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.