Social media has given NBA fans a forum to talk about players and games, radically altering the way fans and athletes connect. Athletes can now quickly receive critical comments in this space as well. However, Stephen Curry, the star of the Golden State Warriors, now finds odd motivation during games from these disparaging remarks.
On Jefe Island, former Warriors center Ekpe Udoh—who played with Curry from 2010 to 2012—recently provided insights into how the two-time MVP uses social media to enhance his skills.
According to Udoh, Curry might even check social media during halftime to read the criticism that his critics have to provide. Udoh said :
“I heard like Steph may look at Twitter or something like that,”. “Well, I mean if he can look at Twitter and then come out and hit 8 threes, what you gonna say to that? You see a lot of kids now, like ‘Will he do it’? Well sir…”
Udoh highlighted the risk of upsetting Curry, who is considered by many to be among the NBA’s greatest shooters ever. His ability to swiftly change a game with his shooting just helps to push him more when he receives criticism, especially from the internet.
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— NBA (@NBA) September 13, 2024
This unusual behavior is not wholly unexpected.
Stephen Curry is a different animal before game
Curry’s old teammate Andrew Bogut noted on his Rogue Bogues podcast in January 2021 that the Warriors guard uses his phone during halftime, especially after a poor first half.
Knowing that his detractors are applauding his hardships, Curry makes the most of the hostility to propel an impressive comeback. In April 2021, Curry acknowledged this habit by admitting to The New York Times that he does check his phone during breaks.
Curry demonstrated during the 2024 Olympics final matchup with France his ability to turn criticism into performance. Curry astonished French fans with his performance in the gold medal game, scoring 24 points and making eight three-pointers.
He was even called the “Devil” by one announcer after his clutch shots destroyed France’s chances of winning the gold medal. The image went viral, and “Devil Curry” became a social media fad.
Curry is one of the most admired athletes in the world even though he receives a lot of criticism from fans on the internet. Social media, whether it be positive or negative, never fails to motivate Curry’s on-court excellence and cement his status as one of the NBA’s best players.
