Stephen Curry (Part 1)

Summary

Mind the Game – Stephen Curry (Part 1)

Podcast: Mind the Game
Hosts: LeBron James, Steve Nash (absent this episode), with guests J.J. Redick, Richard Jefferson, Stephen Curry
Date: November 4, 2025
Episode Theme:
Exploring Stephen Curry's shooting evolution and impact on basketball, accompanied by detailed talk about game strategy, movement, and the nuances that set Curry and his era apart. The episode features rich storytelling, technical breakdowns, anecdotes from NBA lives, and an insightful film session on modern basketball offense.

---

1. Main Theme & Purpose

This episode dives deep into Stephen Curry’s journey and revolutionary impact on the game. Hosts (J.J. Redick and Richard Jefferson) and Curry explore:

• How Curry became the NBA’s greatest shooter and the technical evolution of his shot
• The influence of early mentors and family
• The evolution of modern offenses and how Curry’s movement and “gravity” shape defenders
• The “ruined the game” debate and how Curry views his influence on basketball culture

---

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

2.1 Early Playing Days, Retirement, and Injuries

[00:00–03:01]

• J.J. Redick recalls struggling to keep up with Curry during his last NBA years, recounting a preseason game where he realized through pain and effort that it was time to retire.
  • Key Quote:
    “He’s running everywhere. I’m like, back is broke. Everything’s jacked… Stevie Kerr’s putting me in every action. I’m looking over at Steve like, what the fuck…” (J.J. Redick, 01:32)
  • Stephen Curry and Richard Jefferson joke about “putting him out of his misery” and how Redick later joined the Warriors as a shooting coach.

Noteworthy Moment:

• [01:29] Curry: “I remember Ontario. I knew it.”
• [02:27] Curry on Redick teaching pick and roll after retirement: “Next thing I know, he showed up at practice, was teaching us pick and roll.”

---

2.2 Curry’s Off-Court Interests – Golf

[03:03–04:23]

• Discussion about Curry’s abilities in golf, including a match against Bryson DeChambeau and the parallels between golf and basketball mental preparation.
  • Curry playfully recounts outdriving DeChambeau in front of a crowd.

---

2.3 Early Inspirations and Influence

[04:23–06:34]

• Curry credits players like Steve Nash and Reggie Miller as early influences.
  • Key Quote:
    "My dad had to actually tell me to shoot. He was like, not in this house are you gonna be that. But I always just loved the creativity." (Curry, 05:24)
• Curry explains he was naturally a pass-first point guard but gradually shifted to more aggression and shooting, inspired by his father Dell Curry’s quick release.
  • [06:45] Curry: “The quick release. Every video you see, it has sitting in the corner. One, like one dribble. And then the quick release.”

---

2.4 Shooting Form Evolution & Philosophy

[07:06–10:51]

• Curry explains the process of changing his shot form in high school—moving from a slow “slingshot” to a faster one-motion release, guided by his father.
  • Key Quote:
    “I would teach Clay’s form to anybody… That’s freaking perfect. 10 out of 10 every. No notes, right. But to your point, it helped me off the dribble because it’s kind of… a one-piece shot… I can get it here quick enough…” (Curry, 08:28)
• They discuss the uniqueness of Curry’s form, its role in his off-the-dribble shooting and extraordinary range, and how it’s not necessarily replicable for younger players. Redick highlights that Curry “invented a way of going through the zone.”

---

2.5 Physical Development, Strength, and Shooting Integrity

[12:36–14:38]

• Richard Jefferson and Redick probe how Curry maintained (or even improved) shooting through substantial physical changes—adding weight and strength without losing touch.
  • Key Quote:
    “I came in £180. Maybe… I’m shooting like trash in training camp… Don Nelson… walked in there and cussed out everybody in the room: ‘Y’all killing the shot. He's lifting too much weights!’” (Curry, 13:37)
• Curry explains learning about efficiency, body stability, and how core strength—not brute force—is what translates to durable shooting.

---

2.6 Overcoming Injury and Building from “the Ground Up”

[17:31–21:16]

• Curry discusses his early-career ankle woes. The mental toll of repeated injuries and rehab, describing dark days and the fear of never fulfilling his potential:
  • Key Quote:
    “I wasn’t even rolling my ankle, like landing on somebody… That thing would flip. I look back like, what, drop something? Bambi legs, like literally I just couldn’t stay on my feet…” (Curry, 17:31)
• He details learning about bodily chain mechanics, the importance of mundane, repetitive stabilizing exercises, and appreciating the “process” behind longevity and elite preparation.
  • “You have those little moments, you have a couple good games. Oh yeah, I belong here.” (Curry, 20:41)

---

2.7 Routine, Work Ethic, and Growth Philosophy

[22:27–25:56]

• Curry and Redick discuss how intentional, curiosity-driven improvement and self-starting motivation are foundational to great shooting. Curry emphasizes “nobody should have to tell you to go to the gym.”
• Curry describes early pro experiences, working with trainer Edon Ravine, learning professional-level preparation from Chris Paul, and constantly wanting to be “uncomfortable” to drive progress.

---

2.8 Realization of Impact – “Ruining the Game”

[26:05–28:29]

• When did Curry realize his play was transcending? Only when young players like Trae Young were dubbed “the next Steph.”
  • Key Quote:
    “When Trae Young came in the league… that was like, the first time… someone emulating their game after the way that you play. That might be the first time I thought about it…” (Curry, 27:18)
• Redick and Jefferson joke that Curry “ruined the game”—meaning his influence led to a new era of high-volume 3-point shooting throughout basketball at every level.
  • “Everyone shoots threes now… It’s all step. It’s all step.” (Richard Jefferson, 28:30)
• Curry shares that executive Bob Myers was the first to urge him to shoot 15 threes/game:
  • “The math says, you know, 15 threes for you is great.”

---

2.9 Evolution of the Warriors Offense and “Gravity”

[29:33–35:54]

• The discussion pivots to Steve Kerr’s impact as coach, shifting away from traditional pick and roll toward constant movement, “post-to-pass” actions, and team-wide creativity.
  • Kerr inspired the Warriors with “Barcelona Tiki Taka” soccer concepts:
  • “He showed a clip… Tiki Taka, right. And he was talking about that as a philosophy of how we’re going to create shots…” (Curry, 31:00)
• Curry explains the impact of off-ball movement, his screen-setting willingness, and how this complicates defensive schemes:
  • Redick: “For someone with your skill set… your willingness to move so much, that’s probably what prevents other teams from playing that style.”
• Key Stat:
  • Redick notes: “Over a certain period… your team’s rim attempts when you’re on the floor are 45%... That’s from your movement.”

