As the MVP and runner-up MVP, Stephen Curry and James Harden put on an absolute show in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
In Game 2 on Thursday, the two were just as good if not even better, going toe to toe and making one clutch play after another for their respective teams.
Harden was masterful once again for the Houston Rockets, scoring 38 points on 13-of-21 shooting from the field with 10 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block. Curry carried the Golden State Warriors with 33 points on 13-of-21 shooting from the field to go with three rebounds, six assists and a steal.
In the end, though, Curry had just a bit more help as the Warriors barely edged the Rockets 99-98 to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
Harden had a chance to go for the win on the final possession of the game, but ended up coughing up the ball while facing a double team from Curry and Klay Thompson.
Regardless of the results, it was simply an incredible display of individual ability between the two guards down the stretch, and NBA players around the league appreciated watching the greatness:
When the shots u take r the shots the defense wants u to take but r the shots ur comfortable taking #curryriddle
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) May 22, 2015
WHAT A FINISH!! #DubNation
— Adonal Foyle (@afoyle3131) May 22, 2015
I stand up and APPLAUD McHale for NOT calling TO, Warriors would have brought Bogut back and set their D.. Harden has to put head down n go!
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) May 22, 2015
If there was any doubt that @StephenCurry30 and @JHarden13 were two best this year now you know @SiriusXMNBA @espn
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 22, 2015
Amazing game. The MVP and MVP runner up went bucket for bucket. Big play for big play!!! #nbaplayoffs
— Jared Sullinger (@Jared_Sully0) May 22, 2015
James Harden was hooping I don’t care what yall talking it was a great game — Darius Morris (@dariusmorris4) May 22, 2015
@JHarden13 better retire a @HoustonRockets with his jersey in the rafters. #greatness#Top5
— TJ Ford (@tj_ford) May 22, 2015
Wow — Dorell Wright (@DWRIGHTWAY1) May 22, 2015
This dude Steph lol.
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) May 22, 2015
Curry, Killa — Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) May 22, 2015
That curry guy #GOAT
— Pierre Jackson (@PAPPYGAWD) May 22, 2015
James Harden is answering everything the Warriors are giving him. The guy is just good! — Adonal Foyle (@afoyle3131) May 22, 2015
Hardens step back is so lethal
— ⚜♚⚜ (@QBronald) May 22, 2015
Jim Park is a blogger and editor of Sheridan Hoops. Follow him on twitter @SheridanBlog.