QUICKEN LOANS ARENA, CLEVELAND, OH — Back on June 6th, a day after Game 2, Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group reported “multiple sources” saying that Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry would withdraw his name from consideration on USA Basketball’s Men’s National Team, aka “Team USA”, for the upcoming 2016 Olympics in Rio.
On cue, Curry released a statement confirming his withdrawal, citing “several factors — including recent ankle and knee injuries — I believe this is the best decision for me at this stage of my career.”
Fair warning for my speculation, but it is likely that Curry either wanted to let USA Basketball know as early as he knew, out of respect for their decision-making process, and that his injuries are painful enough that he already knows it would affect his training with the Olympic team, which begins late next month.
Curry also said that the Zika virus had “no bearing” in his withdrawal from Team USA.
Tim Kawakami of the Bay Area News Group compartmentalizes Curry’s recent woes into three parts, the second of which talks about his (probably still) injured right knee and previously injured right ankle.
2. Curry’s knee and ankle aren’t healthy–and it probably is not helping that both injuries are on his right leg.
.
He’s having some trouble planting and stopping on that leg (usually to move left), and opponents know it.
.
Curry can’t reliably explode past help defenders–one of the key parts of his rise to MVP status the last two seasons–and is having trouble finishing in the lane.
.
Also, for a few rounds now he hasn’t been able to stay in front of quick players on defense.
.
The solid point is that Curry is getting credit for everything he does well, through all of the playoffs, so he also has to take criticism if he insists on playing through–and not well–injuries and struggles.
.
But he’s not 100% two ways, both on his right leg, and that’s not helping him as this playoff run goes deeper and deeper.
Warriors’ Stephen Curry out for Olympics in Brazil, may not be alone
In my opinion, Curry’s right leg injuries are definitely affecting his play. Be the issues mental or strategic to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ game plans, they all emanate from either pain or soreness, probably more so in the knee, which is the more recent and severe injury.
When you’re a superstar, you have a “turbo button” or wellspring of skill or talent to draw from at any given point in a game. Those are situations in which you call upon your abilities to make a play.
When Curry dribbling out of bounds on a step-back jumper, completely losing Kyrie Irving or J.R. Smith on off-ball defensive assignments, I’m not sure I can credit the Cavs for that, although they are doing their part in game-planning and making things difficult for him, as we reported.
It tells me that something else is clouding his mind. More than likely, that would be soreness or pain.
That doesn’t mean Curry can’t block out the pain and draw from the well in spite of the obstacles, it only means that it’s harder to do and he can do that on a less-frequent basis than normal.
So, when you’re up 2-0 and the rest of the team is clicking, there’s really no need to hit that “turbo button” yet, especially when it’s in short supply.
(Photo: @letsgowarriors Instagram account via @justinmanzana)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
