Once the spindly kid from Davidson took down LeBron James, his standing in the NBA and public eye became clear. One of the biggest surprises before all-star weekend was that Golden State point guard Stephen Curry had passed the ubiquitous James, and all other players, in total all-star votes.
Curry displayed his eye-widening and whoa-inducing moves that led to his votes during a visit to D.C. on Tuesday night. He scored 32 points in a 114-107 victory against the Wizards — it could have been more save a couple unfriendly rolls — with quick-release 3-point shots, deft dribbling and clever scoops.
At the end of the third quarter, Curry devastated the Wizards with his full package. First, a 3-pointer. Next, two crossovers before sticking a fadeaway in Marcin Gortat’s face. Finally, behind-the-back before an underhand floater on the baseline that looped above the backboard, Garrett Temple and Kevin Seraphin.
Curry ended up on his behind after the floater swished through. He hopped up, gave himself a quick chest pound, halfway spat on his mouthpiece, which doubles as a chew toy, and jogged back up the floor.
His coach thinks Curry’s willowy frame and youthful face, coupled with the razzle and dazzle, explain Curry’s mass appeal.
“He looks like he’s 13,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said. “I think, there’s a reason guards usually sell the most shoes, whether it’s Derrick Rose or Michael Jordan. I think the vast majority of fans can relate to guards better than they can relate to big men, and Steph is about as a relatable as any player in the league because of those innocent looks and relatively modest physical stature. He’s 6-3, 180 pounds. I think people look at Steph and think, ’Well I can be like that,’ even though they can’t.
“But they can relate to him and he’s also an incredibly skilled guy. Humble, smart. I mean, what’s not appealing about Steph?”
That said, Kerr also thought there was one other crucial dynamic to Curry, who is an MVP candidate in his sixth season.
“He’s a killer,” Kerr said.
The Wizards found out first-hand Tuesday night.
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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