NBA All-Star Game 2022: MVP Curry is from another galaxy
Steph Curry was named All-Star Game MVP after his 50 points, which included a record 16 three-pointers, led Team LeBron to victory over Team Durant.
We’ve witnessed nights on which Steph Curry seemed like he was from another planet, but in Sunday’s All-Star Game, he made it pretty clear he’s from another galaxy, too. The Golden State Warriors star beat the record for three-pointers in the showpiece game, scoring 16, as his haul of 50 points earned him the MVP award.
Sublime Steph silences the Cleveland jeers
The evening didn’t get off to such a positive start for Curry, at least as far as the player presentations were concerned. The fans in Cleveland, Ohio, responded with boos and whistles when the point guard was introduced. They couldn’t forget the huge rivalry that existed when LeBron James was at the Cavaliers and the Warriors were an unstoppable force.
By this stage, Curry is used to it. “I have a lot of history in this building - I’ve won a lot of games, lost a lot of games […]," he told reporters. "It obviously means there’s history here and the fans I think appreciate it, but it comes out in the form of boos and I enjoy it, because it’s not the first time or the last time.”
As the night progressed, the jeers turned to cheers and the supporters inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse were able to enjoy the two Akron natives, Curry and LeBron, as the pair left their legendary rivalry to one side and put on a show worthy of the All-Star Game.
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Curry close to Davis' All-Star points record
It’s the fifth time in a row that Team LeBron has won the All-Star Game, and it was a basket from its captain that sealed a 163-160 victory. Curry took the limelight, though. Aside from setting a new record for three-pointers, surpassing Paul George’s nine in 2016, the 33-year-old came within just two points of equalling Anthony Davis’ unparalleled tally of 52 in 2017.
It was a points haul that came with added significance, as Curry earned $1,000 per point, $3,000 per three-pointer and $10,000 for being named MVP. In total, more than $100,000 that will be donated to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. That’s one way for him to pay the city back for what he has denied it on the court.
A three-time NBA champion, a five-time Western Conference champion, a two-time NBA MVP, an eight-time All-Star, the highest-scoring three-point shooter in history… So many records and achievements, and so many more to be added to the resumé of a player who truly leaves you wondering whether he is human.
LeBron is in no doubt. “Steph, c’mon man, this guy is from a different planet,” he said. “He literally has an automatic sniper connected to his arm, and when he lets it go, not only himself but everyone on the floor, in the stands, on TV, on their phones, think it’s going in every time. And nine times out of 10, sometimes 10 times out of 10 it does go in. So to be out there and watch that kid from Akron as well shoot the ball the way he shot it, it was unbelievable, it was pretty cool.”
Winning Kobe Bryant MVP trophy "special", says Curry
A night to remember for Curry, who went home with an MVP award named after late NBA great Kobe Bryant. “This trophy has a very special meaning, honouring Kobe and [Bryant’s daughter] Gigi, everybody that was lost two years ago," Curry said. "I'm very humbled, very blessed and I really appreciate it."