After offseason focused on perfection, Stephen Curry could be even more unstoppable

SAN FRANCISCO – Sometimes, Stephen Curry shot the ball without taking a dribble. Sometimes he pulled up from deep without being balanced. Sometimes he hoisted a shot despite a swarming defender giving him little space to move.

Often shooting the ball with the confidence of it sinking into the basket, Curry, who has established himself as the NBA’s greatest shooter ever, was typically correct.

Curry became the primary reason why the Warriors cemented a 115-113 win over the LA Clippers on Thursday at Chase Center. He finished with 45 points while shooting 16-of-25 from the field and 8-of-13 from 3-point range, marking the 50th time in his 13-year NBA career he had at least 40 points. He made two deep 3s in the final minute, including a pull-up from 31 feet and another from 26. And he then made two free throws with 4.7 seconds left to secure the win.

Only two days ago following the Warriors’ season-opening win over the Lakers, Curry described his triple-double performance as “trash” since he shot 5-of-21 from the field. It did not take long for Curry to turn his trash into treasure.

“Curry stated, “I never ever worry about my shot.”

Why?

“Confidence is earned through the work you put in,” said Curry. “The next shot is always going to be successful.”

The effort made by Curry in the past offseason could be perceived as similar to any other. He consistently practices shooting. However, Curry and his coach, Brandon Payne, revealed to NBA.com a novel aspect of Curry’s training routine last summer. This has contributed to Curry’s rise to third place for the most 45-point games for a player aged 33 or older (six), lagging behind only Michael Jordan (11) and Bernard King (eight).

“Simply making shots during workouts doesn’t cut it anymore,” Payne told NBA.com. “We’ve recognized that he consistently makes a lot of shots during workouts. Hence, we’ve turned to technology to achieve even greater precision.”

Curry, who shattered numerous scoring records and ascended to No. 2 on the NBA’s all-time list for most 3-pointers (2,842), used shot-tracking technology to ascertain that not all of his successful baskets are of equal value.

Every time Curry took a shot, the technology monitored the trajectory, arc, and depth of the ball in the rim. Curry and Payne considered any shot that didn’t fall through the center of the rim as a miss. The same standard was applied when Curry practiced shooting on the move, a technique used to mimic shooting against a heavy defense.

Curry conveyed to NBA.com how the mental challenge was about striving for perfection. He explained that if he missed 10 shots outside of the window, he’d have to do 10 more for that drill, turning it into a conditioning drill if he didn’t make the shots early on. He stressed the importance of maintaining focus and staying locked in, as it simulated a game-like situation with pressure. Curry emphasized that no one wanted to feel exhausted from failing to complete the drill.

Curry admitted that he did not always excel in the drill. As a result, Payne was left with an awkward task. He often stated, “I must inform the finest shooter in history that his performance is subpar.” He frequently questioned himself, “Should I really be saying this to Stephen Curry?”

During a specific workout, Payne decided it was necessary. Curry was in the midst of a session where he had to switch between mid-range jumpers and 3-point shots. The rule was he could only change positions if he scored his last shot. After a series of misses which kept Curry in the same spot, Payne commented, “We could be done by now if you simply finish your shot strongly at the peak.”

Curry exhibited both a smug smile and a look of irritation, before sinking 20 consecutive shots to conclude the training session. Comparable interactions have occurred during both offseason and regular-season workouts with Warriors assistant coach Bruce Fraser, when Curry ended his sessions. In the course of Curry’s pre-game warmup, Fraser acted as a determined defender, intent on confining Curry’s movements outside the perimeter.

“According to Curry, they have the ability to ignite that fierce competitive spirit. He added that unless you’re engaged in pickup games, summers can sometimes feel lengthy. The training sessions can turn repetitive if you let them. So, they always strive to prevent that from happening.”

However, the Warriors have observed for some time that Curry frequently becomes his harshest critic.

Hence, Steve Kerr, the coach of the Warriors, found it amusing that Curry referred to his first regular-season game as “trash”, even though he concluded the game with a triple-double in points (21), assists (10), and rebounds (10).

“Kerr stated, “He consistently sets high standards for himself, which motivates him daily. He’s an avid learner of the sport and is well aware of his position in it. Despite barely receiving a scholarship after high school, he’s developed a unique blend of confidence and swagger, both of which he truly earned. At the same time, he’s deeply humble, a trait rooted in his past and his journey to reach where he is today. This makes him not only a star player on the court, but also an integral part of the team off the court. It’s an excellent trait for our top player to possess.”

