league of his own, joined only by Bradley Beal, who averaged 31.3 points per game. The top five scorers that season included Damian Lillard, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Curry's lead was undeniable, with a total of 2,015 points scored.
One of Curry's most memorable performances came on January 3, 2021, when he dropped a staggering 62 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. It was a display of pure shooting mastery, with an impressive 18-31 from the field, 8-16 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 18-19 from the free-throw line. But Curry's impact went beyond just scoring; he also contributed five rebounds and four assists in that game, showcasing his all-around brilliance.
And this is the part most people miss... Curry's scoring prowess wasn't limited to one exceptional game. He had three games where he scored over 50 points, including a 57-point masterpiece against the Dallas Mavericks and a 53-point outing against the Denver Nuggets. In those games, he displayed an incredible range of skills, from long-range bombing to efficient free-throw shooting.
Curry's consistency was off the charts, reaching the 40-point mark in 11 different games and scoring at least 30 points in a whopping 38 games. His productivity peaked in April, where he averaged an astonishing 37.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. It was a scorching hot streak that left defenders scrambling.
February was another month where Curry's scoring dominance shone through. He averaged a robust 32.1 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. His 3-point shooting percentage of 41.9% during that month was a testament to his skill and precision.
But Curry's impact wasn't just about scoring. He also averaged 5.8 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, solidifying his status as a complete player. His 3-point shooting percentage of 42.1% for the season was a key factor in the Warriors' offensive strategy.
Despite Curry's individual brilliance, the Warriors couldn't secure a playoff spot that season. Golden State's 39-33 record in the shortened regular season fell just short of qualifying for the 2021 NBA playoffs.
So, the question remains: Is Stephen Curry one of the greatest scorers in NBA history? His 2020-21 season certainly makes a strong case. What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! Let's spark a discussion about Curry's legacy and his impact on the game.
