Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry was watching Hardwood Classics when he came to a realization: conditioning is a crucial aspect of his success.
Curry sat down to watch the December 13, 1983 showdown between the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets that is still the highest-scoring game in league history. That contest finished with the Pistons winning 186-184 in triple overtime.
Despite the scoring numbers in that game, however, Stephen Curry said he discerned the idea he covers more ground in a game than any single player did in the Pistons-Nuggets classic:
“I mean, as a shooter, you’re blessed with a certain level of just natural skill, and then you add to that with the work and the reps and the pursuit of perfection in that respect,” Curry said, via BasketballNews.com. “But a big part of it, too, is the conditioning aspect of the game. I was watching some old-school Pistons-Nuggets game, it was the highest-scoring game in NBA history in, I think, the early ['80s], and I was just watching the pace in that game and analyzing it and I’m like… I cover so much more ground in an average game than what I just watched in that Hardwood Classics [game].”
Stephen Curry is one of the best players in the NBA in terms of moving without the ball.
Article Continues BelowThe two-time league MVP is relentless in working off screens for open jumpers. One of the better aspects of Curry's game is his willingness to be an off-ball screener. His willingness to give up the body sometimes springs him into open space or leads to mismatches.
Conditioning also likely helps Curry's legs stay fresh later in games, which is imperative in avoiding shots coming up short in the final 12 minutes.
Stephen Curry's historic scoring run came to a screeching halt on Wednesday night, as he scored just 18 points and shot 2-for-14 from beyond the arc.
However, the “Baby-Faced Assassin” will undoubtedly be looking to get back on track. The conditioning will need to be strong as the Dubs will likely allocate heavy minutes to Curry down the stretch.