Stephen Curry’s late-season surge has influence beyond a hopeful playoff push

The month of April has become the month of Stephen Curry, as the future Hall of Famer has been on an absolute offensive tear that has placed him in an elite territory in the record books. Even if Curry “cooled off” in Wednesday’s 118-114 loss to the Washington Wizards, the offensive clinic he’s been on in recent weeks could not have come at a better time for the Golden State Warriors. At 29-30, the Warriors would finish at the ninth spot if the season were to end today, certifying a play-in game to potentially make a first-round playoff appearance.

The odds would favor a Western Conference contender over Golden State in any hypothetical first-round matchup, and that belief may alter others’ perspective while marveling at what Curry has been doing on the court as of late. Some may think: “Steph has been playing out of his mind, it’s just too bad it’s going to waste this season.”

But what Steph is doing on the court (at the expense of his opponents) goes beyond a hopeful playoff push this season. It goes beyond recognizing that his name should be in the MVP conversation (which Curry himself acknowledges). His offensive tear will be felt long after this season ends, it’ll be felt next season and beyond as this franchise looks forward. As Steph goes, so does this team, and we’re seeing this team’s identity forming for the future: one in which Curry will be at the forefront once again.

As anyone who legitimately understands the effect Steph has on those around him: he is not a system player, he is the system. And when you put the ball in his hands, he makes his teammates better. Just as Curry has torched defenses while averaging 30+ ppg, the Warriors bench has increased its efficiency as well. Juan Toscano-Anderson had 20 points against the Cavaliers, Jordan Poole had 17 against the Thunder, and Damion Lee went 5-for-6 from the field against the 76ers.

As Kelly Oubre Jr., who scored 24 points against the Wizards, eloquently said, “Steph’s a flamethrower...he makes it easier for everyone.” Steph has proven time and again that his play also maximizes his teammates around him. Even looking ahead to next season, whether with returning players like Poole or potentially new additions, Curry’s dominance in April is a reminder that he is the system, and those around him can maximize the opportunity to play alongside him.

Think of the impact it has on potential free agent signings, who see at 33 years old that Steph hasn’t missed a step, that he’s still at peak level dominance. That will entice others to want to join him in the Bay. Some thought that the Warriors had their run, that Curry at age 33 couldn’t match the offensive responsibility he had at the beginning of the Warriors dynasty. And yet here he is, mirroring the offensive spectacle he put on in his unanimous MVP season.

Think of how this prepares the team for the start of next season when this roster will make a run after having a year’s worth of experience playing alongside prime Steph Curry. And with Klay back in the fold? He’ll fit right back in seamlessly next to his fellow splash brother and if anything, make the game even easier for the rest of the team around him.

Curry’s dominance goes beyond the hopes of making the playoffs this season, it supplants the goal of playing for a shot at the 7th or 8th seed. It’s about proving everyone wrong (again) that he is the system, that he never left, and that as we look ahead to the future, he’ll continue to lead this team as a legitimate threat to the rest of the league.

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