The meaning behind Steph Curry’s ‘night, night’ celebration has been revealed after the NBA star put France to the sword in the US’ quest for gold at the Paris Olympics.
The 36-year-old, four-time NBA champion, who scored 24 points – all on 3-pointers – in the 98-87 win over the French in Saturday night’s final, previously showed off his trademark celebration throughout the Golden State Warriors’ run to the NBA title in 2022.
Two years later, the 10-time All-Star brought back the stunt in the last 2:43 of the fourth quarter against France, when he four consecutive 3-pointers at the Bercy Arena basket.
But, the Team USA point guard didn’t exactly come up with the celebration as famed wrestler CM Punk made the gesture a featured element of one of his signature moves, the ‘Go To Sleep’ finisher.
It’s still unclear if Curry was inspired by CM Punk.
Steph Curry showed off his sleeping celebration in the last 2:43 of the Olympic final, Saturday
After Game 2 of the 2022 Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, Curry said he had ‘no idea’ of where the iconic sleeping gesture comes from, adding: ‘I don’t choreograph none of that stuff.’
Plenty of other sports stars have replicated Curry’s celebration since it came to light two years ago, including WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu, of the New York Liberty, and Andrew McCutchen, of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
To deepen the wounds of French fans after Saturday night’s final, Curry wore an epic hoodie with an Eiffel Tower emblem and the words, ‘NUIT. NUIT.’ across the chest.
WWE wrestler CM Punk was the first to come up with the celly before knocking out opponents
His performance in the Olympic basketball final led the US to a fifth consecutive gold medal and the 17th in 20 all-time appearances for the Americans at the Games.
‘You just stay confident, stay present and don’t get rattled by the moment,’ said Curry, who had 17 3-pointers in his last two games, starting with nine against Serbia to get to the gold-medal game.
‘For me to get a gold medal is insane, and I thank God for the opportunity to experience it. […] I was smilin’, cheesin’, having the best time of my life.’
US coach Steve Kerr added: ‘Steph earned this.’
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