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How Curry’s high standards could fuel another productive season

In recent years, Curry has had abundant motivation to draw upon.

Having clinched three NBA championships and two Kia MVP awards in five Finals appearances, Curry found himself at a career junction over the last two seasons. Following the departure of key star Kevin Durant to free agency, the injury of key star Klay Thompson, and the trading of key veteran Andre Iguodala, Curry was limited to play in just five games in the 2019-20 season due to a broken left hand. Consequently, the Warriors ended the season with the NBA’s worst record of 15-50.

Curry reinvigorated his MVP candidacy last season by achieving a higher scoring average of 32 and an almost equivalent shooting percentage of 48.2%, surpassing his MVP years in 2014-15 (23.8 points at 48.7%) and 2015-16 (30.1 points at 50.4%). However, with the Warriors dealing with a largely inexperienced roster, a season-long injury to Curry’s All-Star teammate Thompson, and inconsistent development from their No. 2 draft pick, James Wiseman, the team managed to only reach the NBA’s Play-In Tournament, where they lost both their games.

Curry chose not to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, despite his desire to win his first gold medal, in order to guard against potential injuries. He had been dealing with a tailbone contusion from the end of the previous season. He also had concerns about exhaustion after finishing a condensed 72-game season. Additionally, he valued spending time with his family, which would have been impossible due to the strict COVID-19 protocols in Tokyo.

“Having no regrets about that, I would’ve cherished being part of that team,” said Curry. “Let’s see what 2024 brings.”

Rather than focusing on long-term goals, Curry prioritized his short-term objectives. He trained with Payne approximately five days a week, each session lasting three hours, from June to the end of September. Denver Nuggets forward, Michael Porter Jr., who also trained with Payne, participated in some of these sessions.

“Both players hardly miss,” said Payne. “It’s almost surprising if the ball even touches the rim. They both exhibit exceptional control over the basketball. Their strong desire to learn, improve, and hone their skills is quite evident.”

Curry reported that he gained between two to three pounds of muscle, a feat he also accomplished during the 2021 off-season for a variety of reasons. One goal was to enhance his chances of maintaining health after he spent the early years of his career dealing with ankle injuries. In addition, Curry aimed to boost his capacity to withstand contact from his opponents, whether he was shooting from the perimeter or driving towards the basket.

“The 33-year-old Curry asserted that he still has the capacity to do everything he desires. He hopes to sustain this ability for many more years to come.”

Curry was validated when he had the chance to interview Jordan at the Ryder Cup. He humorously claimed to have questioned Jordan about his comments on a Today show interview two years prior, where Jordan had suggested that Curry was not a Hall of Famer. “I had to lighten the mood a little bit,” he said. However, Curry actually discussed something more significant than this minor insult.

Curry stated, “It’s evident that the competitive spirit remains strong within him. Our love for this game surpasses everything else. His passion for it was so intense that he diverted it into golf. His competitive drive was such that he needed a form of outlet. That certainly signifies something.”

Curry can thankfully still channel his competitiveness both on the golf course and the basketball court.

Curry expressed his appreciation for being included in the NBA’s Top 75 Anniversary Team, but also argued that Thompson and Green deserved a place on the list.

@StephenCurry30 reacts to being named to the #NBA75 team… as well as his idol @ReggieMillerTNT! pic.twitter.com/JmEQbgylwr

— NBA (@NBA) October 22, 2021

“Being included on that list while still actively playing is quite remarkable,” said Curry. “It signifies the immense effort you have put into the game and the potential that remains within you. It goes without saying that those two gentlemen truly deserve their spots on that list. Their impressive records, filled with victories and accolades, can rival anyone’s.”

Curry expressed interest in claiming the regular-season MVP title for the third time in his career. If he succeeds, he would become a part of an exclusive group that includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (six times), Bill Russell (five times), Michael Jordan (five times), Wilt Chamberlain (four times), LeBron James (four times), Moses Malone (three times), Larry Bird (three times), and Magic Johnson (three times), all of whom have won the NBA’s regular-season MVP award more than twice.

