In the realm of NBA greatness, few players have consistently delivered in high-stakes playoff matchups the way Stephen Curry has. Often labeled as the greatest shooter of all time, Curry’s influence on the modern game goes far beyond his long-range heroics. His playoff resume tells a powerful story of excellence, resilience, and dominance—especially when measured against the best of his era.
When you look at Curry’s head-to-head playoff records against some of the NBA’s most elite superstars, a clear picture emerges: this is the Stephen Curry Era, and he’s thrived against the very best.
Perhaps the most iconic rivalry of this generation is Curry versus LeBron James. These two legends have squared off in multiple NBA Finals, and Curry holds a 17-11 edge over the King. Their matchups, especially during the historic Warriors-Cavaliers Finals battles, have helped define an era of basketball. While both players elevated the sport to new heights, Curry’s teams often had the upper hand when it mattered most.
Against James Harden, another former MVP and perennial playoff contender, Curry boasts a commanding 14-6 record. Whether it was the Warriors vs. Rockets showdowns or their Western Conference Finals duel in 2018, Curry consistently found ways to lead his team to victory, even when Harden put up incredible individual numbers.
One of the more eye-opening stats is Curry’s perfect 10-0 playoff record against Damian Lillard. While Lillard has carved out his own legacy as one of the most clutch performers in the league, he has never been able to topple Curry and the Warriors in postseason competition. Time and again, Curry and his squad have overwhelmed Lillard’s Blazers, highlighting the gap between good and truly great.
Against big men like Anthony Davis (9-5) and Nikola Jokic (4-1), Curry’s backcourt brilliance has prevailed despite the size and skill advantages of his opponents. In matchups where physicality and interior play dominated the narrative, Curry’s leadership and ability to control the pace of the game proved decisive.
In more evenly matched series, Curry has held his own and edged out competition. His 4-3 records against both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook show he can match up against former MVPs and elite scorers. Notably, he battled Westbrook and Durant during their Thunder years and later teamed up with Durant in one of the NBA’s most dominant duos. Even as foes, Curry often found a way to come out on top.
In recent years, Curry has continued to demonstrate his championship pedigree. His 4-2 playoff record against Jayson Tatum includes the 2022 NBA Finals, where Curry’s brilliance earned him his first Finals MVP. Similarly, his 4-1 dominance over Luka Doncic during the 2022 Western Conference Finals showed that even the brightest new stars have struggled to dethrone the Warriors’ leader.
When examining all these matchups, it becomes clear: Stephen Curry has consistently risen to the occasion against the game’s best. His playoff performances are a testament to his all-around greatness, not just as a shooter, but as a leader and competitor.
This isn’t just a career—it’s a legacy. And it’s safe to say that when the playoffs come around, The Stephen Curry Era takes center stage.