The Golden State Warriors have recently experienced what could be considered a pivotal shift in their season, exemplified by Stephen Curry’s leadership on and off the court. After battling through some tough losses, the Warriors secured a hard-fought 113-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, which signaled hope for the franchise.
Head coach Steve Kerr expressed optimism post-game, highlighting the team's renewed focus and defensive effort, stating, "We held them to 103 points, 42% shooting, fought like crazy defensively, took care of the ball, got out and ran. That felt like our team again." Kerr also noted the significant contribution of newcomer Dennis Schroder, whose arrival has brought fresh energy to the Warriors.
“You could see Dennis’s impact tonight,” Kerr added. “Not just with his ball handling and how he takes pressure off Steph, but with his leadership. He was pulling guys aside during timeouts, encouraging them, even admonishing them when necessary.” This transition has allowed Curry to conserve energy for crunch-time performances, as reflected during this latest win.
Feeling the weight of recent struggles, Curry expressed relief at the much-needed win. “It felt good, obviously,” he stated, adding, “We needed a win. We needed a feel-good type of experience after the Memphis game.” Curry emphasized the positive energy within the team, stating, “If you came to our practices over the last two weeks without knowing our record, you’d probably think we were on a winning streak.” His belief speaks to the Warriors' resilience, even amid trials.
The camaraderie and spirit displayed during practices have been instrumental, and players are embracing their roles as they work to regain their previous championship identity. Incorporation of Schroder has added depth to the roster, allowing for fluid ball movement and positioning, which the Warriors have long been known for.
Looking forward, the All-Star Weekend, occurring in February 2025, is set to be particularly special for Curry, who will be hosting the event. Last year, his performance alongside Sabrina Ionescu during the three-point shooting challenge attracted significant attention, leading to discussions of repeating the event.
Andreas Obst, a German star with impressive shooting credentials, expressed interest through various sources, aimed at challenging the two-time MVP. "I think most people would say Stephen would win, right? But maybe I could pressure him a little. If we compete at the NBA three-point line, he’d have a slight edge... but I wouldn’t say it would be easy for him," Obst stated.
This sentiment reflects the respect Curry commands across the global basketball community. Obst, recognizing Curry as his idol, noted, “Training and improving my shooting was based on his game.” With nearly 43% shooting from distance this past EuroLeague season, Obst is poised to make his mark if he gets the opportunity to compete this All-Star Weekend.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed expectations around revamped competition formats. "We are always studying other competition formats. I have no doubt the players were disappointed with the reception of the last All-Star Game. Therefore, we need to do a much improved job offering competition and entertainment for our fans," Silver said, emphasizing new initiatives to enchant the audience.
Notably, this All-Star Weekend will be located close to Curry's heart, as San Francisco operates as the host venue. With anticipation on the rise, basketball fans are eagerly waiting to see Curry's performances and the adjustments made to the weekend's festivities. Will Obst be the one to rise to the challenge against Curry? Fans can only wait and see.
The Warriors' ascent back to form paired with the excitement of All-Star Weekend undoubtedly keep fans on the edges of their seats. With the right mix of fresh talent and enduring prowess from seasoned players, the Warriors are set not just for future games, but also for new challenges and memorable moments during the NBA season.
