There isn't a point guard matchup in the NBA more entertaining than the Stephen Curry vs. Damian Lillard showdown. The two have been tied together for years because of their similar playing style and Western Conference clashes. During the regular season, players usually avoid saying certain games mean more to them than usual.
During media availability after practice, Curry spoke on playing against his rival Lillard:
“We talk about it all the time every time this matchup comes up or any other top point guard. For me, it's always that talent. It always brings the best out of you. We love those types of environments and the opportunity to go back and forth. Obviously, we don't guard each other that much, but we do, and i think even just knowing if either one of our teams is going to win, we have to play well. We understand that's important. It is another game, but it's always a good vibe when you go against somebody who plays at such a high level.”
You can get your popcorn ready every time the Warriors play the Blazers because a spectacle is guaranteed. The Blazers have been without CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic for most of the season, so they desperately need every win they can get. The Warriors just put together their first three-game win streak of the season, right before a blowout loss to the Lakers, so they are looking to go into the All-Star break with a pair of wins and some momentum.
Coach Steve Kerr was asked on similarities between both sides:
“We know them very well, and the similarity lies in the fact that Steph and Damian are two of the greatest shooters the league has ever seen. They both extend their range out to the logo, so that changes the way you have to guard us and how you guard Portland. Other than that, I don't see a ton of Similarities. We've seen them a lot over the years. They have a pretty unique style; I really have a lot of respect for Terry and the way they play and obviously were pretty unique as well but were built differently beyond those superstar point guards,” Kerr told Clutchpoints.
Both teams are in the hunt for a playoff spot, so every game counts as we approach the second half of the season. The Warriors are very much aware of the new seeding system, and they know where they prefer to be at the end of the year.
“We want to be out of the play in games. We want to be as high as possible,” Curry explained the Media.
After Lillard's news of withdrawing from the All-Star three-point contest for rest purposes, Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported that Stephen Curry would join the competition that will take place this Saturday in Atlanta. Curry, who won the event in 2015, will make his seventh career appearance in the contest, hoping to win it for the second time.
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