Despite a fantastic and historic season, Stephen Curry was unable to call last year a success. While the Golden State Warriors point guard became the first unanimous MVP and his team won 73 games, the season still ended on a sour note. Curry and the Warriors became the first team ever to blow a 3-1 lead in the Finals, eventually losing the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Losing in that manner was especially devastating to a team that had become known for its arrogance. From its owner claiming the franchise was “light years ahead” to its fanbase considering back-to-back titles a certainty, the Warriors were a confident group of people.
So it should be no surprise when Curry says that he has not recovered from the loss, as he did to USA TODAY Sports’ Sam Amick:
“I still haven’t gotten over Game 7,” Curry told USA TODAY Sports during a break in the shoot. “That’s something that will stay with me pretty much forever, for good and bad reasons. Obviously you hated the feeling, but it’s also a motivator to come back even stronger and try not to have that feeling again.
“I’m at that point now where I can try to fuel any kind of terrible nightmares or thoughts about Game 7 into motivation for how I’m going to prepare myself for this year.”
Losing in that fashion on the biggest stage must be one of the worst feelings a professional athlete can encounter. Considering Curry was not at the top of his game during that process, the feeling can only get worse.
Fortunately for the Warriors, they’ve already bounced back with the free agent addition of Kevin Durant. Unless something goes unexpectedly awry for the second year in a row, Stephen Curry and the Warriors should be back on top come June.
