Warriors legend Steph Curry won the war in Monday’s competitive game (recap) between Golden State and Houston, but young Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. did win his share of battles along the way.
While social media exploded with Warriors fans blaming an apparent Porter staredown for Curry’s exploits in the fourth quarter, the two-time NBA MVP and three-time league champion made it clear in postgame comments that he liked what he saw from the 21-year-old on the court.
Regarding Porter, who had 17 points (5-of-9 on 3-pointers) and a team-high 11 assists for the Rockets, Curry said in postgame comments:
I like his competitiveness. He’s got a dog in him, and he wanted to take on that challenge. There was a play, I think a couple off-ball fouls, and I won’t say there was chirping, but there was a little gamesmanship. (source)
Fun stuff like that happens in the game. I take it all as entertainment, and sometimes you need a little boost. I never really play into it much. Obviously, I didn’t say anything back, so just hoop and have fun with it. (source)
Curry also said he believes in Houston head coach Stephen Silas, who was an assistant with the Warriors early in Curry’s career there.
“That’s my guy,” Curry said of the second-year head coach, via Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle. “Now he’s at the helm of a franchise. I’ve got faith he can make it happen, just not on our watch.”
As for Porter, the third-year guard said postgame that he enjoyed battling Curry and even asked him for pointers late in the game.
“I asked him for some pointers,” Porter said of his chat. “Being an MVP, that’s someone I can learn from. He’s the same position as me. Seeing him play like this, it’s definitely something to learn from. After the game, he elaborated more. (He discussed) making the game easier for myself and the team. Mainly on pick and rolls, being able to dissect the defense and the first two of the pick-and-roll defenders.”
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Steph Curry bests Kevin Porter Jr. in late duel as Warriors hold off Rockets
