Not easy! Curry received 2 fifth votes and ranked 9th in the MVP list: The light of the veteran will never fade

When news came out that Stephen Curry had only won two fifth votes in the MVP selection this season and was finally ranked ninth, the basketball world seemed to have paused for a collective second. This legendary shooter who was elected MVP unanimously and won the championship trophy three times is no longer the indisputable king in the official evaluation system. But behind the numbers, the 37-year-old's performance this season is far more dazzling and precious than the rankings show.

This season, Curry averaged 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, and his three-point shooting percentage remained at an astonishing 40.8%. With Klay Thompson's decline in form, Draymond Green frequently suspended the game, and Andrew Wiggins' long-term downturn, Curry almost carried the Warriors forward alone. In the game against the Lakers, he scored 46 points; against the Celtics, he scored 11 three-pointers and scored 33 points; in the game against the Nets, he even scored 37 points to lead the team to win. These highlight moments are not accidental, but a historical star's ruthless struggle against the years. The evolution of the

MVP selection criteria is worthy of fun. In recent years, the selection of young players with excellent team records has become increasingly inclined toward the team. Veterans like Curry who support the team alone are often overlooked. The top five MVPs this season - Jokic, Alexander, Doncic, Antetokounmpo and Tatum - came from teams with excellent record without exception. The Warriors' record of 44 wins and 38 losses is barely squeezing into the playoffs, so it is naturally difficult to add points to Curry. But does this mean that individual values ​​must be completely succumbed to collective success? Curry's performance this season just raises this profound question.

In the sport of basketball, the value of veterans is often overshadowed by data. Curry brought far more than scoring to the Warriors - he is the decisive needle in the locker room, the mentor of young players, and the guardian of team culture. When young people such as Moses Moody and Jonathan Cumingga perform ups and downs, Curry encourages them; when the team is in a difficult situation of losing streak, Curry proves his spirit of never giving up with his actions. Which vote can measure these invisible contributions?

From a historical perspective, Curry's performance this season is a model for a legendary veteran. Michael Jordan still averaged 20 points in his last season with the Wizards; Carl Malone averaged 23.2 points per game at the age of 37 to lead the Jazz to the Western Conference Finals; Jabbar is still an important pillar of the Lakers' championship at the age of 38. Curry is now maintaining his top competitive state at the age of 36, continuing the tradition of great players fighting time. The difference is that Curry's dominance outside the three-point line is unprecedented, redefining the possibility of a veteran. The two fifth votes that Curry received were like the faint starlight in the dark night, reminding us of the extraordinary things of this player. What the two reporters who voted may not only see the numbers on the data table, but also the unparalleled influence of a veteran on the game. In those critical moments—the final five minutes of the game was within five points—Curry shot 45% from the field and 39.8% from three points this season. This is the value of a superstar, it has nothing to do with age.

Looking at the future, Curry's story is far from over. With Clay likely to leave the team next season and Green's form continues to decline, Curry's burden will only be heavier. But it is this challenge that will further improve his legendary chapter. When people look back at the 2024-25 season many years later, they may not remember who the ninth place in the MVP list, but they will remember how Stephen Curry fought against the encirclement of the entire league alone at the age of 37, and how he maintained the dignity of a veteran in the youth storm.

The basketball world is always chasing the next dazzling star, but the real legend never fades due to ranking. Curry’s performance this season is a redefinition of the word “great” – it does not depend on how much recognition you have gained, but on how you face every day that is not favored. Behind the two fifth votes is a soldier who never gives up and a basketball heart that shines forever. Such Curry has long surpassed the value that can be defined by any ranking.