Latest news with #StephenCurry
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"He is the ultimate underdog" - Lil Wayne saw it early when he praised Stephen Curry back in 2008
Back in late 2008, long before Stephen Curry was a household name in the basketball world, rapper Lil Wayne noticed something special. In an ESPN column, the hip-hop star — who's a huge basketball fan — gave high praise to the then-Davidson College point guard, capturing the essence of Curry's rise well before the hype exploded. Winning Lil Wayne's respect At the time, rapper Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., better known as Lil Wayne, was writing a column for ESPN about American sports. He made two things clear: he was a serious college basketball fan, and during the 2008-09 NCAA season, one player caught his full attention — Stephen Curry. Advertisement At the time, Curry was a junior at Davidson, quietly changing what an undersized point guard could do on the court. Lil Wayne even paused his writing to give a rare, heartfelt shoutout, stating, "Steph Curry, you are amazing." What stood out most was a gritty performance against the West Virginia Mountaineers. "West Virginia was posting him up every chance they got, but he (Curry) still fought his way through it," recalled the founder of Young Money Entertainment Furthermore, Lil Wayne mentioned a game where the 6'2" player was doubled every minute on the floor — as if he were the then top NFL receiver Terrell Owens — yet even without their key player prominent on the stat sheet, Davidson still won by 30. Advertisement "It just shows you what kind of man Steph is because even though he didn't score a point his expression never changed. He never got frustrated. That just shows you who he is," wrote Wayne. Curry's rise Wayne's excitement likely came from a simple fact: like many others back then, Curry just hadn't been on his radar. Coming out of Charlotte Christian High School, Dell Curry's son was mostly overlooked. Why? His slim build made ACC programs think he'd get pushed around, so they passed on him. But instead of letting doubt hold him back, Steph took on the challenge and proved everyone wrong — something Wayne clearly admired. Advertisement "Now he is the ultimate underdog running circles around everybody, and I love him so much for that," he wrote. Along with the praise, the hip-hop legend also offered some honest advice. "I think he needs to stay another year to work on his body, but he's going to be fine in the NBA because he actually has a shot, and that's really all you need," explained Carter Jr. Looking back, Curry — now widely regarded as the best shooter the game has ever seen — didn't take that advice. Just a few months later, he declared for the NBA Draft and was selected seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors. Advertisement On the big stage, the Ohio native turned out to be much more than just "fine." Despite some tough early years, "Chef Curry" became one of the most iconic and successful players in league history. His four NBA titles, two MVPs, multiple All-Star nods, and two scoring titles speak for themselves — but even more telling is how he managed to dominate the game without the physical tools that others usually rely on. Related: "He look like the dad of the YMCA player" - Lil Wayne admits he doesn't like Nikola Jokic
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NBA Finals berth puts Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Stephen Curry MVP company
The post NBA Finals berth puts Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Stephen Curry MVP company appeared first on ClutchPoints. It has been quite a ride in the 2024-25 NBA season so far for Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Advertisement But he's not done yet. After being named the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added another major award to his resume, as he won the 2025 Western Conference Finals MVP, as he led the Thunder to a series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the league MVP in the bag and an NBA Finals berth with the Thunder, the former Kentucky Wildcats star will be joining future Basketball Hall of Famer and Golden State Warriors superstar point guard Stephen Curry in an exclusive club. From the NBA Communications X account: 'Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the first player to win the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award and play in the NBA Finals presented by @YouTubeTV in the same season since Golden State's Stephen Curry in 2015-16.' Advertisement Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will officially complete that feat once he steps on the court in the 2025 NBA Finals. For now, he and the Thunder will still have to wait to see which team they will be locking horns with in the last stage of the playoffs, with the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks still battling it out in the Eastern Conference finals. That series could be over as soon as this Thursday night, though, as Indiana could set the date with the Thunder in the NBA Finals with a win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in Game 5. With his ability to take over games on offense, Gilgeous-Alexander has become such a dangerous weapon for the Thunder on the court that none of Oklahoma City's previous three playoff opponents managed to solve. He dominated the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, thwarted the Denver Nuggets in the second round and humbled the Timberwolves in the conference finals. Gilgeous-Alexander had a spectacular series versus the Timberwolves. After lighting up Minnesota for 34 points on 14-for-25 shooting in the Thunder's series-clinching 124-94 win on Wednesday, Gilgeous-Alexander concluded the Western Conference finals with averages of 31.4 points, 8.2 assists and 5.2 rebounds through five games.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stephen Curry vows to return to BottleRock in video of him pouring drinks for guests, fans say 'You'll be busy with Western Conference finals'
Image credit: Stephen Curry/Instagram Stephen Curry is having all the fun in the offseason after he suffered a hamstring injury and failed to return in time to save the Golden State Warriors from making an early exit from the NBA playoffs. He recently put up a Bay Area appearance at the BottleRock concert in Napa Valley and personally poured out drinks for the guests while being accompanied by his wife, Ayesha Curry . As he talked about the event and how he would return for the same next year as well, his fans jumped in to claim that he wouldn't be at the concert next year as he would be playing in the NBA Championship. Stephen Curry shares a video from BottleRock event In the video, Stephen Curry can be seen talking about the outing at the BottleRock concert and how it was a 'little change up the court' as he entertained the guests by pouring out a variety of whiskeys and engaging in conversations with them. He also talks about how he was enjoying great moments with great people and promises in the video, saying, 'See you all next year.' Sharing the video on Instagram, Curry wrote, 'Good music & even better drinks. Taking some time to relax and have a drink with @gentlemanscutbourbon. Cheers to a beautiful weekend in the valley!' Reacting to the video, a fan wrote, 'Next year you will be busy with the Western Conf Finals and then the Finals! Manifesting.' Another said, 'You will not be back here next year, you've got another ring to win!' One more commented, '@stephencurry30 With all due respect GOAT: You will not be at Bottle Rock next year b/c you'll be kickin SGA's in the WCF on your way to.' A comment also read: 'The GOAT is enjoying his off-season.' Another read: 'Good to see you well again my GOAT just relax and have fun.' Many were also left in awe by Stephen and Ayesha's bonding. One of many such fans wrote, 'Love Curry & his Wife! Looks like they were made for each other, beautiful couple and you can see they love one another, their energy and their radiance is amazing!' Another wrote, 'We love you Steph and Ayesha! One of the greatest power couples. ' Also Read: Steve Kerr hints that Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry's injury was a result of overexertion Stephen Curry's absence from the Golden State Warriors cost the team the NBA Championship. He suffered a hamstring injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, and by the time he could return in Game 6, the team had already wrapped up their season.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Oklahoma City Thunder advance to NBA finals after dominant series win over Timberwolves
Thunder secure first NBA finals appearance since 2012 The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched a spot in the 2025 NBA Finals with a 124-94 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, May 28, closing out the Western Conference finals series 4-1. This marks the Thunder's first NBA Finals appearance since 2012 and their second since relocating from Seattle. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 34 points and was unanimously named MVP of the Western Conference finals, following his recent selection as the league's MVP. He becomes the first player since Stephen Curry in the 2014-15 season with the potential to win both honors in the same year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Vietnam (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Also read: Thunder dominate early in Game 5, eye NBA finals berth against Timberwolves Chet Holmgren added 22 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Jalen Williams contributed 19 points and eight rebounds. Oklahoma City recorded its fourth win of the postseason by 30 or more points, the most in a single playoff campaign in NBA history, according to ESPN Research. Live Events The Thunder controlled the game from the opening tip, beginning with an 11-3 run and ending the first quarter with a 26-9 lead, capped by a 3-pointer from Cason Wallace. By halftime, the Thunder extended the lead to 65-32 and held a 26-point cushion entering the fourth quarter. Starters were pulled with just over five minutes remaining as Oklahoma City maintained a 34-point advantage. Oklahoma City to face Pacers or Knicks in NBA finals With the win, Oklahoma City awaits the winner of the Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. The Pacers currently lead that series 3-1. The Thunder will hold home-court advantage in the NBA Finals, which begin June 5, due to their league-best 68-14 regular-season record. This postseason success marks a major turnaround for a franchise that has rebuilt from near the bottom of the league just four years ago. The Thunder have never won an NBA title since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008, though the franchise previously won a championship in 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics. Also read: NBA playoffs 2025 schedule, bracket, date, live streaming, where to watch The Timberwolves, who struggled throughout the game, shot 41.2% from the field and committed 21 turnovers. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 24 points, and Anthony Edwards added 19. Despite a strong regular season and reaching the conference finals, Minnesota was unable to overcome Oklahoma City's early momentum and consistent pressure.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Steve Kerr hints at disturbing pattern emerging in NBA while explaining Stephen Curry's injury
Steve Kerr hints at disturbing pattern emerging in NBA while explaining Stephen Curry's injury (Image Credit: Getty Images) Steve Kerr shared an eye-opening reality about NBA games, which could have led to Stephen Curry's injury. The coach talked at length about the NBA calendar and the way it is affecting the veteran roster of the teams, including that of the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry suffered a hamstring injury in Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals while playing against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Steve Kerr made a shocking claim about factors leading to Stephen Curry's injury The NBA calendar is insanely packed and is taking a toll on old players' fitness. If words of Steve Kerr are to be believed, it is the sad reality of NBA players. While talking about the factors that led to Stephen Curry's injury and the major role it played in the Golden State Warriors' run in the playoffs, coach Steve Kerr looked quite displeased with the NBA schedule. He put the blame for the Warriors' pivot's injury on the NBA's schedule, clamored with the games, and told the Yahoo Sports reporter: 'Who's more likely to be able to withstand the rigors of the pace and space and the game-every-other-day schedule — the younger players or the older players? The younger guys are.' Steve Kerr on Steph Curry Injury & Game 1 Win vs Timberwolves, FULL Postgame Interview Talking further about the disturbing pattern emerging in the NBA's schedule, he said: 'The most important point of all of this is the pace and space and how much more mileage that players are covering. You see all these injuries ... I don't think players get enough rest anymore.' Kerr's claims emerge from an in-depth analysis provided by the team's director of sports medicine and performance, Rick Celebrini, who shared his views on the matter. His opinion was: 'If he (Stephen Curry) had an extra day or two … we can't prove this, but I have no doubt based on our understanding of the scientific literature that the hamstring injury was the result of inadequate recovery and fatigue.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Roar into Style! Leopard Print Slim Fitting Dress! Undo Unleash Your Wild Side: Leopard Print Slim Dress! Undo Level Up Your Look: Men Tracksuit with Hoodie! Undo Get the Look: Rhinestone Juicy Sweatsuit - Shop Modefash! Undo Complete Your Look: Women's 3-Piece Sweatsuit - Undo Chic Comfort! Women's 3-Piece Sweatsuit. Undo Shop Exclusive Deals & Save Big! Undo Modefash: Ultimate Comfort - Men's Tracksuit with Hoodie! Undo Sparkle & Shine: Trending Rhinestone Juicy Sweatsuit! Undo Don't Miss Out! Exclusive Deals at Undo Yahoo Sports reporter Tom Haberstroh's observations claim that basketball is increasingly becoming Gen Z's game, and a large part of it is attributed to the declining capacity of veterans to keep up with the gruelling NBA schedule. Stephen Curry suffered a hamstring injury for first time during Game 1 of Western Conference Semifinals The Golden State Warriors were playing Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves on May 6. The game took a tumultuous turn when Stephen Curry had to be escorted off the court in the second quarter. Later, on analysis, his injury was confirmed as a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. Golden State Warriors Clutch Moments of the 2024-25 Regular Season Stephen could not play from Game 2 to Game 5, and by the time he returned, the Golden State Warriors had lost their race to the finals. Several media outlets reported the injury to be a result of overexertion and fatigue. Steve Kerr's new claims further fuel the discussions that point to the need to revamp the NBA schedule, should the place for veterans in the game be bolstered. Also Read: Stephen Curry enjoys offseason vibes at BottleRock Napa Valley while promoting Gentleman's Cut Bourbon Stephen Curry, at 37, suffered the injury for the first time, leading to discussions surrounding the NBA calendar and the impact of back-to-back games on the veterans' fitness. Will such injuries lead to revolutionary changes in the NBA environment? It remains to be seen. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