---

2.10 Film Breakdown – “Gravity” in Action

[39:24–46:16]

• They review Finals game tape, breaking down split actions, off-ball screens, and random, “controlled chaos” movement that exploits defender confusion and creates rim opportunities.
  • Richard Jefferson likens Warriors offense to the 90s Bulls triangle:
    “As soon as the ball go into the post, now… action begins. And it’s controlled chaos.” (40:26)
  • Curry highlights the subtle ways split-second confusion or minor mismatches lead to layups and open looks.
  • Redick and Jefferson marvel at the “vibration” Curry’s off-ball movement creates—real “gravity” that bends defenders and creates high-quality shots for teammates.

---

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Influence and Shooting Style:
  “You don’t really stop… even if you do, it’s like a split second… But to your point, it helped me off the dribble because it’s kind of… a one-piece shot…”
  (Stephen Curry, 08:28)
• Redefining the Game:
  “I got that ‘you ruined the game’ question all the time after Mark said it. Now it’s kind of tongue in cheek just because, you know, you understand there is an influence. And now it’s about, how can you allow kids to hear the story about the entire journey and not just the finish.”
  (Curry, 27:49)
• On Work Ethic and Joy:
  “Nobody should have to tell you... you should go to the gym, right? ... It always became just a joy of the game and finding ways to get a little bit better. ... Never really satisfied with the level that I was shooting. Even if I had the greatest workout, I’m probably thinking about the couple of misses that I had and how can I get better the next session.”
  (Curry, 23:10)
• On Random Offense and Teams’ Reluctance to Switch:
  “As a shooter and a scorer, Coach McKillop at Davidson taught me, you help somebody, you help yourself. If I can set a screen and you’re guarding me... now you gotta make a decision...”
  (Curry, 32:52)
• On Winning Plays:
  “Those are my favorite moments when you’re watching film, it’s like, that’s just basketball at its best… Those are my favorite. That’s when you don’t matter who scores. Everybody. Everybody hype.”
  (Curry, 35:54)
• Redick’s classic quip:
  “Operation successful, patient dies.” (36:17)

---

4. Timestamp Guide to Key Segments

• 00:00–03:01: Redick’s injury/retirement, Curry’s role in “ending” Redick’s career
• 03:03–04:23: Stephen Curry’s golf prowess and competitive mentality
• 04:23–06:59: Childhood inspiration, Dell Curry’s influence, and form/shooting evolution
• 07:06–10:51: Details on Curry’s shot mechanics and adaptability
• 12:36–14:38: Gaining strength and why it didn’t damage but improved Curry’s game
• 17:31–21:16: Recovery from ankle injuries, mental struggle, and learning the body
• 22:27–25:56: Unmatched work ethic, intentional practice, and routine evolution
• 26:05–28:29: Curry realizing his influence—"ruined the league" and 3-point explosion
• 29:33–35:54: Kerr's movement offense, “gravity” and data on rim attempts
• 39:24–46:16: Film breakdown of Warriors offense, practical examples of off-ball genius and defending the undefendable

---

5. Tone and Style

The discussion is rich, informal, and filled with banter between great basketball minds. Curry is reflective but humble, generous in giving credit to friends, family, and coaches. Redick and Jefferson provide both analysis and player-perspective wonder at Curry's singular greatness—with humor, candor, and technical depth.

---

6. Conclusion

This episode presents Stephen Curry not just as the NBA’s greatest shooter, but as a player whose innovation, work ethic, and curiosity redefined what’s possible—and expected—in modern basketball. Through stories, technical breakdowns, and on- and off-court anecdotes, Curry and the hosts underline how transformation in sport springs from process, persistence, and joy.

Recommended for: Fans of deep basketball “X’s & O’s,” those curious about Curry’s journey, coaches, aspiring shooters, and anyone interested in the culture shift Curry sparked in the NBA and beyond.

Transcript

[J.J. Redick]

You might know this, but you deserve a little bit of putting me out to pasture, a little bit of my retirement.

[Richard Jefferson]

He sent you all back. Oh, yeah.

[Stephen Curry]

Lord, what I do.

[Richard Jefferson]

He sent you all back. I'll go ahead and put him on down.

[J.J. Redick]

It's not something I like to talk about in public. In public a lot.

[Richard Jefferson]

You know, we got a mind game.

[J.J. Redick]

Exclusive.

[Richard Jefferson]

We got an exclusive.

[J.J. Redick]

When he came in the league, I still felt like the big brother a little bit. You know, I still feel like, you know, I got the upper hand here. Right. You know, then he started becoming who he is, and the pendulum shifted. And so my last two years with the Lakers, my second game with the Lakers, I bumped knees in Dame's first game with Dame and broke my tib fib joint on the inside, where, like, it's weight bearing. It's a problem, and it's where the nerve goes. I already had nerve stuff, and I was never the same. I spent two years working out twice a day just to try to overcome it. So I come back my 18th training camp, and I'm like, I've been going so hard trying to get there. I had a pretty good first preseason game. Like, I can't remember what happened. Like, I think we drove home from San Diego, had a back spasm the next morning. I was just like, oh. Then, like, I had, like. I don't know, I was doing all right. And then I was like, another flare up. And it's just that my nerves were messed up. I couldn't recover. And I was like, well, I gotta find out. So, like, I had a week since I last played. And I was like, we were playing them in preseason. I'm like, I gotta find out. Like, I have to play hurt. Can I play hurt? Or else what's the point, right? And so we went to play these guys preseason, like Ontario, California or somewhere. I don't even remember this.

[Stephen Curry]

I remember Ontario. I knew it.

[J.J. Redick]

We came out, I'm guarding Steph. I think they put up like 50 in the first quarter. Maybe it was 45, but it felt like a 50 piece, right? He's running everywhere. I'm like, back is broke. Everything's jacked. I couldn't have probably stopped. I couldn't have stopped him If I was 100%. And now I'm like, dragging around. Stevie Kerr's putting me in every action. I'm looking over at Steve like, what the fuck you.

[Richard Jefferson]

Are you kidding?

[J.J. Redick]

I think that we. We know.

[Richard Jefferson]

We.

[J.J. Redick]

We know.

[Stephen Curry]

He's over there smiling, too.

[J.J. Redick]

They're laughing at me. Alvin Gentry over there laughing at me.

[Stephen Curry]

Like, no, no, no.

[J.J. Redick]

I was just trying to see what you got. I'm like, man, literally, like, three more. Four more days of thinking on it. I was like, yeah, it's. I think it's time. I think it's time. That was it. I called Mitch.

[Richard Jefferson]

You put him on his misery. You called Mitch a sizzle.

[Stephen Curry]

My hero.

[Richard Jefferson]

He called me out. Oh, man, that's classic.

[Stephen Curry]

Next thing I know, he showed up at practice, was teaching us pick and roll.

[J.J. Redick]

You can't beat him. Cheers.

[Stephen Curry]

One this way and one this.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Thank you.

