It's 2008 and Stephen Curry, best known as Steph Curry is embarking on the journey of his life. As a stand-out basketball star at Davidson College, a small North Carolina school with an undergraduate population of 1,674, he is about to witness history. The Wildcats have just taken out Georgetown, Wisconsin and the number 1 seed at the time, Kansas Jayhawks. Life is good and the whole world has finally been able to meet Stephen, the oldest son of NBA Legend, Dale Curry.
It's also 2008 in Cleveland, Ohio and 23-year-old Lebron James is at the peak of his career. James, the number one draft pick overall in 2003 from St. Vincent-St. Mary is living the life every young basketball star dreams of. He has come into the NBA without the "one and done" rule and has proven to the world that it doesn't take a year of college basketball to prove you are ready for the NBA. While still fairly young, Lebron has just been named NBA Scoring Champion, All-NBA first team, NBA All-Star Game MVP and the 2008-2009 MVP.
Life is going pretty well for both Lebron and Steph. While living in two very different worlds both of these talented basketball stars have now garnered the attention of the entire world and there is no denying either of their talents.
It's now 2016, 8 years later and both basketball stars have once again garnered the entire world's attention. This time the two basketball powerhouses are intermingling in the same world, the NBA Finals. While this isn't the first time the two stars have met on the court for the NBA Finals (the first time being in last year's NBA Finals) this series has by far been the most intense. Many basketball correspondents and fans are comparing the rivalry to Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, Magic and Bird, and a host of other NBA rivalries. But this rivalry is a little different. In a new social media generated world fans across the world are forced to pick a "team" either you're #TeamLebron or #TeamSteph there's no in between and after Thursday night's showdown in Cleveland, the beef just got more real going into game 7.
As Game 6 ended Lebron James and Steph Curry fans took to social media to vent their frustrations on what they believed to be a "plethora of bad calls" or to victoriously celebrate "Steph's meltdown after being handled by Lebron." It was as if fans had suddenly pledged allegiance to either Lebron or Steph and there was no turning back.
While the back and forth between fans of Lebron and Steph was nothing short of entertaining it did become a bit personal when fans began to attack the family of Steph Curry specifically. This is about basketball, nothing more, nothing less. As I began to read through social media's reaction of last night's game I began to reflect back to 2008. Just 8 years prior the world was united by celebrating BOTH Lebron James and Steph Curry but yet today basketball fans are at odds. Sure, basketball rivalries are fun but do we really have to focus on why we love or hate both players? Rather you admit it or not there are 10 amazing things #TeamSteph and #TeamLebron can all agree on:
Lebron and Steph Are Both Well Rounded
There is absolutely nothing worst than a basketball player who is talented on the court but has no personality off the court. Steph and Lebron have both proven just how well rounded they are as not only athletes but individuals through their interview skills, social skills and charitable contributions.
Lebron and Steph Have Both Set Records
Lebron James is the first basketball player to make it to six consecutive NBA finals since Bill Russell's Celtics team. Stephen has also been a record setter by breaking his own record of the most 3 pointers made in a season.
Lebron and Steph Have Big Hearts
Both of these NBA ballers are teddy bears at heart. They have granted several Make A Wish wishes over the last few years.
Lebron and Steph Have Defeated The Odds
Steph came to the NBA from a very small college in North Carolina and Lebron came into the NBA straight from high school. Many questioned if they would be able to perform at such a high level; however, they both proved to the world they could.
Lebron and Steph Have Both Lost Their Composure During Games
Everyone has been criticizing Steph for throwing his mouthpiece but let's not forget in 2010 Lebron was seen knocking over the Gatorade stand after an unfair call vs. the Timberwolves.
Lebron and Steph Are Both Married To Outspoken Women
Many critics have compared Savannah and Ayesha Curry for their level of outspokenness or lack of. While Savannah has been quiet during the finals she has been vocal throughout Lebron's career. She was actually cited for being very vocal in Lebron's first departure from Cleveland due to her strong dislike for Miami.
Lebron and Steph Have Both Openly Confessed Jesus Christ
Steph has been known to openly confess Jesus Christ but Lebron has been vocal as well. In 2010 after a heartbreaking loss to the New Orleans Pelicans he exalted the name of Jesus Christ.
Lebron and Steph Are Two of The Best Players in the NBA
Enough said.
Lebron and Steph Are Both Great Dads
We have all watched Steph and Lebron parent their sons and daughters in public and who doesn't love those picture perfect moments.
Lebron and Steph Don't Hate Each Other and You Shouldn't Either
Lebron and Steph aren't enemies. In fact, Lebron was seen supporting Steph on the sidelines in 2008 when Davidson played NCSU.
So is it safe to say that you can be #TeamSteph and #TeamLebron at the same time? Leave your comments below.