Steve Kerr responds to Oscar Robertson’s dig at Stephen Curry
Warriors coach Steve Kerr responded to former NBA point guard Oscar Robertson’s apparent criticism of Stephen Curry’s talent on Thursday night after the reigning MVP had a stellar performance against the Orlando Magic.
On Thursday morning, Robertson said on The Mike & Mike Show that a decline in defense and coaching since his playing days has led to Curry’s success. Later that night, after Curry scored 51 points in the Warriors’ 130–114 takedown of the Magic, Kerr retorted with sarcasm when asked about Robertson’s claim.
“Oh I’m sure, yeah. I could have stopped this back in my time,” Kerr said, according to Fox Sports. “Boy, I would have shut Steph down. Because athletes, you know, 50 years ago were much bigger, stronger and faster, more finely tuned. So Steph might not have made it in the league.”
• WATCH: Stephen Curry breaks record with three in 128th straight game
Last season’s MVP broke the NBA record for consecutive games with a made three-point shot on Thursday night in his third 50-point game of the season. He leads the league with 30.4 points per game and has elevated the Warriors to an NBA-best 52–5 record.
Nevertheless, Robertson, who was selected to 12 consecutive All-Star teams beginning in 1960–61, has not been impressed by Curry’s dominance.
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“[Curry] has shot well because of what’s going on in basketball today. In basketball today, it’s almost like if you can dunk or make a three-point shot, you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread ... there have been some great shooters in the past ... but here again, when I played ... if you shot outside and hit it, the next time I’m going to be up on top of you. I’m going to pressure you with three-quarters, half-court defense. But now they don’t do that. These coaches do not understand the game of basketball, as far as I’m concerned.”