[J.J. Redick]

Thank you for doing this. It's our first official golf podcast.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah. They heard Mind the game. They thought the game was basketball. Today was actually not. We say mind the team.

[J.J. Redick]

I was watching the. Bryson DeChambeau.

[Stephen Curry]

Oh, the break 50.

[J.J. Redick]

Break 50. I mean, I knew you were good. I was losing my mind. I only watched half. You matched him.

[Richard Jefferson]

I watched the whole thing.

[J.J. Redick]

Yeah.

[Stephen Curry]

I mean, that's being kind as you could. My first shot, I lost my mind, too. There's, like, a little small gallery behind.

[J.J. Redick]

Oh, there was.

[Stephen Curry]

That was following us. And so I knew the whole concept. I knew it was Bryson. It was a week before the Ryder Cup. I'm like, all right, this go time. And it's the best, I think, best golf I've played in my life.

[Richard Jefferson]

And it's so funny.

[Stephen Curry]

I was watching one of the holes.

[Richard Jefferson]

I don't know what hole it was, and you was like, I'm gonna give it a little grunt on this one. One of his drives, and he got him on the. And you can. And Bryson, obviously, this is what he does. Like this.

[J.J. Redick]

He's a. Oh, I could tell in.

[Richard Jefferson]

His voice, when they got up to the ball, he was like, I think that's your ball. He was like, oh, man. I out drove him. Like, it was crazy.

[Stephen Curry]

He didn't want to give it to me.

[Richard Jefferson]

I think one of the good parts, too, that I was watching, too. And you was. I think Bryson asked you a question like. Like, who was your inspirations? Like, you know, obviously, you know, in the game that we all.

[Stephen Curry]

Oh, yeah.

[Richard Jefferson]

You know, and you. You mentioned Steve and you mentioned Reggie, you know, and obviously, Reggie makes so much sense, and it's terrifying to competitors like myself and all the competition over the years, how did that. What made you kind of watch those guys from the beginning? And that's funny that I'm sitting across, talking about, but, like, so that's.

[Stephen Curry]

I mean, we all got history in the game, playing against each other. In the whole deal. But my rookie year, we played in a preseason game outside in. In Palm Springs, like Indian Wells, Tennessee. Indian Wells. It was my first time like actually seeing him, you know, on the court and to the point of incident.

[J.J. Redick]

Super intimidating.

[Stephen Curry]

I still do some of your. When you're in the starting line or the national anthem, the line, you do like the little leg stuff. I still do it. I still do it. I was watching everything you did from across the country court. But growing up, like I knew I was a pass first type of point guard.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah.

[Stephen Curry]

Like my dad had to actually tell.

[Richard Jefferson]

Me.

[Stephen Curry]

Call Dale Curry right now and he'd tell you that. He actually had to tell me to shoot. He was like, no, because I was.

[J.J. Redick]

Not in this house.

[Stephen Curry]

Not in this house. You ain't gonna be that. But I always like just loved the creativity. Being like, felt like we had similar statures where as a point guard, being able to, you know, handle being in the trees, getting the ball where you needed to. You saw angles that didn't even make sense. Your change of speed, you can control the tempo, got everybody involved. Like there was just something fun about that. That is the way that I, you know, wanted to play. Fast forward to Davidson. I was a two guard and had to kind of expand. That's what I mean. I always. There's a video of me as a 10 year old running around with a Reggie jersey just cause, you know, I just love his competitiveness and the way he moves off the ball. I didn't know like that would be a huge part of my game. Once I got to like, how am I gonna actually make it to the league type vibe. But that was your style was like. Exactly. I just tried all the behind the back passes, this thing one handed, left handed, like all that type of stuff. Just seeing the floor a little differently. It felt like he was kind of the model for that.

[Richard Jefferson]

And what about your pops too? Obviously, I mean, obviously the inspiration that you saw every day. But like as your pops being a pro itself, anything like you took from his game, like, I mean, quick release.

[Stephen Curry]

The quick release. Every video you see it has sitting in the corner. One, like one dribble. And then the quick release. He had the high Arkham release too. Yeah, I couldn't get that. So it was like almost comparison and contrast of.

[Richard Jefferson]

Right, right, right.

[Stephen Curry]

I want to be a great shooter. I want to have a quick release, but I also have to own my own form. I can't really.

[J.J. Redick]

It has to go in at the.

[Stephen Curry]

End of the day.

[J.J. Redick]

Yeah.

[Stephen Curry]

You know what I'M saying you got to feel comfortable with what you're doing.

[J.J. Redick]

But did you guys ever talk about it, like, quick release?

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah, we talked about that a lot. When I was in high school, changing my form, I used to do, like, the little slingshot situation. And to the point of seeing, when I watched myself on camera, it was like that thing looked like it takes forever to get up there. But to your point, it went in. But as I got to varsity, I was like, you know, it's probably not going. That thing's getting swatted to the eighth row.

[Richard Jefferson]

And you was able to dissect that?

[Stephen Curry]

My dad.

[Richard Jefferson]

Your dad. Okay, okay.

[Stephen Curry]

Your dad called it out. As I was making that transition, I wasn't with it at first. Like, I was, because I knew he was gonna have to break down all the fundamentals of everything that I felt comfortable with to then master, like, a new form.

[J.J. Redick]

It felt like too much.

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah, it was like, I don't want to do extra credit on home. On the home. I already know. I already know the formula. Like, well, I gotta recreate it. And obviously it worked.

[J.J. Redick]

But I feel like someone who loves shooting shot a million shots, always, you know, obsessed with it, watching you shoot. Like, I think I have a bit of a classic shot. I get it to, like, clay into the pocket and shoot. What I think you brought to the game, and I'd love for you to tell me I'm full of it, is you don't really stop. So, like, you talked about this shot as a kid to now it's the same shot, but up here, like, I don't really feel like you stop. And if you do, it's like the.

[Stephen Curry]

Split second only probably on. Like just standard catch and shoot. Where to? I always tell people, like, I would teach Clay's form to anybody who said, hey, how do I shoot a basketball? I would like pull up clip of a Clay perfect. And it's just. That's freaking perfect. 10 out of 10 every. No notes, right. But to your point, it helped me off the dribble because it's kind of. I wouldn't call it unorthodox, but it is a one piece shot that no matter if you're really all the way on balance or just off or if you got it on the right hand, left hand off the dribble. Like, whatever it is, I kind of can get it here quick enough that through the zone and I still have all my power, you know, I don't lose anything through that. So that's helped me, especially at six' three, like, in the league, no matter who's in front of you, you really feel like I have a chance. As long as I get them to drop their hands a little bit, I can get it up there quick, and I don't want to have any wasted motion.

[J.J. Redick]

Was that by design or was that just happened?

[Stephen Curry]

That's just how I shot it. There wasn't much thought to that part other than when I was in high school doing that transformation, I guess you.

[J.J. Redick]

Call it, because I also feel like that is a part of your range, is that you, like, instead of stopping and having to use all your legs, you're using it all in one motion. So, like, he just kept backing up. Where's this going?

[Richard Jefferson]

And it's like a flick. Like, I got an opportunity to see it just last summer, first time I was joining forces. I got to see it after practice every day. Just like a. A flick. It didn't matter. You know, certain guys in our league or certain, you know, basketball players all over the world, they have to get in a certain pocket in order for them to even get to here. Or how. It's like when he touched the ball, by the time he does what he needs to hear, it doesn't matter where it's coming from. It come from here, Come from here. Quick, quick, quick. Like, and that's a great question. Like, did that. Did that. Did you learn that? Or it just kind of happened and it's like, no, it's just.

[Stephen Curry]

It's kind of natural. It's kind of just natural. Like, there's always reset. Like summertime when you're working on mechanics, like my guy, Brandon Payne. We'll talk about it. And if I miss two or three in a row and you start looking, I'll know it's because I don't have the ball. Like, if we talking middle of the frame, I don't have it more middle to right. Like, I'm more kind of doing that. And it's just a. You get a little lazy, right? But I still have to call that out. But then once you get into the game and the flow, there's not much thought to it.

[J.J. Redick]

But it's interesting because, like, necessity is the mother of invention. You kind of invented something like you've gone on to be the greatest shooter of all time by like a long margin, like, range, accuracy, dexterity, off the move, left, right, leaning in, leaning back like you do it all. But like, you. I don't know if you could do that if you had picture perfect form. I'm not saying you don't but you invented a way of going through the zone. Like you said, off the dribble, like, it's up.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah.

[J.J. Redick]

And that gave you more range and that gave you more dexterity. Like, by the way, it's not really recreatable. I'm not telling kids, hey, it's so good.

[Stephen Curry]

So, Bruce Frazier, we use you as an example a lot. When I'm doing a breakdown drill, like, I'll do like, pre game stuff or after practice stuff, where to the point of being able to get to my base. Like, he'll bring you up as a demonstration of, like, you use. You had such a solid foundation where, you know, get your hips down, get your hips down, get low. Like, you're feeling every part of your foot, your feet, and you're using all of that force to kind of get.

[J.J. Redick]

Through pushing in the ground.

[Stephen Curry]

And that's a. That's a foundation. You have to have to then build off of that, you know, creativity and that looseness up top. So that's like, that's part of the. The natural progression of foundation to confidence, to then, okay, now I can experiment a little bit. So maybe it's not necessarily a thought. It's like you hammer that down so much that now I have the ability to say, okay, what's going to help me in the game? Or if I need to stay out of the trees, I can get my range back. I got. That's in there because I have this. And if I always. I still have to go back to that. Well, though, like, we do our stuff with the free throw line, where you're doing, like, the spins and you got to be in balance.

[J.J. Redick]

That's your world.

[Stephen Curry]

Like, that's what I learned.

[Richard Jefferson]

But I also think one of the most impressive things. I know we're here to talk about a lot of things, but the most impressive thing is that you came in, you know, six, two, whatever, and obviously super skinny. Super skinny. You know what I'm saying? Like, I remember, like, super skinny, fresh out of Davidson, super skinny. And obviously, you know, our league, you know, you know, throughout the course of a season, flights and everything, you know, can be taxing on your body.

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah.

[Richard Jefferson]

I think one of the most impressive things that a lot of people don't talk about when it comes to you is that the weight and the strength that you've put on and still being able to shoot the ball in that capacity. There's a lot of guys that we've seen come in at a certain weight or a certain, you know, body frame, and they're Told to put on weight, or they're told to put on strengths and it can affect their shot, you know, and it's actually. There's no way it could have made it better. But, shit, it seems like nothing ever changed. How was that? Like, did that worry you in the beginning? Like, oh, shit. Y' all telling me I gotta get stronger.

[Stephen Curry]

I love these stories. So, like, my rookie year in training camp, so I came in as, you know, a shooter in the draft, but Don Nelson was my coach. And going through training camp, sorry, summer league started. I think I probably shot, like, low 30s for three in training or in summer league. And then you're coming into training camp, you know, a couple months later, like, still working, getting through, trying to get comfortable with where shots are coming from. And Don Nelson, he went in the weight room. Cause to your point, I came in £180. Maybe they were trying to get me in the weight room, doing all these lifts and stuff. I'm shooting like trash in training camp. Like, the first week, he walked in there and cussed out. Everybody in the room was like, y' all killing the shot. He's lifting too much weights. And to me, I didn't know that as a concept. Cause, like, I always just wanted to get stronger. Like, most of it was just vanity. Like, hey, look better in New Jersey.

[Richard Jefferson]

All these mirrors are all here. Y' all telling me I gotta look like this.

[Stephen Curry]

I got something pop.

[J.J. Redick]

Give me something.

[Stephen Curry]

I didn't think about it in terms of shot. I know that there are. There's a range of, like, body composition that matters to making sure everything moves right. So if you're, you know, if you're doing a big transformation, it can change how your body moves. I never thought I could get to that point. But then when he called it out, I was like, wait, are they really messing up my shots? But that balance of being able to appropriately, like, get your body to move efficiently, like, a lot of, to me, is core strength. Like, if we're talking specifics, everything is about the foundation. Like, how does your body move through that range where you have, you know, complete control of, you know, your movement patterns. Not necessarily, like, brute strength, but efficiency, stability.

[J.J. Redick]

After 18 seasons of NBA travel, spanning from Vancouver to Phoenix to Los Angeles, I know the importance of a arriving ready to perform. That's why I'm excited about Emirates Premium Economy, which brings a whole new level of comfort to international travel. You know, those cramped airplane seats, the wider leather seats in Premium Economy are the total opposite. They come with leg rests that support Your entire leg, not just your feet. For someone who's dealt with back issues, the extra recline and ergonomic design make a real difference on those long haul flights. As a 63 guy, I may not be the tallest in the locker room, but on a flight, sometimes that little extra space makes all the difference in getting out in one piece. When I first started traveling in the NBA, I thought the travel was exceptional. But things have evolved and with Emirates, I'm not sure where they can go from here. The ergonomic seats, the space, the service, it all makes for an incredible travel experience. I can't get over how they handle meals up here. Real plates, actual metal silverware, and they're pouring sparkling wine like it's nothing. The entertainment screen is huge. And get this, being up front means you're not stuck waiting forever to get off the plane. Transform your next international journey with Emirates Premium economy. Trust me, it's the MVP of travel experiences. Book your elevated [e-mail] US I want to talk about or hear about, like your summer routine, your shooting routine has a legendary work ethic, but you came in the league with ankle problems. And physical therapists will tell you that the glutes, hips, strength has a lot of connection to ankle stability. It takes obviously a lot of the pressure off the ankles. When you went through all that stuff, first of all, like, I'd love to hear, looking back, were you ever worried, like, is this, is this it for me? Like, am I going to be put in this little box of can't move like I want to move? And then two, getting that hip strength. I've heard about your deadlift strength and stuff. Like, walk us through that a little bit.

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah. After my second year, I had my first surgery and tell my wife, like there was a moment in rehab, sitting in the basement of my house in Charlotte, you know, like a three and a half, almost four month rehab just on that to the point where I wasn't even rolling my ankle, like landing on somebody. I was doing the one where we catching a transition. I'm pushing off and that thing would flip. I look back like, what, drop something? Bambi legs, like literally I just couldn't stay on my feet. And to your point about learning your body, right? Like learning how it moves. Learning what?

[J.J. Redick]

You didn't have that problem in college?

[Stephen Curry]

No, I rolled my ankle one time in college, the traditional way where I was coming down the lane, going up for a layup and playing it on somebody's foot and rolled it. That was my junior year. But I Didn't really have anything coming in that was of concern. But to the point of the volume of games in the league. You mentioned the physicality of the league, travel, all that stuff. I got week or week I wasn't doing the things to keep up with the pace. And then it caught up to me where the whole chain was compromised. And I had to learn all of that on the fly post the second surgery. Because first we thought it was like, is it the shoes I'm wearing? Is it. I got those big Forrest Gump looking ankle braces that I still wear now. And you're just like, what is the problem? I feel strong, I feel doing everything right. I feel coordinated. But I can't necessarily get through a full season to learn your body, learning the, like breaking it down from the beginning of, to your point, core strength, glute strength, the entire chain that can show itself if you know and strength or weakness down, down in your ankles. And for me, like the most boring, monotonous work you've ever done in your life, right? Every day, the little muscles, the little muscles, proprioception type stuff, movement patterns. And there was definitely some dark days of one. You know, you get in this league. I remember when we came to your camp my junior year UNCP gave us this whole like freaking just speech on y', all, think y' all nice now. But when you get to the league, everything resets. Like you have to earn your way. And I'm thinking that just means like production on the court. I ain't know nothing about the off the court stuff, you know what I mean? So that was the learning curve of trying to figure out how you're gonna survive in this league. And if I couldn't even be available, how do I even know am I good enough? Can I get to that level? And there was a lot of fear and doubt in that moment, for sure. Cause you feel so far away from yourself.

[Richard Jefferson]

But especially if you. Especially if you know, like, I know I belong. I know my game translate, but my body is not even allowing me to get to that point, you know, so you can only imagine like frustration, frustration. Like, you know, like, I know, I know my work ethic, I know the work I've put in, but my body is not even allowing me to even get to that, to even show what I'm capable of doing too.

[J.J. Redick]

So definitely, especially in those early days when you're like trying to prove yourself. Yeah, yeah, I belong.

[Stephen Curry]

You have those little moments, you have a couple good games. Oh yeah, I belong here.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah.

[J.J. Redick]

Having said that that struggle kind of made you who you are.

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah, right.

[J.J. Redick]

Like, as far as the. The shooting, like, it went up with the strength in the hips came, the strength in the ankles came the dynamic movement. Like, I mean, your fitness levels, we'll get to the style of play, but if it wasn't for that process, it's almost like maybe you didn't shoot 42% from 27. You know what I mean? You know what I mean?

[Stephen Curry]

I think there's an understanding of not taking anything for granted, even to this. To. At this stage in terms of longevity that I learned then that is carried, you know, to this day, of how I approach, you know, the off season, how you approach the recovery days, how you approach even just priming yourself for a practice. Like, I can't just walk on the court. Like, there's steps you got to take, you know? Yeah, I think we gonna hype each other up a lot. And this is the thing. But walking into the locker room last year, or for the Olympic journey, I got me and played with each other. I'd heard about the work ethic and the sheer volume of time and how he takes care of his body, but when you see somebody on that level, couldn't beat him to the gym in the morning. But it was like, the idea we. There was just an energy of, like, we all know this. This is the stuff that makes you who you are on the court, that's gonna prepare you for the moments when the lights are bright. I don't even think we talked about it. It was just an unspoken, like, this. This is what it. This is what you do. And I learned that, you know, early in the process to know, like, don't take that for granted so that you can be your best self. And it's like, there's no accident when it comes to being who you are. So no matter how you learn it, how you get there.

[J.J. Redick]

Tell me about, like, as someone that was obsessed with shooting, too, you know, needed to be able to shoot at our size or else your ceiling, I mean, you know, made me real quick to be able to shoot the ball.

[Stephen Curry]

Right.

[J.J. Redick]

What was your approach and your routine? And, like, how did it develop and how did it change? Like, you know, as a kid, you just go out and shoot because you love to shoot. And then you're like, oh, dad says I should practice. And you hear people, you start practicing purposefully. Then you know what I mean? Then you get to college. How did it go through to, like, now you have this. You're chasing greatness. Like, you. I'VE seen you in person, we've worked together. I watch you from afar. Like everything is intentional. Like, tell me about like how you approach shooting.

[Stephen Curry]

I always talk to kids now. Like, nobody should have to tell you you should go to the gym, right? Like as a kid I was that type of kid. I was blessed to have the opportunity to find a gym wherever. And my dad played in the league. So it's not like, you know, the access wasn't there, but it wasn't. He couldn't be the one telling me, you know, it's 8 o', clock, like 7 o', clock, what we're doing today, like if I'm not the one pushing that, like start there. And it always became just a joy of the game and finding ways to get a little bit better. It sounds real cheesy when you think about it, but the idea of every day I was just exploring, trying stuff, never really satisfied with the level that I was shooting. Even if I had the greatest workout, I'm probably thinking about the couple of misses that I had and how can I get better the next session. And from there you just expose yourself to different thought processes, different, you know, approaches to training. Like I have my trainers now, who I've been with for the last 15 years. But like I was always curious, you know, coming through of being uncomfortable.

[J.J. Redick]

Hear that?

[Stephen Curry]

Kids curious, want to learn, being uncomfortable getting in gyms that, you know, kids that are better than me, you know, the workouts where, you know, like if you're not getting anything out of it, there's that internal voice. It's like, I probably coasted today, like, oh no, I did something, I got something out of this today. And then you start to just do that more and more and more and the reps kind of start to build up. More specifically though, when I got to the league, I thought I was preparing myself for the NBA journey and the pre draft workouts and stuff, but I was still at Davidson, still doing like college type workouts and caught up this guy Edon Ravine, who I met through my agent and he's like, yo, come out to Baltimore or sorry, to Maryland for a couple weeks and let's just work out. And I have this kind of approach to how to get you ready for these workouts and then for summer league and all that. Walk just a leap of faith just in terms of am I really going to get somebody? But I was curious and like I said, I was going to put myself arena where I could learn what to do or what not to do or what worked or what not worked. And the hardest two weeks of my life where you really had to determine, like, how, again, how bad do you want it? He put me through hell, but to the point of, like, really earning it. That's where that kind of set me off on the journey. Worked out with CP over that. That summer leading into my rookie year, really learned what it meant to be a professional. Like, I was just around people that knew what they were talking about, and thankfully, you know, kind of pushed me in the right direction.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah. And obviously you didn't know. When we talk about shooting a lot, obviously you didn't know what you were doing.

