Steph Curry’s greatness is so undeniable that opposing players celebrate his plays even as they try to stop him. Think about that for a second—a rival team’s players applauding your moves during a game.

It all started years ago when a young LeBron James, then a rising star himself, sat front row at a college game just to watch Steph Curry. LeBron cheered every special move, never imagining this scrawny kid would one day challenge him on the biggest NBA stages.

By 2015, their rivalry exploded. LeBron was winning titles in Miami, while Curry was emerging as an MVP-caliber superstar. When the Warriors won 67 games and faced LeBron’s Cavaliers in the Finals, Curry’s dazzling play forced the world to take notice.

LeBron famously said, “I feel confident because I’m the best player in the world,” but the rivalry was born. Steph backed up his MVP with a championship, and the two battled fiercely in multiple Finals.

LeBron even trolled Steph with “Ultimate Warrior” shirts and Halloween cookies bearing Steph’s name—but beneath the rivalry was deep respect. LeBron called Curry the greatest shooter ever and praised him repeatedly, even defending Steph’s decision to skip the White House visit.

Kyrie Irving, another elite point guard, has gone head-to-head with Steph in epic Finals duels. Kyrie admires Steph’s revolutionary impact on the game, calling him the standard for point guards. Their mutual respect is clear in every handshake and smile.

Drew Holiday, known as one of the best perimeter defenders, is baffled by how to stop Steph. He admits he’s tried every trick, but Steph’s shooting and movement are otherworldly. Even Holiday sounds like a fan when he talks about Curry’s impact.

Shaquille O’Neal, a dominant force and four-time champion, is perhaps Steph’s biggest fan. Shaq places Curry among the top 10 greatest players ever and calls him the best player in basketball today. He recognizes Steph’s unparalleled shooting and influence on the game.

Marcus Smart, who has guarded Steph in recent Finals, praises Steph’s ability to affect the game off the ball and his relentless movement. Smart says Steph is the most annoying player to guard because he never stops running, always finding space to shoot.

What makes Steph’s greatness even more astonishing is his conditioning. Running circles around defenders all game long, then sinking 35-foot threes, requires extraordinary stamina and skill.

Steph’s relentless work ethic, revolutionary shooting, and ability to perform under pressure have earned him admiration from the NBA’s best. If you’re not in awe of Steph Curry, you’re missing out on witnessing true greatness.

Only one man has this combination of talent, heart, and impact—and that man is Steph Curry, the man from Akron who changed basketball forever.