Stephen A.: A Shoot-First Steph Curry Instills Fear Throughout The Nba! | First Take

The NBA is buzzing with excitement as we witness the playoffs unfold. One player who never fails to deliver an unforgettable performance is none other than Steph Curry. In a recent game, he dropped 20 points with 12 assists, leading the Golden State Warriors to a convincing 127-100 victory. This impressive display comes on the heels of a 27-point performance in Game 1 and a legendary 50-point game against the Knicks. But what makes Steph Curry truly exceptional? Let's dive into the minds of Stephen A. Smith and CJ McCollum as they discuss the conundrum of facing a pass-first or shoot-first Steph.

The Dilemma: Pass-First vs. Shoot-First Steph

CJ McCollum, a player who has faced Steph Curry countless times, weighed in on the debate of whether it's more intimidating to go up against a pass-first or shoot-first Steph. CJ's perspective offers a unique glimpse into the minds of professional athletes.

CJ believes that it's the shoot-first Steph that should strike fear into the hearts of opponents. He points to Steph's game-seven performance against the Sacramento Kings, where he poured in 50 points in a display of extraordinary aggressiveness. This is the Steph that can score off the dribble, excel in isolation plays, and thrive in pick-and-roll situations. CJ is of the opinion that opponents can live with Steph passing the ball, provided it's not to lethal shooters like Klay Thompson, who can erupt for 30 points as he did in the previous game.

On the other hand, Stephen A. Smith takes a different stance. He argues that it's the pass-first Steph Curry that opponents should be wary of. While acknowledging Steph's exceptional shooting prowess, Stephen A. believes that the 12 assists Steph delivered in the last game are even more terrifying. When Steph is dishing the ball to teammates like Draymond Green, it elevates the Warriors' overall offensive threat. In his view, stifling Steph's shooting while allowing him to pass is a more favorable strategy for opponents.

Shoot-First Steph: A Weapon of Mass Destruction

Let's take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of shoot-first Steph Curry. He is unequivocally the greatest shooter that the basketball world has ever witnessed. When he adopts a shoot-first mentality, there's an undeniable air of fear that permeates the court. It's a spectacle that leaves spectators in awe, knowing that they are witnessing something extraordinary. Shoot-first Steph Curry is the stuff of legends, a force to be reckoned with in the world of basketball.

The Warriors' Sustainable Winning Formula

CJ McCollum delves deeper into the Warriors' chances in the series against the Lakers. While the Lakers had a strong showing in Game 1, CJ observes that the Warriors found a winning formula in Game 2 that is sustainable in the long run. This formula involves an emphasis on three-point shooting, fast-paced play, and the ability to secure victories without relying heavily on free throws. CJ is confident that the Warriors can make necessary adjustments and continue to apply this strategy, which he believes is their key to success.

Pressure Points: Joel Embiid vs. Jason Tatum

Shifting gears, we enter another realm of NBA drama – the series between the 76ers and the Celtics. The question at hand is who bears more pressure in this series, Joel Embiid or Jason Tatum?

Stephen A. Smith contends that the weight of expectations falls more on Jason Tatum's shoulders. He believes Tatum is the best player on the Boston Celtics, and the pressure stems from the fact that, despite his talent, he has yet to be the best player in the postseason over the past two years. Jalen Brown has consistently outperformed Tatum in crucial playoff moments, leaving fans wondering if Tatum can rise to the occasion.

On the other side of the court, the Sixers' Joel Embiid faces his own set of challenges. Playing with an injury, he's persevering, knowing that his team's success is intrinsically tied to his performance. The uncertainty of James Harden's future in Philadelphia adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The outcome of this series could determine the Sixers' path to the NBA Finals.

In the world of the NBA, the stakes are high, and the pressure is ever-present. As we continue to witness the drama of the playoffs, the decisions and performances of players like Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, and Jason Tatum will shape the course of the season, and the excitement never ceases to amaze us.