[Stephen Curry]

No.

[Richard Jefferson]

But at what point did you realize how transcendent what you were doing on the floor to the masses? When did you. When did you figure out, holy shit, Steph, what you're doing on the floor is transcending a whole generation of players. Obviously you didn't know early on, you just shooting it. You just out there, you know, doing your thing. But when did it click to you? You started looking around was like, oh, wow, that kid is.

[Stephen Curry]

That's a great question.

[J.J. Redick]

Because, you know, you ruined. You ruined the game. Like, it's destroyed.

[Richard Jefferson]

Completely destroyed. Ten ball, one dribble. Steph.

[Stephen Curry]

When Mark Jackson got back on the telecast after he coached us and he said it on the telecast, and he was taken out of context of just like. Or too strongly in the sense that he was just being funny, not talking about watching his kids play in a game, he's like, he's ruining the game. I walk into high school gyms now and just coming across, just shooting it from. I'm trying to think of the first moment, though. It's like.

[Richard Jefferson]

Cause, you know, obviously you know it.

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah, you know it.

[Stephen Curry]

When Trae Young came in the league and I was like, the first person who they said was like, the next me. Even though he's a different player, we. I known him when he was in high school, like, that was like, the first time. You're like, one. I'm getting a little older with these kids that are watching you who are now emulating their game after the way that you play or like, there's now expectations on said person to be you or play like you. That might be the first time I thought about it or really experienced, like, what the impact was.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah.

[Stephen Curry]

But I got that you ruined the game question all the time after Mark said it. Now it's kind of tongue in cheek just because, you know, you understand there is an influence. And now it's about, how can you Allow kids to hear the story about the entire journey and not just the finish.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah, for sure. Absolutely.

[Stephen Curry]

That might have been the first time I actually thought about it, though, because he was a kid that came to one of our games, got to talk to him. Next thing you know, he's getting drafted and it's like, oh, he's in that. I'm like, no, he's. He's his own player.

[Richard Jefferson]

Like, but I mean, what Mark didn't realize that he ruined the league, too? Now everyone shoots threes now. Everyone. 60 threes a game, 53s a game.

[Stephen Curry]

Like, it's all me.

[Richard Jefferson]

It's all step. It's all step.

[J.J. Redick]

You were the first. I think you jumped. It was the. I think it was maybe Stevie Kerr's first year. You jumped 200 threes attempted from one season to the next. 200 threes attempted. And then the league followed, then Dame and Clay, and now it's like, it's not uncommon for like, three, four guys on your roster to shoot hundreds of threes this year.

[Stephen Curry]

Shot quality is still, very still out on where the league is. But Bob Mars, the first one who told me, yo, you should shoot 15 threes a game, I was like, wait, what? You know how hard it is to get. To get 12 good looks up? Like, yeah, but he was the one who's like, why not? The math says, you know, 15 threes for you is great. Like, oh, damn. You start thinking about it. But yeah, the game of strain is morphed. Crazy.

[J.J. Redick]

But what was it? Was it that conversation? Was it Stevie Kerr? Like, what was the impetus behind taking a 200?

[Stephen Curry]

The way that we created shots was a big part of it. The offense that he instilled where it was less, you know, traditional pick and roll, less pick on game movement, pinch post, post to pass, all that stuff you're creating. So the concept of, you know, 15, three is cool, but they're not all created equal in terms of game pressure. The rhythm and flow of how, like, is it one pass shot is. The ball's changed side three times and you're coming off and you moved, touched it, got back, relocated. That's a different shot percentage wise then the exact same shot from the exact same spot on the floor in a different context. So we started to understand that a little bit. And it just catered to my natural style of seeing the game, like, to the point of your influence, Reggie. The way that I could get it both ways on the ball and off the ball. So I didn't really. It didn't as crazy as 200 extra threes in a season sounded, it didn't felt natural.

[J.J. Redick]

Felt like a normal evolution, 100%. So let's talk about this offense, right? Because you come into. It's a pick and roll league and you're a primary ball handler in profile. You have the handle, you can shoot off the dribble. Yes, you played the two in college, but everyone's like, obviously he has a skill set. Did you feel uncomfortable at all in pick and roll or were you just like, I, you know, or was it Steve or was it both of you? How did it come to, like, hey, we're just not gonna run a million pick and rolls?

[Stephen Curry]

When the time came, it was just conversations. Like, I was comfortable with all the different options. Granted, as a ball handler like you, your natural tendency is wanting to, you know, be able to make the decisions. Like, be able to one, reading the floor, seeing where the defense is kind of dictating possessions. But when he came in and, you know, we all know Steve, the way he communicates and the way he kind of approached the job. We were almost a 50 win team when he came in. I was building a great defensive presence with the guys that we had. He's like, I just want to make a couple tweaks to the way that we're creating shots. And, you know, he has the other Popovich influence and he had always referenced Atlanta with Coach Bud when he was down there. And like, they were in like the second and third year of trying to, you know, implement this kind of style and, and leveraging everybody on the floor as a threat offensively. I just want to help make those subtle tweaks. So once we got into training camp, he showed a clip of, I can't remember the soccer club, but Barcelona Tiki Taka, right. And he was talking about that as a philosophy of how we're going to create shots, how we're going to create shots, how we're going to keep things simple, make the defense have to make a million decisions in a possession so that you can find the right shot.

[J.J. Redick]

And illuminating the Spurs 0.5 stuff when they're like, make a decision in 0.5.

[Stephen Curry]

And so once we got in training camp, it took a minute to be comfortable with not calling a play and just letting, yeah, letting the ball kind of dictate where you're supposed to be. I love off ball screens, which as a shooter and a scorer, coach McKillop at Davidson taught me, you know, you help somebody, you help yourself. And it was a concept of, if I can set A screen and you're guarding me. And your goal is to keep the ball out of my hands. You got to make a decision now.

[Richard Jefferson]

You want to call the switch.

[Stephen Curry]

You want to stay body tight. So sacrificing your body to be able to set screens was a big deal. And that helped kind of optimize Coach Kerr's kind of philosophy, because I was involved in pretty much everything, whether it's on ball or off ball. And then from there, you just work on the shots that you're gonna get, and that's the entire team. And so to the point, out of all of that, it wasn't like I was coming in and saying I have to hit this number of three point attempts to maximize what I was doing. It's just that's how it kind of naturally happened.

