Stephen Curry revolutionized basketball with his exceptional long-range shooting skills. Now, he seems to be making waves in the world of sports celebrations as well.
Throughout the Warriors’ journey to the NBA championship in 2022, Curry became known for his signature move. After a period of dormancy, Curry brought back the gesture on a grand stage — the Olympics — showcasing it during his remarkable performance against France and Victor Wembanyama. With Curry’s outstanding display, the USA men’s basketball team secured yet another gold medal, marking their 21st in program history and seventh in eight attempts since NBA players were allowed to compete in the Olympics.
Curry’s precision in shooting three-pointers was on full display at the Bercy Arena, captivating the audience with his remarkable accuracy.
Following his stellar performance, Curry’s celebratory dance has become a talking point in the sports world.
Here are the key highlights:
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Decoding Stephen Curry’s Sleep Celebration
Curry is not just a basketball icon but also a trendsetter. From his unique rituals on the court to his celebratory moves, he has a knack for starting trends.
The origin of the ‘Night Night’ celebration has ties to the wrestler CM Punk, who popularized the gesture in the late 2000s as part of his signature move, the “Go To Sleep” finisher.
While it’s unclear if Curry drew inspiration from CM Punk, he claims it was a spontaneous gesture.
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During the 2022 Western Conference Finals, Curry mentioned, “I have no idea. I don’t choreograph none of that stuff. I was just having fun. You talk about having kids. You know how bedtime routines are important. It’s the final signal for job well done that day. Pretty special.”
Here’s Curry executing the move while saying “Night, Night” during a game:
Steph said: NIGHT NIGHT, DALLAS 💤 pic.twitter.com/qNWiztcrMW
This gesture has been prevalent in the sports world for quite some time. While its origins may date back further, Curry’s adoption of it has undoubtedly brought it into the mainstream.
MORE: Inside Stephen Curry’s clutch performance vs. France
Curry showcased his celebratory move during the gold-medal match against France, using it after hitting a remarkable stepback three-pointer to secure victory for Team USA.
“THE GOLDEN DAGGER!”
Steph Curry that is utterly ridiculous. 🤯#ParisOlympics | 📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/8hIN8tgmfK
TEAM USA SAID NIGHT NIGHT. 🇺🇸😤 #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/soaz3P2SBp
Curry’s remarkable performances have garnered attention from various athletes, ensuring that his signature move will continue to be emulated in the future.