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“We Are in Steph Era”: Having Battled LeBron James in Playoffs, Celtics Legends Makes Bold Claim About “LeBron Era”

Published 10/23/2022, 1:00 PM EDT

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A teenage LeBron James came into the league straight from high school with huge expectations and the hopes of a city. He instantly took the league by storm and did not look like a boy among men. James dominated his opponents on both ends of the court. His size coupled with his quickness and skill were unheard of at the time. He was a highlight reel despite initial struggles with his shooting touch. He soon became the face of the league and his “era” began. But is the “LeBron era” now over?

Boston Celtics and NBA legend Kevin Garnett thinks the “LeBron era” is over. Over the years, James has had some fierce battles in the playoffs with Garnett and the Celtics. And the Chosen One came out on top most of the time. But early in his career, he struggled against the Celtics. James was not struggling individually. In fact, he was at his individual best against them. However, he was not able to translate into team success early on.

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James and the Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Celtics in the 2007-08 playoffs. And the Celtics went on to win the title that year against the late Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kevin Garnett on LeBron James and Stephen Curry

LeBron James and the Cavs again met in the 2009-10 playoffs. And the Celtics came out on top again. This time however they lost the Finals against the Lakers. After the 2009-10 playoffs loss, James has never lost against the Celtics in the playoffs. He has faced the Celtics five more times in the playoffs ever since and has won all five with two sweeps.

Recently Kevin Garnett talked about James. He feels it is now the time for the Golden State Warriors and their superstar Stephen Curry.

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“I gotta say we’re out of the LeBron era. I think we’re in the Golden State, Steph era,” he stated. KG added, “I think we gotta start putting a lot more respect on his name”

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The former NBA champion also talked about the influence of Curry on today’s game. “The man changed the game and where you shoot the ball from,” Garnett said. “That’s first. Secondly, he does it on a consistent basis. Every guard that’s under f—— six foot think they Steph Curry and shoot the ball.”

Curry and James have been two of the best players in the league for years now. The two have won four titles each. They faced each other in the finals four times, Curry and the Warriors came out on top thrice while James and the Cavs won once. On the other hand, while James has won four MVP and Finals MVP awards, Curry has won two MVPs and one Finals MVP award.

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At 37, James averaged 30 points per game last season. But he is definitely not his younger self and could only slow down from here. However, he led the Lakers to a title not long ago.

Do you think the “LeBron era” is over? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Bagavathi Eswaran

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Bagavathi Eswaran is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He has been playing the game of basketball for more than 20 years now and has also been following the NBA for more than 10 years. After not being able to go pro, this former college player decided to join the IT industry.
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