The 2024 NBA All-Star Recreation in San Francisco ended with a predictable consequence—Steph Curry hoisting the MVP trophy in entrance of his residence crowd. However was he actually essentially the most deserving participant?
Boston Celtics ahead Jayson Tatum put up superior stats, scoring 21 factors on an environment friendly 9-of-11 taking pictures, in comparison with Curry’s 20 factors on 7-of-17 taking pictures. Within the championship sport, Tatum outscored Curry once more, dropping 15 factors to Curry’s 12. But, when the ultimate whistle blew, it was the Warriors celebrity taking residence the {hardware}.
The Case for Curry
Curry’s influence on the sport prolonged past the field rating. His dazzling half-court shot was essentially the most memorable second of the evening, and his deep threes electrified the gang. The All-Star Recreation has by no means been about pure stats—it’s about leisure, and Curry delivered in a means that few can.
There’s additionally the unstated rule of All-Star MVPs: when the sport is performed in a celebrity’s residence area, the award usually leans their means. It’s occurred earlier than, and it occurred once more in San Francisco. If the sport had been in Boston, Tatum may need walked away with the trophy with out a lot debate.
The Case for Tatum
Tatum had the higher statistical evening, and for a sport that already lacks actual protection and depth, shouldn’t one of the best performer be rewarded? His effectivity was unmatched, and he was the driving power within the championship sport.
His coach, Drew Hanlen, even took to social media to name out the snub, including gasoline to the argument that Tatum has been missed earlier than—most notably within the 2024 NBA Finals MVP dialogue.
Does All-Star MVP Even Matter?
On the finish of the day, the larger debate isn’t whether or not Tatum was robbed—it’s whether or not the All-Star MVP award holds any actual weight. The All-Star Recreation is extra spectacle than competitors, and the MVP usually feels extra like a narrative-driven choice than a real recognition of efficiency.
If the NBA All-Star Recreation ever returns to Boston, one factor is definite: both Tatum or Jaylen Brown would be the overwhelming favourites to win MVP. But when historical past is any indication, Tatum would possibly want an excellent larger efficiency to beat the hometown benefit that labored towards him in San Francisco.
So, did Curry deserve the MVP? It will depend on what you worth—stats or spectacle.