“Indeed, I would relish the opportunity. However, the requirements to achieve that are already part of my existing mission,” Curry stated. “So, it’s not as if there’s been any deviation from the outset.”

At the very least, it appears certain that Curry will break the record for the most career 3-pointers. Having passed Reggie Miller’s 2,560 last season to take second place, Curry is just 132 3-pointers away from outshining Ray Allen’s 2,973. Last season, Curry made a total of 337 3-pointers.

“Once I get nearer, I’ll give it more thought,” said Curry. “I’m aware I have a long way ahead. But it’s certainly on my mind.”

Curry’s potential to secure his fourth NBA championship is a significant focus. Even though the Warriors have missed out on the playoffs for two consecutive seasons with 16 teams, Curry showed little hesitation in signing a four-year contract extension worth $215.4 million. This deal will keep him with the Warriors until the 2025-26 season.

“Everyone desires to be in an ideal situation every year,” stated Curry. “You put in all your effort. You contribute your suggestions. You make your voice heard when needed. But we’ve got our key members back.”

In addition to his comfort with Thompson, Green and Iguodala, Curry also voiced trust in their experienced players (Andrew Wiggins, Damion Lee), rookies (Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga) and recent acquisitions through free agency (Otto Porter. Jr, Nemanja Bjelica). He also expressed relief over Wiggins’s decision to take the COVID-19 vaccine after initially declining, as this means he will be eligible to participate in home games due to San Francisco’s laws mandating vaccination for everyone at major indoor events.

“Thankfully, he made that decision,” said Curry. “This ensures his availability. I’m aware he’s still not entirely comfortable with it. However, it was crucial that he had all the relevant information to comprehend the potential consequences and be aware of them. It’s your choice to take whatever action you want. But we hope that you’re available because we rely on you.”

Kerr anticipates a strong year for Curry, taking into account all of the Warriors’ new and returning players, and given Curry’s skills and the improved health of his teammates. However, it’s uncertain whether this will be sufficient for the Warriors to be contenders for an NBA title.

Curry declared, “It’s evident that this applies to both this year and the next. It’s the right time to restore our expected level. We’re aware it’s going to change in appearance. All we need to do is embrace it.”

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How Curry bounced back against the Clippers

Consequently, Curry embraced his relative struggles during the Warriors’ season opener against the Lakers. His coaches and teammates instantly observed how it motivated him to make necessary adjustments.

“Green stated, “He didn’t miss a single shot during today’s shootaround. It was almost predictable. Even if he had missed every shot at the shootaround, I would’ve still anticipated his performance.”

Green developed clairvoyance. Curry successfully executed his initial 10 shots. Additionally, he matched his own record for the most points in the first quarter (25); this event signifies the 35th time in his career that he has scored 20 points in a single quarter.

“Kerr commented, “He had it coming. He always bounces back after a poor shooting night.”

It seemed inevitable that Curry would go on another shooting streak again after missing his next seven shots.

In the fourth quarter, Curry was successful in three out of his four attempts. When the Warriors were down by two points with 1:54 left on the clock, Green passed the ball to Curry who was 31 feet away from the basket. Curry propelled the ball towards the basket and made the shot, putting the Warriors in the lead with a score of 108-107.

After two possessions, Curry caught the rebound from a missed shot and tossed the ball to Lee at center court. Lee promptly returned the ball to Curry, who had swiftly moved behind the 3-point line. Curry then pulled up a 26-foot shot, giving the Warriors a 111-109 lead with exactly 57.7 seconds remaining.

“Most of the time, it’s all about money. Even with some shots where I question, ‘What on earth?’, I still somehow think it’s about the money,” said Green. “You find yourself asking, ‘Why is he taking that shot?’ But I always expect them to go in, no matter how absurd some choices may seem. You expect some to go in because he has a knack for nailing those absurdly difficult shots. That’s been a staple throughout his career. It’s what has shaped him into the player he is today. That’s why he’s exceptional. That’s why he’s one of the top players in the league and among the greatest players in the history of the game. He’s a master at taking and making tough shots.”

Kerr’s statement, “I want him to shoot every time,” is hardly surprising. For Curry, merely making a shot is no longer enough. His offseason workouts demonstrated his commitment to developing impeccable shooting accuracy. This enables him to execute shots in games that are beyond the capabilities of others.

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Mark Medina is a senior writer/analyst for NBA.com. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on Twitter.

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