The worldwide craze that’s sweeping the nation (and Toronto), otherwise known as Stephen Curry warming up before a game, has drawn crowds 90 minutes before tipoff — a time traditionally reserved for pregame drinking at NBA arenas. Tonight was no exception, as fans weren’t about to miss their latest chance to watch Curry dribble basketballs with two hands before bouncing around the court and shooting every shot imaginable.
Lefty push shots, shots off one dribble from just about every spot around the 3-point line (including a set of 10 he fired ridiculously high, with arcs that peaked about 10 feet above the top of the shot clock), free throws, scoops, step-backs after contact from Warriors assistant Bruce Fraser, you know the drill (literally).
But the main event with Curry is always located as far from the basket as possible, and he didn’t disappoint tonight when he ventured out to the front of the halfcourt logo.
He later missed all five attempts from inside the tunnel, but the crowd didn’t mind. Curry signed several autographs on his way to the locker room, where he’ll prepare to make history against the Grizzlies in a game where the Warriors are 18-point favorites.
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I have to thank the Warriors for allowing me to cover and watch this game from the top corner of the lower bowl, near the Warriors bench. They apparently credentialed 350 media folks tonight — the usual total is 60. That means several folks will have to watch the game on TV in the media workroom.
Not every team treats people like me (dirty, stinky bloggers) as well as the Warriors do. I never had to worry about getting a good seat in media row when the Warriors were coached by Keith Smart, back when Acie Law was taking minutes away from Curry, for obvious reasons. Barely anyone was covering the team. But it’s cool that even after becoming the best, most popular team in the land, nothing has changed. I still don’t have to worry about getting a seat when they’re on the verge of breaking the Bulls’ record. Steve Kerr is wearing Scottie Pippen’s socks tonight as tribute, by the way.
