Steph Curry Tribute

I lie in bed crippled after ACL and meniscus surgery. The excruciating pain numbed by the pain killers. Not many things to look forward to, except for Olympic USA Basketball Men’s 5×5. Basketball was the one Olympic sport I had marked on my calendar. I watched nearly every single game. Of course, the best games were the last ones.

Serbia was the semifinal matchup for the United States. I tuned late in the 1st quarter. Usually at this point of any game, I wouldn’t miss too much, because the game is just getting started. But this time was different, Steph Curry already scored 10+ points. I thought to myself “Hopefully he stays hot.”

Right on call, Steph makes another three. For most of the game, the U.S. was trailing Serbia. Serbia was leading by double digits and this deficit would’ve been worse if Steph did not make all of the shots he did. Going into the 4th quarter, the score was 63-76, favoring Serbia. I knew we still had a chance of coming back, but I was genuinely worried we wouldn’t. We would need the perfect 4th quarter to win.

Needles to say, the U.S. delivered. It was a complete team effort. Each person in the closing five man lineup made meaningful contributions, including a classic Steph Curry three to take the lead 87-86. The 4th quarter was a nail biter all the way until the end. Steph also had a steal with less than two minutes left in the game, went coast-to-coast and converted the layup. Doing it on both ends of the floor.

When the game ended, team USA all embraced one another to celebrate victory. At the verge of an upset, they fought until the very end and overcame. The intensity at its peak. All of the pent up energy from the game being released with a mighty roar.

I wish I could’ve been in the crowd to feel the energy and witness it all. Even though I wasn’t there, I can still feel the energy, especially when LeBron and Steph locked eyes (photo below). It’s like two Super Saiyans in their final form radiating with unbounded energy you can feel through a screen.

This is one of the best games I’ve ever watched in my entire life. The emotional roller coaster. The comeback win. The best players from the United States united with the shared goal of winning gold. Playing against arguably the best international player of all time, Nikola Jokić. What more can you ask for? This game would be hard to top.

France was the finals matchup for the Untied States. Going into this game, I thought France would be an easier matchup compared to Serbia. I was expecting the U.S. to win by a much larger margin. Although I ended up being right, I was not expecting the game to be so entertaining.

This game was reminiscent of The Redeem Team’s gold medal match against Spain back in the 2008 Summer Olympics. The U.S. had the lead for majority of the game. Every time the U.S. tried to extend their lead, Spain always had an answer and would not go away.

Especially in their home court and in front of all their fans, France had the same, if not greater, fighting spirit.

In ways, Steph Curry played a similar role as Kobe Bryant in the Olympic gold medal match - The Closer.

France got within three points with less than three minutes left in the game. They have a puncher’s chance of winning it all. Unfortunately for them, Curry went on a flurry and made four threes, each three more difficult that the last.

You can feel the energy, hopes and dreams of France’s home crowd slowly die with each of Curry’s three point daggers. At the same time, U.S. fans were all getting hyped off Curry’s legendary moments building on top of one another.

Even though I know Curry is the best shooter the game of basketball has ever seen and I have witnessed him be clutch countless times when it matters most, there was still a hint of doubt that made me nervous and wonder if he would answer the call this time.

Not only did he answer the call, but also puts on a performance unlike any other. I’ve never seen anyone in my entire life of watching basketball hit that many clutch three point shots in a row without missing. In true entertainer fashion, he saved the best for last - a step back fadeaway three against two defenders (picture below).

When he took the shot, I was in shock that he even attempted it. It’s an extremely difficult shot. Everything is on the line. The entire world is watching. As the high-arching shot floats in the air, it feels like time slows down. Then the shot goes in and everyone watching is going absolutely crazy, including myself.

Especially during the end of this game, I completely forgot about the pain from my ACL and meniscus surgery. I felt like a kid again watching basketball. My mom said she could even hear me yelling from outside the house. I couldn’t even control my excitement, joy and passion. My energy was overflowing.

Team USA took home gold with a storybook ending. After watching Curry’s greatness in the last two games of the Olympics, I knew I had to buy his USA jersey. Now, I’m debating whether I should cop two of his USA jerseys - both the white and navy version. The cherry on top is I also wore #4 when I was on the high school varsity team. Hopefully one day I can get it signed by him.

Nuit Nuit (Night Night).