Storyline: Curry is maintaining high-level performance. He’s currently averaging 32 points-a-game and making 52.4% of his shots. Written by Chris Harrison, Philadelphia, PA
In the world of basketball it’s not uncommon to hear of a player’s stellar performance, deemed unthinkable, producing astonishing statistics. Among those players, Stephen Curry is undoubtedly the most noteworthy. Very few players can do things he has done and do them on a consistent basis.
Courtesy: USAToday.com
Although it appears as if Stephen Curry has supernatural abilities, his performances don’t result from otherworldly abilities. His performances are the result of intense preparation and performing in the precise moment at certain points in a game. That combo enables a player to exceed the normal range of performance.
Curry, it seems, does something spectacular and innovative in almost every game, captivating millions of sports enthusiasts in the process. For example, 90min.com recently published an article entitled, “Stephen Curry Proves Yet Again That He’s Not Human,” documenting Curry’s 40-point contribution in the Warriors’ comeback win (erasing a 23-point deficit) against the LA Clippers.
What makes Stephen Curry so good? Preparation. Curry has a sizeable number of ways to prepare himself to perform at a high level. One way is his meticulous pre-game routine. Curry’s routine, the subject of many interviews, comprises diversified dribbling drills followed by taking shots of varying difficulties. Curry doesn’t alter that routine. Another example is a ball-handling drill, which involves flashing lights and a tennis ball. The drill helps him improve perception on the court.
It’s evident that intense preparation can lead to a positive performance. For example, last season Oklahoma City Thunder point guard, Russell Westbrook, had a game against the Warriors where he posted a remarkable line of statistics: 17 points, 16 assists, and 15 rebounds. When reporters asked him how he did it, Westbrook attributed his performance to one word: Execution.
Westbrook’s response provides us with insights into what appears (otherwise) to be super-human outcomes. Westbrook, as with Curry, executes well and plays in the moment. Consider these examples.
Earlier this season, towards the end of the 3rd Quarter in the second matchup between the Warriors and Grizzlies, Curry stole a pass at the Grizzlies’ end of the court. He dribbled through three defenders, drew contact around half-court, and threw the ball towards the basket as he fell to the hardwood. Curry made the shot. Then, in the final seconds of that same quarter, Curry stole the ball again, took a few steps past mid-court, and shot a long-distance 3-pointer just before the buzzer sounded. Good! Curry ended the night with 28 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, and 5 steals.
Some might argue that there’s another explanation for Curry’s insane performances. For example, LA Clippers head coach, Doc Rivers, tried explaining away Golden State’s run to the championship last year: “You need luck in the West…. Look at Golden State. They didn’t have to play us or the Spurs.” But, if Curry was just lucky, his luck would have run out by now. But the reality is that he is maintaining a high-level of performance. He’s currently averaging 32 points-a-game and is making 52.4% of his shots.
Steph Curry is human after all–and a super one at that.
