Throughout his illustrious career, Stephen Curry has amassed a collection of unforgettable moments that have etched his name into NBA history. From record-breaking three-pointers to clutch shots in high-stakes games, Curry’s highlights are numerous. However, when reflecting on his most iconic shots, Curry himself has recently shared that his golden moment from the 2024 Paris Olympics ranks just behind one of his most celebrated plays— the OKC ‘Double Bang’ shot.
The 2024 Paris Olympics presented Curry with a challenging start. Team USA’s journey was fraught with difficulties, and Curry’s initial performances did not reflect the sharpshooter’s usual brilliance. Yet, as the tournament progressed, Curry found his rhythm. The apex of his Olympic performance came during the gold medal game against the host nation, France. With just moments remaining, Curry drilled a three-pointer over the outstretched arms of the 7-foot-5 sensation Victor Wembanyama. The shot was a crowning moment in a game that saw Curry hit four consecutive threes to seal the victory for Team USA.
STEPH CURRY WITH THE SHOT OVER WEMBY 👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/PZCe6N0edY
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 10, 2024
In a recent Instagram video posted by Under Armour and Slam, Curry was asked to rank this remarkable shot among his career highlights. Reflecting on the moment, Curry acknowledged its significance. “It’s so memorable because of the build-up to that moment,” he said. “My first Olympic experience. Four 3’s in a row to close out the gold medal game. And that last one which was kind of a ridiculous shot even by my standards. It’s like top 2 for sure.”
Despite its monumental significance, Curry revealed that he places this shot just behind his iconic 2016 moment against the Oklahoma City Thunder. “It’s like top two for sure,” Curry commented. “I think the OKC game, even though it wasn’t a championship game, it was still kinda one of the Mike Breen double bang. Just a loud shot in our rise as a team.”
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The OKC “double bang” shot in question occurred during a high-profile game against the Thunder, where Curry, with a mere 0.6 seconds left on the clock, launched a seemingly impossible shot from just inside half-court. The moment was immortalized by the enthusiastic call of broadcaster Mike Breen, who delivered a memorable “double bang” as Curry’s shot swished through the net, giving the Warriors a dramatic win. This shot has since become a defining highlight of Curry’s career and a symbol of his clutch performance ability.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, Curry’s current position with the Golden State Warriors is also under scrutiny. As the Warriors prepare for the 2024-25 season, NBA analyst Zach Lowe weighed in on the team’s prospects. Speaking on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Lowe expressed skepticism about Golden State’s chances of securing another championship with Curry leading the charge.
“It’s going to take a home run, a lightning strike, something like the Spurs got with drafting Kawhi Leonard toward the end of Tim Duncan’s prime,” Lowe remarked. He added, “They’re a good team. They could win a round. If things go right, they could even win two rounds. But they’re not a contender.”
“It’s going to take a home run, a lightning strike, something like the Spurs got with drafting Kawhi Leonard toward the end of Tim Duncan’s prime.”@ZachLowe_NBA on how close Steph Curry and the Warriors are to championship contention 🏆 pic.twitter.com/00U2JqVCjg
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 5, 2024
The Warriors have depth, but Curry remains their sole star power. The departure of Klay Thompson in free agency and Draymond Green’s role as a versatile connector piece leaves Golden State with a need for emerging talent to step up. Jonathan Kuminga, who showed promise at the end of last season, will be pivotal in filling this void.
Despite these challenges, Curry’s exceptional form continues. Last season, he averaged 26.4 points per game and 5.1 assists while maintaining a 40.8% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. Curry’s ability to keep the Warriors competitive remains undiminished, but the road to championship contention appears increasingly steep.
Stephen Curry’s career is marked by unforgettable moments that transcend the typical highlights reel. His recent reflections on his Olympic shot versus his OKC moment underscore the evolving nature of his legacy. The fact that he places the Olympic shot just behind the OKC dagger highlights not only the significance of the moment in Paris but also the enduring impact of his 2016 heroics. Curry’s candidness about his own career milestones offers a fascinating glimpse into how athletes measure their achievements and the personal significance of each highlight.
Curry’s acknowledgement of his top shots offers a unique perspective on his career. The 2024 Olympic moment, while monumental, still falls short of the iconic status of the OKC shot. This perspective reflects not only Curry’s high standards but also the cultural and emotional weight that certain moments carry in an athlete’s career. As the Warriors face a transitional period, Curry’s ability to maintain excellence amidst these challenges will be crucial. His future with the Warriors will likely be influenced by how well he adapts to evolving team dynamics and the emerging talent around him.
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