NBA fans have been waiting a long time to see Stephen Curry and LeBron James play alongside each other. These two greats of modern times have been arch-rivals for a long time. Then, they turned friends from foes with time, and it’s great for Team USA. Currently, the two faces of the NBA have teamed up to fight for the Gold medal in the Paris Olympics. However, the Golden State Warriors point guard has not been at his imperial best yet in his first-ever Olympic appearance. He has been playing a different role for Team USA from what he generally plays with the Warriors.
In the 2024 Olympics, the three-point King has been playing a supporting role to the likes of LeBron James and Kevin Durant. When KD was part of the GSW from 2016 to 2019, Curry used to play a similar role. Hence, it should not be a problem for Steph to play that role with ease, as his franchise coach is managing Team USA in the current Olympics, too. Lately, Steve Kerr has been utilizing LBJ and Steph to use a play called ‘Too small.’ They have been getting positive results with this innovative play so far.
What’s The ‘Too Small’ Play Between Stephen Curry And LeBron James?
Team USA coach Steve Kerr has found a way to utilize Steph and LBJ playing alongside each other. Previously, there have been rumors and concerns over the dynamic between the two faces of the NBA on the floor. Both Steph and James like to control the ball, and they are not really used to playing supporting roles. But Kerr has found a new setup called ‘Too small’ play where these two greats can share the floor with high productivity. In this setup, Stephen Curry will screen for LeBron James. Steph is the shortest player in the squad, with a height of 6’2. On the other hand, the all-time leading scorer in the NBA is 6’8 and weighs 260 pounds. The idea is when Curry passes the ball to James, he will powerfully drive to the basket.
Moreover, the defender, whoever is on LBJ’s way after the switch, would be ‘Too small’ to defend effectively. Kerr is using James as the “De facto point guard.” Meanwhile, Curry’s primary job is to enable innovative plays working off the ball. Steph is familiar with such Kerr’s setup, but the presence of James just makes the combo very formidable. Moreover, Stephen Curry talked about the innovative play with the media on Monday, ahead of Team USA’s practice before their quarterfinal clash against Brazil. The three-point King mentioned that he is a pretty good screener, and with the ball, he can create some confusion for someone like LeBron James.
Team USA Faces Brazil On Tuesday For The Quarter-final Clash At The Paris Olympics
It will be interesting to see how the combination of Stephen Curry and LeBron James work in the knockout games of the Paris Olympics. But with the ‘Too small’ setup, the James-Curry duo might turn into a formidable force. Stephen Curry told the media on Monday that when he practices with the Warriors team, they use that play a little bit. Steph sets it when someone else has the ball and he has a lot of different actions that he can use.
Anyway, the three-point King added that if LeBron James goes downhill then it will be hard for any defender to try to stop him. Moreover, Steph said he will come off into space. Curry said it is important to make other teams decide how to defend and create more confusions. The 36 year old point guard takes the challenge to set screens against bigger opponents. That gives LeBron James a great opportunity to capitalize on.
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