Steve Kerr labels Stephen Curry’s performance as a defining moment in basketball history: “It was one of the greatest moments”

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who has guidedStephen Curry both in the NBA and with Team USA, recently reflected on a defining moment in Curry’s illustrious career. In Netflix’s Court of Gold docuseries, which chronicles Team USA’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal, Kerr shared a game-changing play that enhanced Curry’s legendary status.

The gold medal game against France was an intense battle as Team USA fought to maintain control in the final minutes. However, amid the mounting pressure, Stephen Curry delivered a clutch three-pointer that all but sealed the victory. The shot, executed with his signature poise, sent the crowd into a frenzy and left an indelible mark on basketball history.

“When it went in, the reaction of the crowd, of our bench, of France’s team—it was one of the greatest moments in basketball history,” Steve Kerr stated in the docuseries.
The docuseries offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the crucial possession that led to Curry’s iconic shot. As the game neared its climax, Kerr and the coaching staff were discussing their next move when Curry himself stepped up and signaled for a play known as “Ear Tug.”
“With a few minutes left, we were discussing what we were going to run, and so Steph came over and [tugs his ear]. We call the play ‘Ear Tug,’ it’s just a cleared-side pick-and-roll with Steph and LeBron [James]. Steph just basically said, ‘Give me the ball and I know where I want it, they can’t guard that,’” Kerr revealed.
The confidence in Curry’s decision-making was justified. The play unfolded perfectly, as LeBron James delivered a behind-the-back pass to Curry. The ball left his hands and swished through the net, giving Team USA a decisive lead. Reflecting on the play, Curry explained why he called for it and how it played out exactly as he envisioned.
“Ear Tug, for me, was a play that could kind of just get us organized and calm the momentum down,” Curry said. “LeBron had the ball, and I wanted him to get downhill. When I set the screen and came off, he threw that behind-the-back pass and the ball was in my hands before I could even think about what was happening.”
His celebration after the shot— a calm-down gesture —was as much for himself as it was for the team. “I did like the little ‘Calm down’ celebration, I was really kind of talking to myself, because you understand these four minutes will define our Team USA Olympic legacies,” he added.
Kerr, who has witnessed Curry’s greatness for years, admitted that even now, the superstar continues to amaze him.
“At this point, I am no longer surprised by anything Steph Curry does, but he continues to awe me. He’s capable of doing the unbelievable, but at this point, it’s believable because it’s Steph.”
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Curry has made his name in the NBA as one of the all time greats with his astonishing legacy in the league. Further, his Olympic heroics were written as one of the crucial chapters in the victory for Team USA alongside his astonishing individual legacy. Curry is currently averaging 23.4 points per game, 4.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists.