The Legacy of Golden State's Dominance: Stephen Curry Reflects on the Warriors Era
Stephen Curry, the face of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises, recently opened up about the Golden State Warriors' era of dominance, sharing insights and reflections on a period that has been nothing short of legendary. At the heart of his reminiscence was the bond he shared with teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, forming a core that brought unprecedented success to the Bay Area.
"I mean, obviously defining a dynasty can take a lot of different looks. People thought this was over in 2019 ... but 2022 was an amazing championship because we defied the odds," Curry remarked. The 2022 championship run offered a moment of redemption for the Warriors, as many believed their championship window had closed three years prior. Yet, the team’s resilience and togetherness proved otherwise.
The Warriors' era of dominance was remarkable not just for its success but for its longevity. "That's 11 years of almost 12 years of championship relevancy built around a certain core," Curry noted. The trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green stayed intact for over a decade, a rarity in today’s NBA landscape where player movement is abundant. "I don't think [it will be replicated] just because it's very hard to keep things together in this league. A lot more player movement. Me, Klay and Draymond, we complemented each other so well for so long," Curry added.
However, the departure of Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks signaled the end of an era. Acknowledging the emotional weight of this transition, Curry said, "It sucks. We would've loved to maintain the core and finish out together. ... So you have to be able to celebrate what we accomplished and be able to move." It was a sentiment echoed by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who remarked, "This has become a family over the years and people have watched us grow and stay together and succeed and fail. So Klay leaves, it's like, yeah, it's bizarre for us, it's bizarre for everybody. [But] everybody is given a ton of freedom here and they have to do what's in their heart. The best thing for Klay, he needed a change."
The Warriors' journey has been as much about heartfelt connections as it has been about basketball. Reflecting on his own career, Curry expressed his deep attachment to the Bay Area. "Being in one place for my own career ... I know it's really hard to do that. I want to be greedy and say we can be relevant and be in the mix and give ourselves a realistic chance to win while I'm still growing these gray hairs," he humorously noted, reinforcing his commitment to ending his storied career with the franchise that started it all. "I love the Bay and the Bay is home and I never want that to change," Curry affirmed.
Looking ahead, the Warriors are in a period of transition. Despite missing the playoffs in the second round in 2023 and falling short in the play-in tournament in 2024, the team is actively working to rebuild its roster. They have added new talent, including Kyle Anderson, De'Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. Additionally, the organization is nurturing promising young players such as Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis as part of their ongoing effort to remain competitive.
As the Warriors embark on this new chapter, Curry's reflections serve as a poignant reminder of what the team has accomplished and the indelible mark left on the league. The bonds forged, the championships won, and the unwavering support of a dedicated fanbase create a legacy that will be remembered long after the final buzzer sounds.