Second to Last in Advanced Stats! What’s Going on with Steph Curry in the Olympics?

Stephen Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, has encountered an unexpected slump during his first Olympic appearance with Team USA. Known for his deadly accuracy from beyond the arc and his ability to shift the momentum of a game with a single shot, Curry's struggles have left fans and analysts alike puzzled.

Heading into the Tokyo Olympics, Team USA was universally recognized as the strongest squad in the tournament. The team has lived up to its reputation by dominating opponents, winning by an average of 25 points per game. Their closest margin of victory was 17 points, and they have consistently seized control of games from the opening tip, with the exception of a brief scare against Puerto Rico in the first quarter of their matchup. However, despite the team's overall success, Curry’s individual performance has been a glaring anomaly.

The Unexpected Star of Team USA

While many expected veterans like LeBron James and Kevin Durant to lead the charge for Team USA, it’s been the young star Anthony Edwards who has emerged as the team’s best player so far. Edwards is averaging a team-high 16.8 points per game, and his advanced metrics are equally impressive. According to HoopsHype, Edwards boasts a RAPTOR rating of 24.93, placing him first on Team USA and eighth among all players in the Olympics. James and Durant follow closely behind with RAPTOR ratings of 24.01 and 23.36, respectively.

The fact that Edwards has outperformed two of the greatest players in NBA history is noteworthy, but perhaps even more surprising is the fact that Curry, a player known for his shooting prowess and clutch performances, finds himself near the bottom of the list. His RAPTOR rating of 7.71 places him 65th overall and second to last on Team USA, ahead of only Tyrese Haliburton, who has seen limited minutes during the tournament.

Curry’s Shooting Woes

Curry’s shooting has been uncharacteristically off during the Olympics. His struggles are particularly surprising given that the FIBA three-point line is shorter than the NBA’s, which should theoretically make it easier for someone of Curry’s caliber to excel. Yet, through four games, his numbers tell a different story:

• Against Puerto Rico: 8 field goal attempts, 3 made; 6 three-point attempts, 2 made; 8 points total.
• Against South Sudan: 9 field goal attempts, 1 made; 6 three-point attempts, 0 made; 3 points total.
• Against Serbia: 8 field goal attempts, 4 made; 7 three-point attempts, 3 made; 11 points total.
• Against Brazil: 3 field goal attempts, 2 made; 1 three-point attempt, 0 made; 7 points total.

Through these four games, Curry is averaging just 7.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His shooting percentages are equally concerning: 35.7% from the field and a dismal 25.0% from three-point range. Given Curry’s reputation as the NBA's premier shooter, these numbers are shockingly low, especially when considering that many of his three-point attempts have been wide open.

The Impact of Curry’s Struggles on Team USA

Despite Curry’s shooting woes, his presence on the floor still commands respect from opposing defenses. Teams continue to guard him tightly, refusing to leave him open, which creates spacing for his teammates and opens up opportunities for others to score. This gravitational pull is reflected in Curry’s plus-minus rating of +46, one of the highest on Team USA. However, because of his shooting struggles, Curry’s efficiency rating (EFF) is only 6.8, placing him second to last on the team, just ahead of Haliburton.

While Curry’s shooting slump can be attributed to poor shooting luck—a common occurrence even for the best shooters—the question remains: Should fans be worried about his performance?

A History of Resilience

It’s important to remember that this isn’t the first time Curry has struggled with his shot. During the USA Basketball exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, Curry had a rough start, underperforming in the first two games. However, he quickly found his rhythm, finishing the five-game exhibition stretch as Team USA’s top three-point shooter, making 14 threes and averaging 12.4 points per game on 42.0% shooting from the field and 36.8% from three.

This history suggests that Curry has the ability to bounce back from shooting slumps, which should provide some reassurance to Team USA and its fans. Moreover, with the team’s margin for error being so large, there is less pressure on Curry to carry the scoring load. This allows him to continue taking shots and playing his game without the added stress of needing to hit every shot.

Looking Ahead to the Semifinals

Team USA’s next challenge is a semifinal matchup against Serbia, a team they have already defeated twice during the Olympics. In those two games, Curry had mixed performances. In the group stage, he made 3 of 7 three-pointers and scored 11 points, marking his best game of the tournament so far. In the exhibition game against Serbia before the Olympics, Curry exploded for 24 points, hitting 8 of 12 shots from the field, including 6 three-pointers.

These past performances suggest that Curry is more than capable of turning things around, especially when facing familiar opponents like Serbia. If he can rediscover his shooting touch in the semifinal, it could not only boost his confidence but also elevate Team USA’s already dominant play to an even higher level.

The Bigger Picture

While Curry’s Olympic debut has been far from what fans and analysts expected, it’s crucial to keep the broader context in mind. The NBA season is grueling, and it’s not uncommon for players to experience fatigue or shooting slumps during the offseason. Additionally, the unique environment of the Olympics—different ball, shorter three-point line, and varying defensive schemes—can take some adjustment, even for a player of Curry’s caliber.

It’s also worth noting that Curry’s contributions to Team USA go beyond just shooting. His leadership, experience, and the attention he draws from defenses are all invaluable to the team’s success. Even if his shots aren’t falling, his ability to create space for others and his impact on the game in less tangible ways remain significant.

Final Thoughts

Stephen Curry’s struggles in the Tokyo Olympics have been surprising, but they shouldn’t overshadow the overall strength and depth of Team USA. The team remains the favorite to win gold, and Curry’s shooting slump is likely a temporary setback rather than a sign of deeper issues.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Curry to see if he can break out of his funk and deliver the kind of performances that have made him a global basketball icon. With the semifinals against Serbia looming, Curry has a prime opportunity to remind the world why he is one of the most feared shooters in basketball history.