SAN FRANCISCO — The spotlight of the final pregame introduction was on Stephen Curry, who capped off a memorable All-Star Game in his hometown by raising the coveted MVP trophy high into the air. This moment wasn’t just a highlight; it represented his journey from Oakland to San Francisco as a centerpiece of the Golden State Warriors’ success.
Curry expressed his gratitude for the special occasion, stating, “This is just a special weekend all the way around. This is very symbolic of the entire journey. I hope we have a lot to accomplish on the court, not ending the journey any time soon. But again for me and from my vantage point having played here for 16 years, it’s just a great celebration of basketball in this area.”
He made an immediate impact on the court by scoring the first points of the game with a three-pointer, followed by an impressive half-court shot that led to a celebratory chest-bump with rapper Mistah Fab. Curry played a pivotal role in guiding Shaquille O’Neal’s team to a 41-25 victory over Chuck’s Global Stars, finishing the game with 12 points, including four three-pointers.
Cheers of “MVP! MVP!” filled the Chase Center as Curry celebrated with his trophy. His achievements this season include earning an Olympic gold medal last August and now winning an All-Star Game title at home. Next month, he will mark his 37th birthday, adding to the excitement.
During a midgame break, Curry took to the microphone to share his feelings about the significance of having the All-Star Game at the Chase Center, which is just five years old. “I feel blessed,” he said, reflecting on the Warriors’ long-held vision for the event.
Before the game, Curry tossed a ball to fellow player Anthony Edwards and began his usual shooting routine, albeit without his normal passing partner, assistant coach Bruce Fraser. O’Neal had carefully selected Curry and his teammates to compete in this new format of the NBA’s midseason classic, which did not involve quarters or a clock, with the objective being the first team to reach 40 points.
Sunday’s festivities capped off a whirlwind weekend filled with celebrations, practices, and community engagement. “The hosting experience was unbelievable,” said Curry, “I’m not going to complain about the entire exhaustiveness, it’s an honor and a blessing to be able to celebrate this beautiful Bay Area that’s been a part of my life for the last 16 years.” He noted the significant impact that the All-Star Game has had on both cities and praised the enthusiastic fan support that he has cherished.
This year marked Curry’s 11th selection to the All-Star team, with 10 appearances overall. The importance of basketball in the Bay Area weighed heavily on him, as he was visibly moved during the national anthems of both Canada and the United States before focusing fully on the game.
Curry highlighted the importance of the weekend beyond just basketball, remarking that it brought together friends and supporters who have been part of his career journey. “I got to reflect a little bit,” he said, expressing eagerness to return to his regular routines after a busy weekend. “But everything kind of went exactly as it should.”
