While Stephen Curry’s career is often synonymous with NBA greatness, particularly marked by four championships and individual accolades including back-to-back MVP trophies, a closer examination shows that his playoff career has not been particularly exceptional without the assistance of Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant was a part of the Golden State Warriors for three seasons, making three straight Finals appearances and winning two NBA titles.
Despite Curry’s undeniable impact on the court, especially with his ability to revolutionize the game with his three-point shooting and floor leadership, his playoff record in the absence of Durant presents a contrasting picture. While he is undoubtedly a Hall of Famer and the greatest shooter ever, Curry’s playoff resume against other elite superstars without Durant could cause a deeper look at the point guard’s legacy. We have collected Curry’s playoff record without Kevin Durant and it might not look as great as you might think.
Stephen Curry vs. LeBron James 9-10
Stephen Curry Playoff Stats vs. LeBron James: 24.9 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Head To Head Playoff Series:
2015 NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers 4-2
2016 NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors 4-3
2023 Western Conference Semifinals: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors 4-2
The playoff matchups between Stephen Curry and LeBron James have evolved into one of the NBA’s most captivating rivalries. Their clash on the grandest stage of them all, the NBA Finals, has become a recurring spectacle, each showdown adding a new chapter to their storied rivalry.
In the 2015 NBA Finals, Curry’s Golden State Warriors emerged victorious over James’ Cleveland Cavaliers in a hard-fought series that showcased the Warriors’ lethal three-point shooting and team-oriented style of play. However, James proved his mettle (35.8 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 8.8 APG), delivering a valiant effort despite being short-handed due to injuries to key teammates.
The following year, the tables turned as James led the Cavaliers to a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Warriors in a thrilling seven-game series. Curry, only averaging 22.6 points per game on 40.3% shooting from the field, faced adversity as the Cavaliers exploited defensive weaknesses and capitalized on crucial moments to secure the championship.
Their most recent postseason encounter in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals saw James’ Los Angeles Lakers dispatch Curry’s Golden State Warriors in a closely contested series. Despite Curry’s individual brilliance, the Lakers’ depth and defensive intensity proved too much to overcome, ending the Warriors’ playoff run. When Curry did have Durant, however, they went 8-1 over two Finals appearances against LeBron James so that is a major eye-opener.
Stephen Curry vs. Kawhi Leonard 3-8
Stephen Curry Playoff Stats vs. Kawhi Leonard: 26.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.4 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Head To Head Playoff Series:
2013 Western Conference Semifinals: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors 4-2
2019 NBA Finals: Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors 4-2
The playoff encounters between Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard have delivered some of the most compelling matchups in recent NBA history as the latter competed against the point guard with two different teams. In the 2013 Western Conference Semifinals, a young Stephen Curry faced off against a formidable San Antonio Spurs squad led by Kawhi Leonard. Despite Curry’s offensive brilliance, the Spurs’ veteran experience and defensive prowess ultimately proved too much for the Golden State Warriors, as they bowed out of the playoffs in six hard-fought games.
Fast forward to the 2019 NBA Finals, and the stage was set for another epic showdown between Curry’s Golden State Warriors and Leonard’s Toronto Raptors. This time, Curry found himself up against Leonard, who had established himself as one of the most dominant two-way players in the league. Despite Curry’s valiant efforts (30.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.0 APG), the Raptors emerged victorious in six games, capturing their first-ever NBA championship and cementing Leonard’s legacy as a postseason force to be reckoned with. Kevin Durant’s injury which forced him to essentially miss the Finals played a role in Steph’s loss in this series.
Stephen Curry vs. Tim Duncan 2-4
Stephen Curry Playoff Stats vs. Tim Duncan: 22.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Head To Head Playoff Series:
2013 Western Conference Semifinals: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors 4-2
The playoff matchups between Stephen Curry and Tim Duncan represent a clash of generations, pitting the young, dynamic guard against the seasoned veteran and future Hall of Famer. Their lone postseason encounter in the 2013 Western Conference Semifinals showcased the contrasting styles and strengths of these two basketball icons.
In that series, Curry’s Golden State Warriors faced off against Duncan’s San Antonio Spurs, a perennial powerhouse known for their disciplined play and suffocating defense. Despite Curry’s electrifying scoring ability and playmaking skills (22.5 PPG and 6.8 APG), the Warriors fell short against the experienced Spurs, ultimately bowing out in six games.
What makes the Curry-Duncan playoff matchup intriguing is the juxtaposition of their respective roles on their teams. Despite their limited postseason encounters, the Curry-Duncan playoff series serves as a captivating chapter in NBA history, showcasing the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. To Curry’s credit, he was only 24 years old in 2013 and had not yet become the superstar player we know today.
