Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors are on the cusp of advancing to the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs after a hard-fought 109-106 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 4. This win marked Curry’s 102nd playoff victory, surpassing his former teammate Kevin Durant on the all-time playoff wins list.
Curry and Durant shared the court for three seasons with the Warriors, winning two championships and making three NBA Finals appearances. However, Curry’s recent milestone has reignited the debate over who belongs higher on the list of all-time greatest players. Some argue that Curry’s impact and success with the Warriors elevate him above Durant in the pantheon of NBA legends.
Throughout his illustrious 16-year career, Curry has led the Warriors to six NBA Finals appearances and four championships. In comparison, Durant has made the playoffs 13 times in 18 seasons, winning two titles during his tenure with Curry in Golden State.
One of the key points of contention in the Curry-Durant debate is Curry’s ability to win a championship both before Durant’s arrival in 2015 and after his departure in 2022. This feat has solidified Curry’s legacy as a generational talent who can lead a team to success regardless of the surrounding circumstances.
In Game 4 against the Rockets, Curry contributed 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists to help the Warriors take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Despite Curry’s relatively quiet night, his teammates stepped up, with Jimmy Butler delivering a heroic performance despite battling a hip injury. Brandin Podziemski and Quinten Post also made significant contributions to secure the crucial victory.
The Rockets put up a valiant effort, led by Alperen Sengun’s game-high 31 points. However, the Warriors’ defense, anchored by Draymond Green, held firm in the closing moments to secure the win. Fred VanVleet’s hot shooting kept the Rockets in contention, but his potential game-tying shot fell short as the Warriors emerged victorious.
As the Warriors look ahead to Game 5 with a chance to close out the series, Curry’s leadership and clutch performances continue to solidify his status as one of the greatest players in NBA history. The debate with Durant will undoubtedly persist, but one thing remains clear ā Curry’s impact on the game transcends statistics and accolades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
