“He’s seeing that it’s tough to get those quality looks” – Damian Lillard to Stephen Curry, who two days later dropped his career-high on Blazers

Dame questioned Curry when comparing him to the Warriors’ dynasty days, and the latter quickly responded on the court.

Damian Lillard probably wants to erase the statement from everyone’s minds, including his own, made before a 2021 New Year’s Day game.

Back then, the Trail Blazers blew out the Warriors, with opponent guard Stephen Curry scoring ‘only’ 26 points. It seemed the win got Dame carried away as he shared his thoughts boastfully afterward. Little did he know, it would come back to haunt him – just two days later.

“I think right now, with the injuries the Warriors have had and Steph playing with a younger team, he’s finding it tough to get good looks. It’s different than what it’s looked like for him in the last four or five years,” said Dame while appearing on Warriors Pregame Live.

Lillard and Curry face off
Before, the Blazers had faced the Warriors in the 2019 conference finals, and in their prior matchup in January 2020, where Lillard had scored 61 points in an overtime win.

So, when they met again, a palpable sense of a personal duel and boasting rights emerged. As one should know, both players – especially Curry – are deeply involved in discussions about the best-ever shooters.

Lillard lived up to the acclaim when he went 11 for 21 from the field with six 3-pointers made and eight assists. Finishing the game with 34 points, Dame joined Clyde Drexler in the exclusive 15,000-point club for the Blazers franchise.

Reflecting on Lillard’s pregame comments, the Warriors’ title-winning dynasty had indeed taken a different shape. Curry and Draymond Green were still doing their thing, but Klay Thompson became injured long-term, and Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala left the team.

Consequently, Curry had to adapt his style. That night, however, with limited success, struggling with shot selection and efficiency (4 for 12 from deep), he at least contributed eight rebounds and five assists.

“He’s trying to get quality looks and get a clean look so he can make a good one. You don’t really have that luxury to take one from that deep just to be taking it like in the past he might have, and I’m the same, getting a lot of attention from defenses,” remarked Dame before.

Curry’s explosive career high
Just two days later, on January 3, 2021, the stage was set for the highly-anticipated rematch at the near-empty, COVID-restricted Chase Center.

‘Chef Curry’ was cooking from the start, tallying 21 points by the end of the first quarter and reaching 30 points by halftime. The game concluded with Curry going 8 for 31 from the field and hitting 8 of 16 three-pointers, achieving a remarkable total of 61 points – his career high.

After the Warriors secured a 137-122 victory, Curry exchanged hugs with teammates and Lillard, who delivered a solid performance with 34 points. The two embraced, exchanged a quick conversation, and also shared a laugh.

The now more positive vibe continued on social media, where Lillard later gave well-deserved props to Curry, admitting his previous statements were just wrong, and now he had to endure the stick for it in the same manner.

It shows that everybody makes mistakes, but having the courage to admit and rectify them is what is truly commendable.