Steph Curry’s “Licensed Killer” Move Leaves Former NBA Champ Furious at Lakers Despite Christmas Day Victory
via Imago
Stephen Curry is the stuff of legends now, though that wasn’t always the case. Flashback to 15 years ago, and plenty of doubters surrounded the Golden State Warriors star, questioning his ability to dominate the league. Among them was Iman Shumpert, who’s always been vocal about Curry’s place—or lack of it—in the GOAT conversation. Yet, Curry’s signature style, precision shooting, and cold-blooded game moments have won over critics time and again. Even on Christmas Day, against the Lakers, in a heartbreaking loss, Curry left Shumpert stunned.
Steph Curry delivered an absolute masterclass in the clutch, tying the game at 113 with just seven seconds left on the clock. The shot? A jaw-dropping 31-foot three-pointer that had everyone, including Shumpert, buzzing online. “Of all people to leave open at the end of the game, please do not leave that light-skinned man. He barely pushed y’all off. Please don’t leave that light-skinned man with the little tattoo,” Shumpert reacted on Instagram. But wait, the 2016 NBA champ wasn’t done.
Still baffled, Shumpert added, “Man, he not missing? That’s a professional murderer. That’s a professional licensed killer. Oh bro, you can’t. You can’t detach from the man, bro.” So how to stop Curry? Shumpert has advice. “Stay on his hip, get in his pocket, bro. Go see how much money he got on him. Do not leave that man!”
Despite Curry’s Christmas Day heroics, which included a season-high 38 points, 6 assists, and tying the NBA record for most threes in a Christmas Day game with eight, the Warriors fell short. Just seconds after his game-tying shot, Austin Reaves sealed the win for the Lakers with a layup, delivering a 115-113 finish that broke Warriors fans’ hearts.
USA Today via Reuters
As for the Lakers, LeBron James dropped an impressive 31 points, paired with 10 assists and 4 rebounds. Reaves, though, was the real closer, capping the night with 26 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds. Yet, even with the loss, one thing is clear—Steph Curry’s brilliance may have Shumpert rethinking his stance on the GOAT debate.
Iman Shumpert feels Curry is still not in the GOAT debate
When it comes to debating the best NBA player of all time, the conversation usually heats up fast. Names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominate these talks, leaving little room for new contenders. But here’s the real question: should Steph Curry, the Warriors’ superstar with four championships and countless jaw-dropping moments, be part of this debate?
Well, Iman Shumpert has some thoughts. In a recent chat on The Big Podcast, Shumpert admitted that Curry “technically” deserves a spot in the GOAT discussion. But, personally, he’s not sold. “I don’t put him on the same level as Bron, Jordan, or Bird,” Shumpert said, making it clear that Curry’s name doesn’t roll off his tongue when he’s listing the greats.
Interestingly, Shumpert faced Curry on the court during his decade-long NBA career. From countless battles against the Warriors, Shumpert has witnessed Curry’s undeniable talent. Yet, he confessed that guarding Curry didn’t feel as daunting as dealing with other legends. That respect, he explained, didn’t quite extend to fear.
Interestingly, Shumpert compared Curry to Paul Pierce, stating, “With Pierce, I felt helpless, like there was nothing I could do.” With Curry, though? It was a different vibe. But after Curry’s latest Christmas performance, it’s fair to ask if Shumpert’s opinion is evolving—and maybe Curry is forcing his way into those GOAT conversations.
