Remembering Stephen Curry’s 30 greatest moments on his 30th birthday

5. “7”

While Curry’s 27 late-game points against Portland were mind-boggling, his overtime declaration was premature. Curry struggled in Game 5 (though he made the series-closing shot), and was wildly inconsistent through four Conference Finals games against Oklahoma City. He shot just 41.9 percent from the field, and the Warriors were down 3-1.

On the brink of elimination, Curry kicked into gear. He had 31 in a Game 5 win and another 31 in Game 6. Though Thompson stole the show that night (his 11 triples are rightfully credited with changing the NBA as we know it), Curry was sneakily the best player down the stretch. He hit a 3-pointer to cut OKC’s lead to 97-96, and another a minute later to tie things at 99. After Thompson’s final 3 gave the Warriors a 104-101 lead, Curry sealed the game with pure-will drive and floater off the glass against Serge Ibaka with 14 seconds left.

With the Thunder in need of a quick shot, Curry read Russell Westbrook’s inbound pass and stole it at midcourt. He was immediately fouled, and showed the OKC crowd five fingers on one hand and two on the other. Seven.

Everyone knew he was right, and yet, the arrival of a Game 7 simply did not feel real.

4. “We ain’t going home”

It started with a promise late in Game 5. After Curry’s layup put the Warriors up 10 with a minute remaining, he confidently assured the crowd “We ain’t going home. We’re not going home.”

Curry was hobbled. He had a fraction of his normal burst, which in turn affected every part of his game. Down 3-1 to a team with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and Steven Adams playing at an all-time high, the Warriors’ dream season appeared to be all but over. But like he did late in 2012-13, or in the final game of the 2015-16 regular season, Curry had a goal. No matter how impossible it looked, he was going to accomplish it.

Over the series’ final three games, Curry averaged 32.7 points, 7.7 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 5.3 3s and 7.3 free throw attempts on .470/.471/.909 shooting. After draining an absurd 3 to give himself 36 and end all doubt in Game 7, Curry repeated his Game 5 promise. Only this time, he shouted it from the top of his lungs.