Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has built a legacy that will forever be remembered as one of the most remarkable careers in NBA history. Known for his unprecedented shooting ability, Curry revolutionized the game, making the 3-point shot an essential part of basketball in a way that had never been seen before. But despite the incredible success he has achieved throughout his career—10 All-Star selections, four NBA championships, two MVP awards, and a Finals MVP—Curry admits that the weight of expectations still affects him.
In a recent interview, Curry opened up about the pressures of being a basketball superstar. Despite being widely regarded as the greatest 3-point shooter of all time, and often praised for his ability to perform in the most high-pressure situations, Curry revealed that he experiences anxiety before games. The expectations placed upon him to perform at an elite level night in and night out are not something he takes lightly. “It’s not that I get nervous about playing the game itself, but the expectations are real,” Curry shared. “It’s an ongoing thing. When you’ve had success in this league, people expect that from you every time you step on the floor, and sometimes that can weigh on you.”
It’s no surprise that Curry feels this pressure. For over a decade, he has been the face of the Warriors, a franchise that has become synonymous with success during his tenure. The team’s rise to dominance, beginning in the 2014-15 season, marked the start of an era in which Curry and the Warriors changed the landscape of the NBA. The Warriors won three championships in five years, and Curry became a cultural icon, largely responsible for the rise of the three-point revolution that now defines modern basketball. Yet even as he reached the pinnacle of the sport, Curry’s desire for excellence was never satisfied. The constant expectation to deliver at such a high level year after year is something he’s learned to accept, but it doesn’t come without its challenges.
“I’ve been fortunate to achieve everything I have in this game, but with that comes a level of expectation,” Curry explained. “People see what you’ve done and then they expect that you can always do it, no matter the situation, no matter the opponent, or no matter how many miles you’ve logged on your body. And while that can feel overwhelming at times, it’s also a driving force. It motivates me to get out there and prove that I can do it again and again.”
Curry’s relentless work ethic and desire to keep improving have been key factors in his success, and they help him manage the anxiety he feels. “There are nights when it feels like everything is riding on me,” he admitted. “But that’s just part of the process. You use that pressure as fuel to push yourself, to keep going and to keep striving for greatness. If anything, it gives me the hunger to keep playing at a high level.”
At 36 years old, Curry is nearing the tail end of his career, but he continues to perform at an elite level. This season, he’s averaging 22.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 45.2% from the field and an impressive 42.0% from three. Even as Father Time slowly creeps up on him, Curry has shown no signs of slowing down, remaining one of the most efficient and effective players in the NBA. His shooting remains as deadly as ever, and he continues to make the Warriors a threat on the court every time he plays.
However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the Warriors in recent seasons. Since their last championship win in 2018, the team has faced its fair share of challenges, including injuries to key players like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, as well as issues with team chemistry and roster construction. After a few down years, the Warriors returned to championship contention in the 2021-22 season, with Curry leading the charge to secure his fourth ring. That victory, however, did not come easily, as the Warriors had to overcome fierce competition from the Boston Celtics, who proved to be a formidable opponent in the Finals. Curry’s leadership and stellar play throughout the series, including a memorable Game 4 performance, were crucial in securing the title and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
But while Curry’s individual success has been remarkable, the challenges faced by the Warriors in the post-Kevin Durant era are a reminder that even the best players need help to win championships. Curry’s greatness is undeniable, but for the Warriors to continue to compete for titles, they need contributions from the other members of their roster, particularly Thompson and Green. The team has made several moves in recent years to revamp its lineup, including drafting young players like James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga, but there is still a sense that the Warriors are in transition, trying to balance their championship pedigree with the development of their younger talent.
The dynamic of Curry’s role on the team has also shifted over the years. In the early years of the Warriors’ dominance, he was surrounded by a group of players like Thompson, Durant, and Green, who could carry much of the load offensively and defensively. Now, Curry is often the only offensive focal point, with fewer players able to step up consistently alongside him. This shift has placed even more pressure on Curry’s shoulders, and while he continues to perform at a high level, it’s clear that the Warriors need to find a better balance if they hope to compete for another championship in the coming seasons.
For Curry, this season has been a reminder of just how demanding the NBA can be, particularly as a player who has been in the spotlight for so long. Despite his success, Curry understands that there are no guarantees in the league. Injuries, team dynamics, and the ever-changing nature of the NBA can derail even the most well-constructed teams. However, Curry remains focused on his goal of continuing to perform at the highest level for as long as possible. “I want to keep playing for as long as I can,” Curry said. “I know my career isn’t going to last forever, but as long as I’m out there, I want to be the best I can be. And I want to help my team win as much as I can.”
The pressure on Curry is only amplified by the Warriors’ current situation. With the team’s core aging, there is a sense of urgency in Golden State. Curry knows that the Warriors are likely in the final stages of their championship window, and that motivates him to push even harder. He wants to win another title, not just for himself, but for the franchise and the fans who have supported him throughout his journey. As one of the most beloved and respected players in the league, Curry’s desire to leave a lasting legacy in Golden State is clear.
Curry’s journey has been one of perseverance, resilience, and excellence. From being doubted as a college player to becoming one of the greatest players in NBA history, Curry has continually defied expectations. But now, with the finish line in sight, he’s facing a new challenge: the pressure of keeping up his extraordinary level of play. As he continues to chase greatness, Curry’s story serves as a testament to what it takes to thrive in the NBA’s most demanding environment. Despite the pressure, despite the anxiety, Stephen Curry remains one of the most electrifying and influential players the game has ever seen, and his journey is far from over.
