Stephen A. Smith breaks down why Curry deserves the MVP over LeBron at the Olympics: "When you steal pivotal moments to secure a gold you deserve the MVP"

Team USA had a memorable campaign during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The roster featured LeBron James , Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry teaming up in USA colors for the first time in their careers.

Despite being in the twilight years of their career, the trio played an excellent brand of basketball, which ultimately led to Team USA taking home the gold medal. For his amazing performance throughout the competition, James was named the MVP.

However, many believe that Curry was robbed of the honor. After all, Steph went berserk from the 3-point line in the semifinals against Serbia and finals against France in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Stephen A. Smith says Curry deserved to win Olympics MVP

Steph Curry’s remarkable resume was missing an Olympic gold medal for years. Although he is now a gold medalist, the Baby-Faced Assassin could also have the MVP award in his bag. Smith explained why Curry deserves the honor despite being a first-time Olympian.

“Steph Curry was spectacular,” Smith said on his podcast . “You saw LeBron and you saw KD and you saw everybody deferring to Steph Curry because when you get hot like that, you know who to get the damn ball to. So that’s what it is, I thought Steph Curry deserved the MVP because of that. Not because LeBron wasn’t great because he was, but when you steal pivotal moments like that to secure the gold in two thrillers, Serbia and then France, you deserve the MVP.”

Curry scored 36 points against Serbia, thanks to his 9-14 shooting from the 3-point line. He then scored 24 points in the gold medal game, shooting an incredible 8-13 from deep.

Smith clarifies his stance on LBJ winning the MVP

While Smith wholeheartedly backed Steph to win the MVP, he clarified that it doesn’t translate to taking a shot or diminishing the impact of LeBron throughout the tournament.

“LeBron James was the MVP. He’s the one that ultimately captured MVP for the Olympics being named Olympics MVP,” Smith said . “I thought Steph Curry deserved it, but under no circumstances am I throwing any shade on LeBron James for getting it because he was a model of consistency in these games.”

Although Curry went nuclear in the final two games of the Olympics, James was much more consistent with his performances throughout the competition. He capped off his final Olympics run with a double-double in the gold medal game.

At the end of the day, Team USA needed both James and Curry’s performance to secure the gold medal. If either superstar failed to step up, it could have ruined USAB’s perfect run in Paris.

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