[J.J. Redick]

It's fascinating to me because, like, the league is so pick and roll heavy. For someone with your skill set. Your willingness to move so much, that's probably what prevents other teams from playing. That style more than anything is someone's willingness to move to set screens to be the sacrificial limb. There's a great stat. I watched a video the other day. Over a certain period of time in your career, your team's rim attempts when you're on the floor are 45% of your shots. That's not from you diming someone at the rim. That's from your movement. When you're off the floor, it's still pretty high, but it's down to 27%. That's pretty. It's. So your influence is 18 percentage points on rim attempts. And that's not from you. That's just people's respect for your gravity. The game plan of do we switch? Do we bump? Do we show? Like, you staying at home? Like, you talked about screening, they don't want to leave your body. The decisions. We got some clips to pull up here. Of the finals.

[Richard Jefferson]

Is most dangerous, doesn't have the ball. Oh, he is. As a competitor and as a dear friend. Now, having guys not truly understand what that means. When you're competing against a guy like that, it grinds you in the head. Because it's a natural reaction. It's a natural reaction. The most dangerous guy gives the ball up. The first thing you do is, I did a great job. He is most dangerous when he gives the ball up. And like you just said, that stat right there is a. Is really a byproduct of that 45% of rim attempts when he's on the floor. That means when he's giving the ball up and he's moving and moving and everybody is doing like this to Steph. Slip happens. Draymond, Leah, Iguodala. Lob. You know, guys, Gary Payton iii dunk. Like, because of that vibration, you know, it's funny to say the ball has energy.

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah.

[Richard Jefferson]

Also player movement has energy as well. And certain guys, like you go back like you said, Reggie, you know, having energy, himself having energy. Guys are just moving and flowing and it's just. It's a beautiful thing. It's not beautiful when you play.

[J.J. Redick]

It's impossible.

[Richard Jefferson]

It hurts.

[J.J. Redick]

It's impossible.

[Richard Jefferson]

But as a competitor and someone who kind of like, thinks the game as well, it's like, wow, you can appreciate that shit. That shit is like. It's.

[Stephen Curry]

You know those possessions where, like, even on the sidelines of coach, like, when you start clapping, no matter if the shot went in or not, because you knew that their possession was just absolutely. Those are my favorite, like, moments when you're watching film, it's like, that's just basketball at its best.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yep.

[Stephen Curry]

And be a part of, like, Oregon. Like, executing those type of possessions. Those are my favorite. That's when you don't matter who score. Everybody. Everybody Hype, everybody.

[J.J. Redick]

Operation successful. Patient dies.

[Stephen Curry]

Exactly.

[J.J. Redick]

They didn't go in, but that was perfect.

[Stephen Curry]

Everybody clapped.

[Richard Jefferson]

Successful, patient dies. That's hilarious. That's a classic quote right there.

[J.J. Redick]

The American Express Platinum card is now better than ever. With updated benefits to help you unlock unforgettable experiences. You can access the largest global airport lounge network and global hotel program with a suite of benefits as compared to other credit card programs. Plus, with the dining benefits at over 10,000 U.S. rESI restaurants and exclusive access to unique experiences worldwide, Platinum membership means you can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. There's nothing like landing a table at one of the hottest restaurants. And when you enroll with Amex Platinum, you get up to $100 back each quarter on eligible resi purchases at participating resi restaurants. It's actually changed how I dine out completely. Instead of playing it safe with my usual filet mignon, I'll go for something more adventurous, like Japanese tasting menus or Mediterranean food. Those credits make trying new things feel effortless. And honestly, some of my favorite dining experiences lately have come from just saying yes to whatever the chef recommends. When you're getting those credits back each quarter, you can really lean into the full experience, from appetizers straight through to dessert. With an array of premium travel, dining and entertainment benefits, all backed by American Express's award winning Service Platinum membership brings experiences to a whole new level. It's true what they say. There's nothing like platinum terms apply. Learn [e-mail] withplatinum and now over to our director Jason for a word from another one of our partners.

[Jason]

Thank you to our partner. DraftKings NBA fans, the season's heating up. We're just a couple weeks into the action and it already feels like we're in mid season form. The rookies are making noise, stars are setting the tone, and every night brings something exciting. And we've teamed up with DraftKings sportsbook where you can bet on the stars. Right now, all new customers who bet $5 get three months of NBA League Pass complimentary of DraftKings and get $300 if your bet wins, paid in bonus bets. When you sign up using Codemind, stay in on the action and use your $300 in bonus bets on DraftKings. Same game parlays for a shot at even bigger payouts. DraftKings Sportsbook delivers the unmatched intensity of hoops right to your fingertips. Love the thrill of live betting. DraftKings has got you covered. Bet live on star player props and in progress games right as they happen. Get in on the action now. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app and use code MIND to turn 5 bucks into $300 in bonus bets. If your bet wins plus 3 months of league pass, the crown is yours.

[J.J. Redick]

Let's take a look at some of these clips of you guys playing each other.

[Richard Jefferson]

I haven't seen these clips.

[Stephen Curry]

I bet in our psychosis we could probably go back to each of these moments.

[Richard Jefferson]

Boom.

[J.J. Redick]

So like just first of all, the. The post to pass. I think it's important for like the casual fan to understand why is a post to pass interesting? Because like you guys, you're not saying let's go to Festus here.

[Stephen Curry]

No.

[J.J. Redick]

You know, what happens is I'll start and let you guys talk about it.

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah.

[J.J. Redick]

When you throw the ball in the post now, you've disoriented the defense's vision. Right. Instead of everything being in front of them, you're supposed to see man and ball. You almost. It's impossible.

[Richard Jefferson]

Well, I mean, you say it's the same thing as what the Bulls was doing in the 90s when they would throw the ball into Luke Longley at times. And now the other actions start happening. Chicago scream, pinch post, MJ can come off of it. Scottie could come off. It's the same kind of concept. What they were doing, it was Just called the triangle, you know, so like you said, as soon as the ball go into the post, now it.

[J.J. Redick]

Action starts.

[Richard Jefferson]

Action begins. And it's. It's. It's like. It's controlled. Controlled chaos.

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah.

[Richard Jefferson]

But those guys know exactly what's going on. But we're just trying to get the chain to move on the defense, you know, and it's. When you have a. When you have threats, you know, on the floor at all times, it can disorient a defense, which it. You know, you would show. The first clip of me having to up.

[Stephen Curry]

Is that you guys.

[J.J. Redick]

Grandma. You got a few of them.

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah. How about I say this?

[Richard Jefferson]

I completely.

[Stephen Curry]

This is the happiest I've ever been watching this game, by the way. So we. The biggest smile.

[J.J. Redick]

But he's showing in the poster. Draymond goes inside a split screen.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah.

