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The newly voted MVP Curry not only hit seven three-pointers to go with a team-high 37 points as the Warriors beat the Cavaliers 104-91 in Game 5 of the Finals, but he also inspired the Warriors over the course of his 42 minutes running up and down the floor.
Curry played aggressive defense, was vocal when the Warriors needed him to, but more importantly, the point-guard disrupted the Cavaliers defense.
Even Matthew Dellavedova, who gave Curry some tough time in the first three games of the Finals, was unable to stop the Warriors superstar.
As a result of the win, the Warriors moved just one win away from their first NBA title in four decades, and they hope to lift the trophy at Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday morning.
The Warriors, who finished with the best regular-season record (67-15), feel Cleveland could be the first stage for their celebrations.
Talking to the media after Game 5, Curry explained why they Warriors are ready for their biggest challenge of the season.
“We fought hard all year and put ourselves in good position now to go to Cleveland and hopefully close it out,” he said.
“So we're confident. But we know the sense of urgency of the moment.
“It's a good feeling to get a win in Cleveland and understand we can get it done and how we need to get it done. So ready for the opportunity.”
Draymond Green, who said he enjoyed watching Curry shaking Dellavedova later in the game from his front-row seat, had 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Warriors surprised most in Game 4 by using a small line-up. They did it again in Game 5 with Green starting at the centre position in the place of Andrew Bogut who sat out the entire game.
The decision seems to have captivated Curry, Green and the rest of the Warriors..
“[the Cavaliers] didn't play [Timofey] Mozgov pretty much at all in the whole game. So they tried to match our line-up. Obviously over 48 minutes we feel like we can be versatile with who we can throw out there and how we're going to win games.”
Four-time LeBron James spent more time on the court than any other player to finish with his second triple-double in the series.
LeBron had 40 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Nothing the Warriors could do about it, said Green.
“If he gets 40, he gets 40. Like I said, that's why he's LeBron James. You can go throw a triple team at him, and he'll probably still get 40, but as long as you make him work for those 40, then you've got to be satisfied with what you do.
“He took 34 shots and got 40. I mean, 15 for 34 is still a great percentage, but that's kind of what it's been this entire series. He's going to be aggressive and score. Especially with some of the guys they have out, and we understand that. If he's hitting shots, he's hitting shots. You've got to live with it and continue to make him take tough ones.”
Although the Cavaliers are on the brink of elimination, LeBron remains upbeat they can do something special.
“I feel confident because I'm the best player in the world. It's that simple.”
If the Warriors lose Game 6 they will have a final chance in front of their fans in Game 7 on Saturday morning.
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