Three years ago today, on June 16, 2022, Stephen Curry delivered a performance that wasn’t just about winning a championship; it was about redemption, silencing doubters, and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. The Golden State Warriors faced the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, a hostile environment in TD Garden, with the weight of expectations and the memory of recent struggles resting heavily on their shoulders. Curry, however, was in a “bad mood” – a competitive, focused, and determined state that translated into a Finals-clinching masterpiece.
The 2021-22 season had been a journey of reclamation for the Warriors. After two seasons plagued by injuries, missed playoffs, and questions about the future of their dynasty, many pundits had written them off. Klay Thompson had battled back from two devastating injuries, Draymond Green’s impact was scrutinized, and the team featured a mix of aging veterans and unproven youth. Stephen Curry, despite his unparalleled shooting prowess, still faced the lingering narrative that he needed a Finals MVP to truly complete his decorated resume.
The series against the Celtics was a grueling affair. Boston, a young, athletic, and defensively stout team, pushed the Warriors to their limits. The Celtics took a 2-1 lead in the series, and after Game 5, where Curry had an uncharacteristic off-shooting night (0-for-9 from three-point range), the pressure on the four-time champion was immense. The “narrative” machine was in full swing, suggesting that Curry might once again struggle to close out a Finals series.
But if there’s one thing consistent about elite athletes, it’s their ability to respond to adversity. Stephen Curry, fueled by the criticism and his own insatiable desire to win, entered Game 6 with a palpable intensity. He wasn’t the joyful, shimmying Curry always seen. This was a man on a mission, playing with a controlled fury.
From the opening tip, Curry set the tone. He started aggressively, attacking the basket, hitting tough shots, and dictating the pace. The “bad mood” was evident in his laser focus and determined expression. The statistical line tells a story of dominance: 34 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block on incredibly efficient 12-of-21 shooting from the field (57.1%) and 6-of-11 from three-point range (54.5%). He also went a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. His plus/minus of +8 reflected his positive impact on the game’s flow.
Beyond the numbers, the way Curry scored was mesmerizing. He hit deep threes, converted tough floaters in traffic, and showcased his elite finishing around the rim. He manipulated the Celtics’ vaunted defense, creating space for himself and his teammates. Every time Boston threatened to make a run, Curry had an answer, often with a soul-crushing three-pointer that would deflate the raucous TD Garden crowd.
One of the most defining sequences of the game, and perhaps the series, was a pivotal 21-0 run by the Warriors that spanned the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second. During this surge, the Warriors flipped a 22-16 deficit into a commanding 37-22 lead. While it was a collective effort, Curry’s offensive brilliance was the spark. This run, fueled by suffocating defense and transition offense, effectively broke the Celtics’ spirit and sent a clear message that the Warriors were not to be denied.
As the game progressed, even as the Celtics attempted to mount comebacks, Curry remained composed, orchestrating the offense and hitting timely shots. His celebrated “night night” celebration, seen throughout the playoffs, became an iconic symbol of his confidence and the Warriors’ impending victory.
When the final buzzer sounded, with the Warriors winning 103-90, the catharsis for Stephen Curry was immediate and overwhelming. Tears flowed as he embraced his teammates and family, particularly his father, Dell Curry. This championship was different. It wasn’t just another ring in the dynasty; it was the one that validated everything.
The post-game celebration was filled with emotion. Curry was deservedly named the NBA Finals MVP, the one major individual accolade that had eluded him. He averaged 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 48.2% shooting from the field and 43.7% from three-point range throughout the series, a dominant performance that left no doubt about his impact.
For Curry, this wasn’t about proving individual accolades; it was about the team. When asked about the Finals MVP award at the postgame podium, he famously pounded the table and declared, “Forget that question. Why you start with that question? We’ve got four championships!” This raw, emotional response underscored his team-first mentality and the depth of his commitment to the collective success.
The 2022 championship, largely carried by Curry’s brilliance, put to rest any lingering doubts about his place in the pantheon of NBA greats. It showcased his ability to lead a team to victory when the supporting cast was not at its peak, and when external expectations were lower than usual. He didn’t have the same level of prime Kevin Durant or peak Klay Thompson as in previous runs. This was definitively his championship.
Three years ago today, Stephen Curry’s “bad mood” wasn’t a negative emotion; it was the manifestation of a competitive fire that burned brighter than ever. It was the fierce determination of a superstar who had heard all the whispers and was ready to silence them once and for all. His performance in Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals was a masterpiece of clutch play, leadership, and unadulterated brilliance, securing another title for the Golden State Warriors and cementing his status as a legendary figure in basketball history.
