Unforgettable LeBron vs. Steph Matchups We Still Talk About
The names LeBron James and Stephen Curry have always been in highlights for various reasons. But it’s the rivalry between the two basketball stars that keeps fans hooked. This competition has delivered countless moments of basketball greatness. It has shaped modern NBA history, showcasing resilience and unparalleled competitiveness. From Finals showdowns to amazing performances, each encounter has left its mark on NBA history.
Let’s revisit 15 of their most memorable battles, where the stakes were high, and the drama was unmatched.
2015 NBA Finals: Steph’s First Championship
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When LeBron returned to Cleveland in 2015, he had his eyes set on bringing a championship to his hometown. But Steph and the Warriors had other plans. Despite LeBron averaging an incredible 35.8 points per game, Golden State’s depth and Curry’s leadership earned them their first title in 40 years.
2015 Game 5 Duel
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Curry scored 37 points in a pivotal Game 5 of the 2015 Finals, leading the Warriors to a 3-2 series advantage. Despite LeBron’s triple-double, Golden State’s sharp shooting and teamwork paved the way for their eventual title win.
2015 Regular Season Duel
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LeBron’s 42 points helped the Cavaliers beat the Warriors 110-99 in a regular-season clash. Curry managed just 18 points, but this game hinted at the intense rivalry that would unfold in future playoff matchups.
2016 NBA Finals: Cleveland’s Epic Comeback
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No one expected Cleveland to overcome a 3-1 deficit, but LeBron and the Cavs rewrote history. His chase-down block on Andre Iguodala and Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-pointer sealed Cleveland’s first-ever NBA championship. The Warriors’ 73-win season became a footnote to this epic tale of redemption.
2016 Christmas Day Showdown
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Regular-season games don’t get much better than this. The Cavs edged out the Warriors 109-108 in a thriller. Kyrie’s game-winning shot and LeBron’s dunk over Draymond Green made it feel like another Finals clash. The rivalry never took a holiday, even in December.
Game 6 of the 2016 Finals: Double 41s
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LeBron and Kyrie Irving each scored 41 points, forcing a Game 7 in the 2016 Finals. Their dominance overwhelmed the Warriors, setting the stage for one of the most thrilling series finales in NBA history. Cleveland’s resolve shined brightest that night.
2016 Game 7: The Block
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LeBron’s chase-down block on Andre Iguodala remains one of the most iconic plays in NBA history. This crucial moment helped Cleveland secure a 93-89 victory, completing their remarkable comeback and cementing LeBron’s legacy.
2017 NBA Finals: Durant’s Arrival
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With Kevin Durant joining the Warriors, the Finals felt like an uphill battle for Cleveland. Golden State overpowered the Cavs in five games, but LeBron still made history, averaging a triple-double. Curry didn’t need to carry the scoring load but was vital in orchestrating this dominant victory.
2017 Game 3: Durant’s Dagger
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Game 3 of the 2017 Finals saw Kevin Durant’s game-winning three-pointer over LeBron. Curry added 26 points and played a vital role in Golden State’s victory. This win put the Warriors up 3-0, all but sealing the series.
Game 1 of the 2017 Finals: Statement Win
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Curry posted 28 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds in a dominant Game 1 victory for the Warriors. LeBron’s near triple-double wasn’t enough to stop Golden State from taking an early series lead, setting the tone for their championship run.
2018 NBA Finals: A Warriors Sweep
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LeBron gave it everything in Game 1, scoring 51 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent an overtime loss. Curry stole the spotlight in Game 2 with nine three-pointers and sealed the sweep with a 37-point Game 4 performance. The Warriors walked away as back-to-back champions.
2018 Game 1: LeBron’s Solo Masterclass
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LeBron delivered one of the greatest Finals performances in Game 1 of the 2018 Finals, scoring 51 points. However, the Warriors won in overtime, with Curry’s 29 points providing key support. This game set the tone for the eventual sweep.
2018 Game 4: Steph’s Big Finish
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Curry closed out the 2018 Finals with 37 points and seven three-pointers in Game 4. The Warriors swept the Cavaliers, capping off another dominant season. This performance highlighted Curry’s ability to deliver when it mattered most.
2021 Play-In Tournament Duel
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When the Lakers met the Warriors in the Play-In Tournament, the stakes were high. Curry dazzled with 37 points, but it was LeBron’s improbable deep three-pointer that sealed a 103-100 victory for L.A. This game proved why both players thrive when everything is on the line.
2023 Western Conference Semifinals
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In 2023, the Lakers and Warriors clashed in the playoffs. LeBron’s leadership propelled the Lakers past Curry’s Warriors in six games. Steph’s memorable 50-point performance in the first round kept his postseason legacy intact, even in defeat.