Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James has been battling with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry for quite some time now. They’ve been going at it in the NBA Finals — basketball’s biggest stage for four years in a row. And after all their tough duels, James is already used to Curry knocking down difficult baskets from downtown.
As reported by Jeff Zillgitt of USA Sports Today, James said:
“Every shot that he takes that goes in, he has the business of making them. That’s what he does. So shouldn’t be surprised or deflated at it. Take the ball out, move it forward, and try to execute on the other end.”
His head coach Tyronn Lue echoed James’ statements, per ESPN’s Chris Haynes:
“He makes tough shots, that’s what he does,” Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said. “… Once he releases it and he sees the basket, he usually makes it.”
In their 122-103 Game 2 victory, Curry was 9-of-17 from beyond the arc. Several of his 3-pointers were his routine 30-foot heaves, 4-point plays, and pull-up treys after lulling his defender to sleep. Curry finished with 33 points. He also added seven rebounds and eight assists to his already impressive tally.
His nine 3-pointers, in fact, set the record for most-ever in an NBA Finals game. It surpassed Ray Allen’s eight 3-pointers back in 2010 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
On the feat, Curry said:
“It’s a pretty cool deal to accomplish knowing whose held the record.”
The Warriors are now up 2-0 — just two more wins closer to their third title in four years. Game 3 will be on Wednesday, June 6 in Cleveland, 9 p.m. E.T.