Time has a manner of softening even the fiercest rivalries in sports activities, and maybe none illustrates this higher than the evolving relationship between LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
Immediately, their on-court interactions are marked by mutual respect and real camaraderie, a stark distinction to the extraordinary rivalry that outlined their earlier encounters.
But for devoted followers of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, the reminiscence of their heated battles stays recent, representing one among basketball’s most compelling rivalries that spanned 4 consecutive NBA Finals.
In a current dialog with ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, James provided a candid perspective on the pure animosity that developed throughout these fierce Finals matchups from 2015 to 2018.
“I imply, s***. Once you’re in a canine combat and there’s just one man that’s attempting to cease you from reaching your objectives, you’re going to dislike that particular person… He disliked me. I disliked him as a result of we had been each combating for what the f*** we wished, and that’s the Larry O’Brien Trophy,” James revealed.
LeBron James on his rivalry with Steph Curry throughout NBA Finals runs:
“I imply, s***. Once you’re in a canine combat and there’s just one man that’s attempting to cease you from reaching your objectives, you’re going to dislike that particular person… He disliked me. I disliked him as a result of we had been each… pic.twitter.com/i2c0vtZS2W
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 15, 2025
Their postseason historical past tells a outstanding story, with 28 head-to-head encounters, together with 22 Finals matchups.
Curry at present holds the statistical edge with a 17-11 report and three Finals victories over James.
Nonetheless, LeBron’s crowning achievement got here in 2016 when he led the Cavaliers to a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit, culminating in a dramatic Recreation 7 victory on the Warriors’ dwelling court docket.
The legacy of their rivalry extends past mere numbers.
With each superstars now holding 4 championships apiece, their confrontations have turn into legendary chapters in NBA historical past.
Whereas their present pleasant relationship may puzzle some longtime followers who witnessed the depth of their previous battles, it stands as a testomony to how nice opponents can evolve from fierce rivals to mutual admirers.
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