- Web Desk
- 10 Hours ago

LeBron and Curry reminisce on past before Christmas clash
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- Web Desk
- Dec 25, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO: With LeBron James set to face off against Curry’s Warriors for the fifth time on Wednesday night, in a contest that will see one superstar finally break the 2-2 holiday deadlock, fans will be savouring the match-up, as they don’t know how many more are in store.
Basketball fans are in for a special treat as the two biggest stars of the National Basketball Association (NBA) face off on Christmas day. But, with neither superstar getting any younger, fans may feel bittersweet watching what could be the last time the two rivals face off in Christmas jerseys.
“We all have an experience of either watching each other play or knowing each other when we first met to now, and that evolution is just so dope to watch, because you truly understand what it takes to be great at this level.”
– Stephen Curry, ESPN interview
James has previously faced Curry’s Warriors on the holiday four times, thrice with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and once with the Los Angeles Lakers. Their first match up in 2015 saw the Warriors come out on top 89-93, despite James outscoring Curry, 25 to 19. LeBron would get the better of Curry in each of their encounters, with his best performance coming the very next year, as the four-time MVP scored 31 points, leading the Cavaliers to a 109-108 victory over the Warriors.
In 2017, Curry would miss the match, but Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson scored a combined 49 points to take home the win. 2018 was the first time the LeBron led Lakers faced the Warriors, and he would level the holiday series between him and Golden State.
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“I think we’ve cemented ourselves when it comes to the game of basketball and what we do but I think the admiration comes from the longevity, to be able to wake up every single day and still have the drive to want to be great.”
– LeBron James, ESPN interview
2024 will end days after either LeBron or Curry take the lead in the holiday series. It will be the 53rd time the two have faced off. Curry has gotten the better of LeBron in 29 of those matches and fans will be glued to the screen to see if he can increase the lead, or to savour what could be one of the final few contests between the two faces of the NBA.
With their careers coming to an end, Curry and LeBron were joined by the other era defining superstar of the NBA, Kevin Durant, for an interview in which the three reflected on the past before looking towards the future.
“We definitely are like fans of like the guys that’s coming up in the ranks and just doing great things, you know we hope that we just have inspired them. So, you know when we decide that were done they can keep this beautiful game going.”
– LeBron James, ESPN interview
The three reminisced on watching each other’s games evolve, with LeBron highlighting the longevity of the three, and Durant pointing to their undying passion for the game. When discussing the next generation of superstars, LeBron discussed how he is a fan of the young talent and hopes that he has been able to inspire them to continue to add to the shared legacy of basketball.
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“To keep that joy and love for the game first is what’s keeping all of us going, and that shines bright every time you see them step on the floor.”
– Kevin Durant, ESPN interview
Curry shared his admiration for the fresh blood in the NBA, citing their new styles of play and the energy they bring as a source of challenge and motivation.
“Every years its like some new style some new young energy coming through that challenges you, but then also knowing, we know that its not going to be around forever, so I feel like it gives you perspective on enjoying the game now and to enjoy every minute of it.”
– Stephen Curry, ESPN interview
As fans enjoy the three superstars play on Christmas, young talent such as Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama will try to steal the show.
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