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Is Stephen Curry A Most Improved Player Of The Year Candidate?

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 11, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) pumps his fists after making a shot during the second half of the Golden State Warriors 124-119 double overtime win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) pumps his fists after making a shot during the second half of the Golden State Warriors 124-119 double overtime win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors
Dec 6, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after making a three point shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Barclays Center. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Brooklyn Nets 114-98. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

The Raw Numbers

A look at the raw numbers from last year’s MVP season compared to a likely repeat MVP campaign this year reveals an unbelievable leap in the stat column. We’re not even two months into the season yet, and now that the streak is over, there’s a chance the Dubs take their foot off the gas a little bit with the larger goal of winning a championship in mind, which could hurt Curry’s numbers.

However, the Warriors are still chasing history — particularly the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls’ 72-10 record — and will be the favored team in virtually every remaining game this season. With Curry lighting the league on fire, there’s a decent chance he can keep up this torrid pace for the whole season.

  • 2014-15:  23.8 PPG, 7.7 APG, 4.3 RPG, 2.0 SPG, .487/.443/.918 shooting splits, 28.0 PER
  • 2015-16:  32.3 PPG, 6.0 APG, 5.3 RPG, 2.2 SPG, .517/.458/.908 shooting splits, 33.8 PER

Curry’s assist numbers may be down, but that’s only because he’s increased his scoring numbers by nearly 10 points per game (not to mention Draymond Green‘s emergence as the team’s leading assist man).

Curry has also upped his rebounding and steals numbers, he’s managed to somehow boost his shooting numbers despite taking nearly three more three-pointers per game, and he’s on pace to shatter the single season record for Player Efficiency Rating (31.8). Declarations about him having the greatest season in NBA history are not off-base.

Last season, the Warriors outscored opponents by 16.5 points per 100 possessions with Curry on the floor. This season, that number has jumped to 19.8 points per 100 possessions. I repeat: The Golden State Warriors are outscoring opponents by nearly 20 points per 100 possessions with Curry on the floor.

Curry is currently on pace to post the highest PER, win share average and points per 100 possessions in NBA history, all while posting an absurd 68.8 true shooting percentage. Chef Curry was cooking with the pot last year, but this year he’s cranked up the heat in the kitchen.

Next: Shooting Prowess

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