Steph Curry or Kyrie Irving: who would win a one-on-one matchup between them in their prime?
NBA Legend Tracy McGrady weighed in on this debate when he was asked in a quick interview by the House of Highlights. In a clip shared by ClutchPoints on X, T-Mac had a quick, amusing response to the question.
“Whoever [gets the] ball first.”
The former Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets legend also gave his thoughts on who would win in hypothetical matchups between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant and Larry Bird, and Jason Kidd and Steve Nash, among others.
Curry and the Golden State Warriors have clashed with Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers in four consecutive NBA Finals. The Warriors won three of those series, but many will remember the one in 2016 when Irving and LeBron James won the championship after overcoming a 3-1 deficit.
Steph has played all his 15 seasons with the Warriors, averaging 24.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds across 956 regular-season games. He’s a two-time regular-season MVP, a 10-time NBA All-Star, a four-time NBA champion, and a one-time NBA Finals MVP with the franchise.
On the other hand, Irving’s 13-year career includes stints with the Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and currently, the Dallas Mavericks. He’s averaging 23.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. Named the 2012 Rookie of the Year, he’s also an eight-time NBA All-Star and a one-time champion with the Cavaliers. He will be joined by Curry’s former “Splash Brother” Klay Thompson in Dallas in the upcoming season.
Steph Curry vs. Kyrie Irving: Damian Lillard weighs in
Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard had named Kyrie Irving as the most skilled player he’s played against, ranking him above Steph Curry.
On an episode of the “It Is What It Is” show aired last year, Lillard was asked to name the top three players he’s ever faced in the hardwood. He identified Curry, Irving, and Russell Westbrook. Of the three names, however, the Bucks star had more praise for Irving.
“Kyrie is really different,” Lillard remarked. “He’s the most skilled…he has the most beautiful game in NBA history.”
The former Portland Trail Blazer has faced both Curry and Irving in separate playoff scenarios. His team fell to Curry and the Warriors twice, the first one being in 2016. Then, in 2019, Lillard helped the Trail Blazers overcome Irving and the Thunder in 2019.
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