
The last time Stephen Curry played in a Game 7, the stakes were higher than ever, and his performance lived up to the moment, solidifying his place as one of the greatest to ever lace up sneakers. It wasnât just any playoff seriesâit was a culmination of years of hard work, ups and downs, and, of course, his trademark style of play that has redefined the NBA. As we look back at that Game 7, itâs clear that Curryâs impact on the game was undeniable, both on the court and off it, making it a historic moment in the career of the Golden State Warriors’ superstar.
The series in question was the 2016 Western Conference Finals, where Curry and the Warriors faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After taking a commanding 3-1 series lead, the Warriors found themselves in a nail-biting situation as the Thunder stormed back to force a Game 7. It was a series filled with drama, high tension, and incredible individual performancesâespecially from Curry. However, that Game 7 would become a defining moment in both Curryâs career and NBA history.
Heading into the final game of the series, the Warriors were under immense pressure. They had the best regular-season record in NBA history at 73-9, but the Thunder had proved to be a formidable opponent, with Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant leading the charge. Curry, who had been battling injuries throughout the postseason, was expected to show up and perform at the highest level in a do-or-die game. And show up, he did.
From the opening tip, Curry displayed his usual brilliance. His shooting was exceptional, hitting an array of deep three-pointers that seemed almost effortless. As the game unfolded, Curryâs influence on the floor became increasingly evident. He wasnât just shooting the ballâhe was orchestrating the offense, setting up teammates, and making the defense look completely outmatched. Despite the Thunder’s best efforts to slow him down, Curryâs ability to get open and create space for himself was unparalleled.
One of the standout moments of that Game 7 was when Curry took control in the second half. With the game tight and the pressure mounting, he hit several clutch three-pointers, including a dagger that silenced the Thunder crowd. The Warriors, behind Curryâs incredible offensive performance, never looked back. As the final buzzer sounded, the Warriors had sealed the victory, clinching the game by a commanding 96-88 scoreline, and with it, a spot in the NBA Finals.
Curry finished the game with 36 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assistsâshowing that, when it mattered most, he could step up and deliver under pressure. His performance in that Game 7 wasnât just about scoring; it was about leadership, confidence, and the ability to elevate his teammates. His poise and decision-making were crucial, particularly in a high-stakes environment where one mistake could cost everything.
That Game 7 win also cemented Curryâs legacy as a postseason performer. It wasnât just about the numbers; it was about the way he took control of the game in the biggest moments. The Warriors would go on to lose in the NBA Finals that year to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but Curryâs brilliance in that Game 7 was a reminder of why heâs one of the best to ever do it.
In the years since, Curry has continued to add to his already illustrious resume, but that Game 7 remains one of his most iconic performances. It exemplified his ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes were highest, making it a moment that Warriors fans and basketball enthusiasts will never forget.