Stephen Curry vs. Kyrie Irving 3-4
Stephen Curry Playoff Stats vs. Kyrie Irving: 22.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Head To Head Playoff Series:
2016 NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors 4-3
The playoff rivalry between Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving culminated in an epic showdown during the 2016 NBA Finals, where their respective talents were on full display in a fiercely contested series that captivated basketball fans worldwide. Curry, the two-time MVP and leader of the Golden State Warriors squared off against Irving, the electrifying point guard of the Cleveland Cavaliers, in a battle for basketball supremacy.
Throughout the series, both Curry (22.6 PPG) and Irving (27.1 PPG) showcased their offensive brilliance, dazzling spectators with their scoring prowess and clutch performances. Curry’s unparalleled shooting range and ball-handling skills were matched by Irving’s crafty finishes and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
The pinnacle of their playoff rivalry came in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, a dramatic showdown that saw Irving deliver a standout performance. Despite Curry’s valiant efforts, he struggled by scoring only 17 points on 6-19 from the field while Irving stole the show with his game-winning shot which led the Cavaliers to a historic championship victory.
The Curry-Irving playoff series serves as a testament to the competitive spirit and talent of both players, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage. While their head-to-head matchups may be limited, the 2016 NBA Finals will forever be remembered as a classic showdown between two of the game’s brightest stars, each leaving an indelible mark on basketball history.
Stephen Curry vs. Blake Griffin 3-4
Stephen Curry Playoff Stats vs. Blake Griffin: 23.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 8.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Head To Head Playoff Series:
2014 Western Conference First Round: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors 4-3
The playoff matchups between Stephen Curry and Blake Griffin provided basketball fans with a thrilling display of contrasting styles and dynamic performances. Their lone postseason encounter in the 2014 Western Conference First Round pitted Curry’s Golden State Warriors against Griffin’s Los Angeles Clippers in a hard-fought series that showcased the individual brilliance of both players.
Throughout the series, Curry’s exceptional shooting and playmaking ability were on full display (23.0 PPG, 8.4 APG), as he orchestrated the Warriors’ offense with precision and flair. On the other hand, Griffin’s explosive athleticism and versatility posed a constant threat to the Warriors’ defense, as he dominated the paint and showcased his improved mid-range game.
In a series that went the distance, both Curry and Griffin delivered standout performances, with each player leaving their mark on the court in memorable fashion. It was Griffin and the Clippers who ultimately emerged victorious, narrowly edging out the Warriors in a thrilling Game 7 showdown when Griffin posted 24 points to Curry’s 33 points in a 126-121 finale.
Stephen Curry vs. Pascal Siakam 1-4
Stephen Curry Playoff Stats vs. Pascal Siakam: 30.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Head To Head Playoff Series:
2019 NBA Finals: Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors 4-2
The playoff matchup between Stephen Curry and Pascal Siakam in the 2019 NBA Finals provided basketball fans with a captivating clash between two dynamic players at different stages of their careers. Curry, the seasoned veteran, and leader of the Golden State Warriors, squared off against Siakam, the emerging star forward of the Toronto Raptors, in a series that would ultimately shape the legacy of both players.
Throughout the Finals, Curry showcased his scoring prowess and playmaking ability, shouldering the offensive load for the Warriors in the absence of key teammates due to injuries. Despite facing relentless defensive pressure and double teams from the Raptors, Curry managed to put up impressive numbers, averaging 30.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
On the other side, Siakam rose to the occasion on the biggest stage, delivering a breakout performance that solidified his status as one of the league’s rising stars. With his combination of size, speed, and versatility, Siakam proved to be a matchup nightmare for the Warriors, averaging 19.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while also providing stellar defense. In the end, it was Siakam and the Raptors who emerged victorious, capturing their first-ever NBA championship in franchise history with Kawhi Leonard earning Finals MVP honors.
Stephen Curry Would Only Have Two Championships Without Kevin Durant
While Stephen Curry’s impact on the game of basketball is undeniable and his status as an all-time great remains firmly intact, it’s worth acknowledging the role that Kevin Durant played in bolstering Curry’s championship resume. Without Durant’s presence on the Golden State Warriors roster, Curry may have faced insurmountable challenges in defeating LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals. There might have been no way for Curry to defeat James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love in their primes during those two seasons.
Consequently, Curry’s championship count would stand at two, with titles earned in 2015 and 2022. This hypothetical scenario undoubtedly alters the narrative surrounding Curry’s legacy, as he may not be as prominently featured in debates about the greatest point guards of all time, such as the one featuring Magic Johnson. While the fact remains that Curry is an all-time great, it does lead one to wonder how different his legacy would have been if Kevin Durant did not stack the deck in his favor to create one of the most talented teams the NBA has ever seen.
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