Move over, Cleveland Cavaliers. There's a new front-runner in the Eastern Conference.
So says Steph Curry, whose Golden State Warriors lost to the Boston Celtics 92-88 on Thursday night. After the contest, Curry was asked if he thought the defending NBA champions would be returning to Boston in June. And the 2-time MVP stopped just short of forecasting a Finals matchup with the Celtics, who are currently in the midst of an NBA-best 14-game winning streak.
Reporter told Steph Curry he would be back here for Finals and then asked if he agreed: "I hear the weather is great here in June" pic.twitter.com/iRLUHOlNZ8
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 17, 2017
That, of course, would mean a change of early-summer scenery for Curry and the Warriors, who have squared off with the Cavs in each of the past three NBA Finals. Cleveland, however, is no longer benefiting from the play of All-Star guard Kyrie Irving, after acquiescing his request for a trade last summer by sending him to the Celtics.
In his first month in Boston, Irving has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 20.3 points and 5.3 assists per game on the Eastern Conference's top team. Against Golden State on Thursday, the 4-time All-Star scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, including two free throws in the closing seconds to help seal the contest.
The Cavs, meanwhile, have struggled to an 8-7 record -- although Cleveland is currently riding a three-game winning streak heading into its Friday night matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Nevertheless, Las Vegas still considers LeBron James and Co. to be the betting favorite in the Eastern Conference, despite the Celtics' impressive play.
To his credit, Curry acknowledged that in order to be the man, you have to beat the man.
"Obviously, until they beat Cleveland, who has done it three years in a row, we’ll see," he said.
But Warriors star also noted of Boston: "I hear the weather's great here in June."