[J.J. Redick]

So Tristan Thompson's probably not supposed to be guarding.

[Stephen Curry]

See, also, this is another piece of it. I can't. So there's six seconds on the shot clock, and the reason he's guarding me is probably because something happened.

[Richard Jefferson]

Switch state ball screen under 8 seconds.

[J.J. Redick]

Offensive rebound. Something happened.

[Stephen Curry]

And that's part of the ball and body movement where you can again, make the defense have to make multiple decisions to where now. All right, Tristan's guarding me. He's not used to being in a guard spot, which keep playing.

[Richard Jefferson]

That's one of the conversations we had previously about fives guarding, picking rolls, you know, instead of going one on one all the time against the. The five.

[J.J. Redick]

Right.

[Richard Jefferson]

Throw it, chase it, and let's see what he do. Screen out of it. I smoke screen out of it. I don't even set the screen. They're not used to guard and pick and roll, so let's see what they do. So now having our five man who's can move his feet, obviously he was very, you know, very well equipped to move his feet, but can he get into pinch post action?

[J.J. Redick]

That's different, you know, and he does a good job. He gets into the body. You know, I think LeBron's trying to play center field here because Draymond and he's, you know, so what happens, though? Come off a hard cut, he sets a screen, and you're so fearful of daylight.

[Stephen Curry]

It's my favorite moment that Tristan has to decide, oh, I think I can get through this.

[J.J. Redick]

What else is tricky for people is that if Tristan runs into the screen or under the screen the way he should on a switch, there's too much daylight for you there. So he has to show you to.

[Stephen Curry]

LeBron if they're not on the same page. Because to the point, if that happened on this possession, Braun, read it. Where you're gonna try to jump that pass and take it away and make us make another decision. But one person on a different station.

[Richard Jefferson]

That's it.

[Stephen Curry]

It's a wrap.

[Richard Jefferson]

That's it. And this is the byproduct of the.

[J.J. Redick]

So there's. There's the rim attempt, right? And so that's all just out of gravity. Fear. Game plan. Busting movement, Playing post to pass. All right, let's see what we got here. So this is just random basketball right now, right? You come down, you know, people are finding spots. We're gonna move it. You get off the ball, which is.

[Stephen Curry]

Most people I've seen inside a three point line in seven years. It's been a while, right?

[J.J. Redick]

Just go back five, six more.

[Richard Jefferson]

Nine guys are inside the three point line. Dre is the only person outside the three point line right now. Wow.

[Stephen Curry]

It's unbelievable.

[J.J. Redick]

Okay, but you don't stop playing. So what are the principles here? I'm just gonna move. Someone knows they're supposed to pin in. Or you're gonna screen and someone's gonna clean it up.

[Stephen Curry]

Yeah. So, like, when you come. So that's the. When a guard goes underneath the head, underneath the basket, if you're guarding that person, obviously, like 10 is up. I'm coming out whichever side. If. If Sean is trying to stay attached, but I've been moving the whole possession. So unless he's kind of bear hugging, which happens at times, I'm at the advantage because now he's chasing. I'm trying to, you know, decide. And to the point where we've been doing a bunch of action work, now Ron's trying to decide at what point am I jumping out. I've already guarded two actions before, and it's just, you know, good timing. And Dre was an unbelievable asset in that sense, because it didn't matter. We have four ball handlers on the court right now that could make that play.

[Richard Jefferson]

Right?

[Stephen Curry]

Sean could have made it. Dre, Andre, or Draymond could have made. Andre could have made it. I could have made it if somebody else is in the action. So, like, that obviously helps. Dre's under control. He knows, like, something's about to happen.

[Richard Jefferson]

Something'S about to be. And that is, like, one of the things in our league, too. Like, sometimes that's what makes, you know, certain guys like Dre, Iguodala, you know, Rondo, you know, Draymond. It Makes some of their superpowers. Actually works for them as well. Because if you can see right now, we're not pressuring Dre. We're trying to read his eyes, see where he's throwing the ball, and then maybe stunt to the direction of the pass. But also what the flip side is that he can see everything because there's no pressure. Same thing with Rondo. Rondo. Imagine Rondo up there with Paul and Ray coming off floppy screens, KG and Perk setting the pin downs, and Rondo just up there, just like. Cause no one wants to pressure him. You know, they're afraid to pressure him because he's fast. But also they say, okay, well, you can't shoot as well. But his superpower is you not pressuring him. So he can just.

[J.J. Redick]

You're giving him time and vision.

[Richard Jefferson]

He can see it all, you know? So I don't know if we were in, like, if Steph's underneath and he comes out, we're switching.

[Stephen Curry]

Well, I would say there's something, because.

[Richard Jefferson]

You'Re like, he gets locked in sometimes.

[Stephen Curry]

That's part of.

[Richard Jefferson]

It's part of it, too.

[J.J. Redick]

The first part about this is it's random. So you're not always certain.

[Richard Jefferson]

Steph gave the ball up on the left wing and threw it to Dre, and now it ended up down here.

[J.J. Redick]

And did his possum thing.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah.

[Stephen Curry]

What's going on?

[J.J. Redick]

Popcorn at halftime? I don't know. I feel like maybe something sweet.

[Richard Jefferson]

Yeah.

[J.J. Redick]

And then boom. So when he starts to sprint here, head under the basket, playing possum, he sprints. Shump now is in emergency mode because he cannot be like, this is too much daylight.

[Stephen Curry]

There's never a time he's going to point, switch him out. So it's like. Or point, switch me out. That's exactly.

[J.J. Redick]

And so he's on his bike. Now, when you're sprinting that fast to close, it's hard now to read and react. Yeah. Yeah, it's hard to read and react. And so LeBron really should be on the high side here.

[Richard Jefferson]

Correct.

[J.J. Redick]

But he probably feels if I get on the high side and he fades and we switch, I'm in trouble.

[Richard Jefferson]

I'm in trouble.

[J.J. Redick]

So you're thinking, let me bias my body towards Steph and point.

[Stephen Curry]

You almost passed me off. Yeah.

[Richard Jefferson]

Like, you know, just certain players in our league, there's just certain guys, over the course of the history of the game, no matter what you do, they still have an advantage. And that's what make. That's what makes.

[J.J. Redick]

That's what makes them great.

[Richard Jefferson]

That's what makes Grace great.

[J.J. Redick]

That's what makes them great. That's a great point. You have something?

[Stephen Curry]

No, I wanted.

[J.J. Redick]

Exactly. I'm going to ask you about him in a second.

[Richard Jefferson]

No, no, no. It's about the guest. We got the guest on Steve.

[Stephen Curry]

No, no, no, no.

[J.J. Redick]

You guys battled it out in the four straight finals. This is important to history, the game stuff. Thanks for watching. Mind the Game. New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Remember to, like, subscribe or follow wherever you're watching.