Stephen Curry Calls Game 6 of 2016 NBA Finals Most Important of His Career

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry and his team have a 3-2 edge in the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the back-to-back league MVP isn't taking Thursday's Game 6 lightly.

Asked Wednesday whether the upcoming potential closeout contest is the most important of his career, Curry responded, per USA Today's AJ Neuharth-Keusch, "Yeah, we have a chance to win a championship, so definitely the biggest game, and I'm ready for it."    

Curry also spoke about what he can do to help the Dubs' collective cause, per Neuharth-Keusch:

"

I want to honestly play better and more consistent, but the situation is right now we're one game away from winning a second championship, and I personally have 48 minutes to do what I need to do to help my team win. So right now it could kind of get lost in (the criticism). But at the end of the day if I'm sitting here tomorrow night with another trophy and celebrating with my teammates, we can talk all day.

"

The Warriors had a chance to end the Finals on their home court on Monday but failed to capitalize, losing 112-97 at Oracle Arena as Cavs stars LeBron James and Kyrie Irving erupted for 41 points apiece.

Adam Schein of CBS Sports Network was among those critical of Curry and others failing to perform in Game 5:

Curry scored 25 points but on 8-of-21 shooting in the prior contest. Draymond Green's suspension was a big reason Golden State was unable to seal a second straight Larry O'Brien Trophy at a venue it lost in only twice during a historic 73-win regular season.

Green will be back on the floor for Game 6 after his temporary banishment. His return figures to help the Warriors in their bid to end the series in enemy territory at Quicken Loans Arena.

Perhaps as a result of being banged up earlier in the postseason and also the sheer wear and tear of additional games, Curry hasn't been quite as brilliant in the playoffs as he was beforehand. He's shooting 42.4 percent in the Finals and averaging 22.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists to 4.4 turnovers.

At least Curry publicly recognized Wednesday he has room to improve and play closer to the level he did in the regular season, when he averaged 30.1 points, 5.4 boards, 6.7 dimes and shot 50.4 percent from the field. 

If he or fellow Splash Brother Klay Thompson gets hot from beyond the arc, Golden State could well seize enough momentum to dash the Cavs' title hopes and end the series in six games—as it did against Cleveland in last year's Finals.