Following the Warriors-Knicks game, a Lakers legend makes a bold statement about Steph Curry.

Lakers Legend Makes Bold Statement About Steph Curry After Warriors-Knicks Game

After a thrilling game between the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks, a statement made by a Lakers legend about Steph Curry caught the attention of the basketball world. Curry, who continues to redefine what is possible in the modern NBA, has become a polarizing figure both on and off the court, and this statement only added fuel to the fire. The comment came from none other than Magic Johnson, one of the greatest players in NBA history and an icon for the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his flashy playmaking and his deep understanding of the game, Magic has a keen eye for talent and often speaks candidly about current players.

In his post-game interview, Magic Johnson weighed in on Curry’s performance, suggesting that Curry has elevated the standard of basketball in a way that transcends traditional expectations. Magic, in his usual charismatic manner, claimed that Curry is more than just a great shooter—he is a player who has forever altered the way the game is played, fundamentally changing how teams approach offense. He even went so far as to suggest that Curry’s influence could rival that of the greatest players in NBA history, including Magic himself.

The Context: Warriors vs. Knicks

Before diving into Magic’s bold statement, it’s important to look at the context of the game between the Warriors and Knicks. The matchup was an exciting one, with both teams having high stakes. The Warriors, with their star player Steph Curry, were looking to continue their playoff push after a somewhat inconsistent start to the season. The Knicks, on the other hand, were hoping to prove they could compete with the NBA’s elite teams, and with a solid roster led by Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, they’ve been an up-and-coming force in the Eastern Conference.

Steph Curry’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. In a game where both teams showcased their offensive firepower, Curry managed to drop 45 points, hitting an astounding 11 three-pointers. His scoring was not just a testament to his shooting range but also his ability to create his own shot under pressure. Curry’s performance was an example of why he’s often considered one of the best players in the league—his off-the-ball movement, ability to pull up from anywhere on the court, and mastery of spacing make him an incredibly difficult player to defend.

The Warriors won the game, but it was Curry’s individual brilliance that stole the show. While other players on both teams had solid performances, it was Curry’s shot-making that made the difference. His uncanny ability to take over a game, particularly in the closing minutes, showed why he is regarded as one of the most clutch players in the NBA. But it was Magic Johnson’s reaction to Curry’s performance that truly left a mark on the post-game analysis.

Magic’s Bold Statement: Steph Curry’s Influence on the Game

In a post-game interview, Magic Johnson shared his thoughts on Curry’s continued dominance in the NBA. “What Steph Curry has done for the game of basketball is beyond what we could have imagined in our time,” Magic said. “He’s not just changing the way people shoot the ball—he’s changing the way we view the entire game.”

Magic’s comments immediately drew attention, not just for their praise of Curry, but also for how he framed Curry’s impact in historical terms. Magic acknowledged the generational changes that have come with the evolution of the game, citing the rise of positionless basketball, the increased emphasis on three-point shooting, and the global reach of the NBA. But he emphasized that Curry had ushered in an era of shooting excellence that had never been seen before.

“Steph Curry is not just a great shooter. He’s a revolutionary. When I played, we had players like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird who were the pillars of the game,” Magic continued. “But Curry has done something unique. He has made the three-point shot not just a weapon, but a centerpiece of modern offense. Teams are now built around shooting. It’s not just about size or athleticism anymore. It’s about spacing, it’s about shooting, and it’s about skill. Steph has set a new standard.”

Magic’s statement touches on a truth that is hard to deny: the game has changed drastically in the past decade, and Steph Curry has been at the forefront of that transformation. The NBA of today is one where shooting from long range has become essential to success. Where once teams would dominate with post play and mid-range shots, now the focus has shifted toward the three-pointer. Curry’s ability to make long-range shots with such consistency has forced teams to rethink their strategies, not just in terms of offensive play but also defensive schemes.

