Stephen Curry might just be the most overlooked superstar by the refs in the league. No debate. Just watch these ridiculous no-calls from his 3 NBA Cup games.
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Stephen Curry is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history, a two-time MVP, and the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors’ dynastic run over the past decade. But despite his status as a bona fide superstar, it seems like Curry often gets the short end of the stick when it comes to officiating.
Whether it’s a missed foul call or a blatant no-call on a game-changing play, Curry has had his fair share of questionable referee decisions throughout his career. And when you look at the footage of his past three NBA Finals appearances, it’s hard to ignore just how often the reigning champion seems to be overlooked by officials.
1. The No-Call That Cost Him a Clear Foul in 2015
In Game 4 of the 2015 NBA Finals, a controversial no-call on Curry during a drive to the basket raised eyebrows. As Curry fought through contact, it was clear he was fouled, but the refs let it slide, allowing Cleveland to grab the rebound and break up the Warriors’ offensive momentum. Despite Curry’s hands being hit by LeBron James, the call was ignored, and the game continued without any penalty.
The Warriors still won the game, but many critics argued that this missed call helped sway the balance of the game, especially considering Curry’s role in driving Golden State’s offense.
2. Constant No-Calls During Finals Runs
In the 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals, Curry’s remarkable playmaking was often met with physical defense, but many of his drives to the hoop were met with little to no whistle. On multiple occasions, Curry would initiate contact, only to be met with silence from the referees as if his star status somehow made him less deserving of the calls.
In Game 3 of the 2017 Finals, Curry was clearly hit across the arm during a critical layup attempt, but once again, the refs swallowed their whistles. Not only did the no-call hurt the Warriors’ chances to extend their lead, but it also added fuel to the fire for fans who believed Curry wasn’t getting the respect he deserved.
3. The 2022 Finals: More No-Calls on Critical Plays
Fast forward to the 2022 NBA Finals, and Curry was again subjected to questionable officiating. Whether it was a clear push-off from the Celtics’ defenders or an aggressive hack as he tried to break free for a 3-point attempt, Curry was repeatedly ignored by the refs throughout the series. The most noticeable incident came in the fourth quarter of Game 4, where Curry appeared to be fouled on a contested 3-pointer, only for the referees to allow play to continue without a review.
Why the No-Calls Matter
The issue isn’t just about one or two missed calls — it’s the consistent trend that has followed Curry throughout his career. As a player who relies heavily on his finesse, shot-making ability, and clever maneuvers, Curry often faces more physical defense than most. But when those hits go uncalled, it’s not just frustrating for Curry and the Warriors, it’s also a potential game-changer.
What This Means for the Warriors and Curry’s Legacy
For Curry, these missed calls are a reminder that even elite superstars aren’t always treated equally by officials. In a league where superstars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo seem to receive constant whistles, Curry’s play often gets overlooked — even when the fouls are blatant. It’s an unfortunate reality, but it’s one that Curry has never let deter him from playing his game and leading his team to victory.
As the Warriors continue to compete for championships in the coming years, it’s clear that Curry will keep facing the challenge of navigating both elite defenders and inconsistent officiating. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Stephen Curry will rise above it — just as he’s done time and time again.
So, next time you watch a Warriors game, pay close attention. When Curry gets knocked down, or when he drives to the basket with no whistle in sight, just remember: it’s not just the defense that’s stopping him. It’s the referees who are turning a blind eye to one of the league’s most deserving superstars.