Stephen Curry is currently in China and touring the country while promoting Under Armour as one of the brand's key ambassadors and owner of the 'Curry Brand'. Curry was playing in an exhibition game in Shanghai which ended with a Curry three-pointer. Naturally, the Warriors star hit his opponents with the 'Night Night' taunt after a dagger shot.
Curry's 'Night Night' became a popular celebration during the 2022 Playoffs, as Curry often used the celebration after hitting a game-clinching shot against whichever opponent was in front of them. The last two seasons have seen the Warriors take backward steps in the Western Conference, not giving Curry many opportunities to use the signature celebration as the team struggles to make the Playoffs.
We saw the celebration come back in a big way during the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Curry using it in the final two games of the tournament as he put away both Serbia and France to help Team USA clinch the Gold medal. Curry even trademarked the phrase 'Nuit Nuit,' which means 'Night Night' in French.
Stephen Curry Is Considered One Of The Most Influential NBA Players Ever
The popularity of the 'Night Night' celebration extends beyond basketball, with the greatest soccer player of all time, Lionel Messi, using the celebration after two goals in his most recent game for Inter Miami. We're seeing NFL players and more soccer players use Curry's celebration, showing how influential he is around the world.
Former NBA player and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose picked Curry as the most influential player in the NBA on the Courtside Club podcast, even ahead of LeBron James.
"Right now, yes. When you see LeBron James you can't ignore the fact that he's a physical specimen. But when you see Steph Curry you're like 'Him? We're the same height, we are the same build, I can be him!' That influence plus his game and his championship pedigree and getting his Finals MVP. Steph Curry is not a point guard or a shooting guard. I've called him the Vanguard for years. The leader of the new school.
Curry changed the game with his shooting ability, prompting NBA hopefuls of all sizes around the world to have a competent jumper to rely upon as Curry can. Even with all the additional competition, Curry has firmly established himself as the greatest shooter in the history of the sport, with no fans doubting his status.
All Steph needs now is a competent lineup around him to try and push for another championship 16 years into his career. The 36-year-old Curry averaged 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists last season but will need to elevate his game even more to be competitive this season with the departure of Klay Thompson.
The Warriors' pursuit of superstars such as Jimmy Butler and Giannis Antetokounmpo won't materialize in the short-term, so Curry will have to be the one to carry the franchise until they can make a move for a genuine co-star.