The Evolution of the NBA: How Curry Changed the Game

To fully appreciate Magic Johnson’s statement, we must first understand the evolution of the NBA and how Curry fits into that larger narrative. The 1980s NBA, when Magic and his contemporaries played, was a game dominated by big men. Players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Patrick Ewing, and Hakeem Olajuwon were the focal points of their teams. The game was played primarily inside the paint, with centers and power forwards controlling the flow of offense. Point guards, while important, didn’t have the same emphasis on scoring as they do today.

Fast forward to the early 2000s, and the game began to evolve. The rise of players like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant signaled a shift toward a more perimeter-oriented game, but it wasn’t until Curry entered the scene that we saw a full-scale revolution. Curry’s exceptional shooting range and the ability to stretch defenses from beyond the arc made him an anomaly in the league. His style of play, characterized by off-the-dribble three-pointers and deep-range shooting, has become the gold standard for future generations of players.

Curry’s impact extends beyond just his shooting. His unique style of play has forced teams to adjust their defenses in ways that were previously unthinkable. The “run-and-gun” style of play that the Warriors have perfected under head coach Steve Kerr relies heavily on spacing, ball movement, and—most importantly—the three-point shot. Teams now know that they must defend the three-point line with intensity, as a single hot stretch from Curry or another shooter like Klay Thompson can change the course of an entire game.

Moreover, Curry’s success has directly influenced how other teams build their rosters. The Golden State Warriors’ blueprint of relying on shooters, spacing, and small-ball lineups has been copied by teams across the league. Even teams that traditionally prided themselves on size and strength, such as the Houston Rockets and the Milwaukee Bucks, have begun to emphasize the importance of perimeter shooting and three-point efficiency.

A Legacy Beyond Numbers: What Makes Curry Special?

What makes Curry’s impact even more profound is that he is more than just a statistical anomaly. His approach to the game, his work ethic, and his leadership have made him an ambassador for the sport. Magic Johnson, who is known for his larger-than-life persona and charismatic leadership, recognizes that Curry is cut from a similar cloth. While Magic may have been the face of the Lakers during their Showtime era, Curry has become the face of a new generation of NBA stars.

It’s not just the physicality of Curry’s game that impresses Magic; it’s his mindset. Curry’s ability to perform under pressure, hit game-winners, and elevate his team in crucial moments has made him one of the most respected players in the league. Magic pointed out that Curry has the same “championship DNA” that other greats possess, and this is one of the key reasons why he’s able to perform at such a high level year after year.

“Steph Curry doesn’t just lead by example on the court; he’s a leader in every sense of the word,” Magic said. “He works tirelessly to improve his game, and he does it with humility. He’s a perfect example of what it means to be a true professional.”

The Broader Impact of Curry’s Success

Finally, Magic’s statement about Curry’s influence extends beyond the NBA. Steph Curry has become a global ambassador for the sport of basketball. His rise to stardom coincided with the increasing globalization of the NBA, and his story has inspired millions of young players worldwide. The idea that a player of Curry’s size and stature—at 6’3” and not the most athletic by traditional standards—could become one of the greatest of all time is a testament to his skill, determination, and basketball IQ.

Curry’s success has also helped make basketball more accessible to younger players. His emphasis on shooting, ball-handling, and basketball intelligence has created a new wave of players who view the game through a different lens. Whereas past generations of players may have focused on size and athleticism, today’s young stars look up to Curry as a model for how to play the game with finesse, skill, and creativity.

Conclusion: A Statement for the Ages

Magic Johnson’s bold statement about Steph Curry is a recognition of the profound impact Curry has had on the game of basketball. Not only has Curry changed the way teams play, but he has also reshaped the very foundation of how the game is understood. In a league once dominated by big men and traditional styles of play, Curry has introduced a new era where skill, shooting, and basketball IQ are the most important assets.

Magic’s praise for Curry goes beyond a simple acknowledgment of his shooting ability. It’s a recognition of the broader influence Curry has had on the game and the players who follow in his footsteps. Whether Curry is able to add more championships to his already illustrious resume or not, his place in NBA history is secure. Magic Johnson’s statement serves as a reminder that, in the modern NBA, no player has had a more lasting impact on the game’s evolution than Steph Curry.