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NBA Playoffs: Which superstar has the most to win and lose?

By Luke Dahlgren

May 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cavaliers Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning basket in the second half of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Cavaliers won 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cavaliers Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game winning basket in the second half of game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The Cavaliers won 86-84. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the basketball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the basketball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Warriors 97-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Stephen Curry

The NBA MVP leads the NBA-leading Golden State Warriors squad at point guard, and this year has established himself as the most exciting player in the NBA today with his perimeter shooting and ball handling.

How much does Stephen Curry have to win with a Finals victory?

A Warriors Finals victory would cap off the dream season for Curry. Having already won the MVP and broken the record for most three point shots made in a season, Curry would be expected to guide the Warriors to the championship. He would instantly solidify his position at the top echelon of NBA stars along side LeBron James and Kevin Durant (and probably Anthony Davis, we’ll see in two years if he becomes the Basketball Terminator), and would have already done most of the work to guarantee a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

However, what is the headline for a Steph/Warriors championship? Is it “STEPH CURRY LEADS THE WARRIORS TO FINALS WIN”? … or is it “WARRIORS CAP OF INCREDIBLE SEASON WITH FINALS WIN”? I have a sneaking suspicion it is the latter; Curry plays second fiddle to the Warriors team as a whole, and will be remembered as the best component of the team rather than the centerpiece.

How much does Stephen Curry have to lose with an early exit?

No team will bring more of a disappointment from an early exit than the Golden State Warriors. The Dubs were built to win in the playoffs, coupling finesse passing, ball movement and shooting with tough defense and smart interior play. It is their destiny to win the NBA Finals this year, and any outcome other than the Warriors winning is now an upset, even with the Clippers’ recent emergence.

If the Warriors lose in this round to the Grizzlies (a distinct possibility considering the presence of a Grindfather in Tony Allen), then a great deal of the blame will be thrust onto Curry for that loss. He doesn’t have the negative track record, but it could start a precedent that Curry and the Warriors are regular season stars and postseason duds.

Next: James Harden