SAN FRANCISCO — Steph Curry was named an All-Star starter on Thursday, cementing his 11th career selection.
With the festivities coming to the Bay Area for the first time since 2000, All-Star weekend is set up to be a celebration of Curry’s career and accomplishments. The four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP remains one of the most popular players among fans and respected among his peers.
Curry, 36, is averaging 22.6 points and 6.3 assists per game while seeing nightly double teams, top-locks and junk defenses designed to force the ball out of his hands. He’s shooting 44.9% from the floor, 40.7% from behind the arc and a league-best 94% from the foul line.
“He’s always had a huge burden on his shoulders as our best player, as one of the best players in the league,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “This year, with our team struggling the way we are, trying to close out these close games probably puts even more of a burden onto him. But the way he handles everything, he’s just incredibly grounded. Doesn’t appear overwhelmed by anything. He just goes out, does his job and he loves the process of it all.”
The other starters in the Western Conference pool are Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson were named starters in the East. A combination of fans, media and players vote to select starters, while coaches draft reserves.
The 11th All-Star selection makes Curry the all-time franchise leader, passing Paul Arizin. Curry has been named a starter in 10 of his 11 All-Star Games.
Ever the entertainer, Curry was named All-Star Game MVP in 2022 when he poured in 50 points and made a record 16 3s. This year, the format has changed, with a miniature tournament format with games played to 40.
Last year, Curry competed against WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu in a 3-point competition that was widely regarded as the highlight of the weekend. It’s rumored he’ll reprise that role in a similar contest this year.
The All-Star Game, Rising Stars Game, 3-point contest, dunk contest and skills competition are scheduled to be held at Chase Center. Practices, the HBCU Classic and Celebrity All-Star Game are at Oracle Arena in Oakland.
Notable
— Thursday marks the 10-year anniversary of Klay Thompson’s 37-point third quarter, one of the most electric and defining moments of Golden State’s dynastic run.
— Curry played against the Bulls on Thursday night at Chase Center, marking the first time he laced up for both ends of a back-to-back since his bilateral knee tendinitis began earlier this season. Kerr said the soreness is “under control.”
— Brandin Podziemski returned to the lineup after missing the past 12 games with an abdominal strain. Podziemski was coming on strong after a slow start to the season before the injury. Expect the Warriors to be cautious with his usage, likely playing him in short bursts, as he rejoins the fold.
Originally Published:
Source: Paradise Post
