CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is used to pulling off trick shots that make fans go crazy and videos go viral — but Friday it was his mother, Sonya, who delivered the kind of moment her son has perfected.
As part of a Curry Family Foundation event at the Carole Hoefener Center to kick off All-Star Weekend in the family’s hometown of Charlotte, the Curry family was divided into four teams for a shooting contest.
Stephen and his wife, Ayesha, made up the first team. Portland Trail Blazers guard Seth Curry, and his fiancée, Callie Rivers, daughter of LA Clippers coach Doc Rivers, made up the second team. Warriors reserve guard Damion Lee, and his wife — Stephen and Seth Curry’s sister, Sydel — made up the third team. Dad and former Charlotte Hornets sharpshooter Dell Curry made up the final team with his wife, Sonya.
Each team was joined by another player as part of an All-Star Saturday-type event in which the group had to make a layup, a free throw, a 3-pointer and a half-court shot.
With time running out on the final group, Sonya drained a game-winning, underhand half-court shot that set off a huge celebration from the Curry family. Cheers erupted throughout the floor and in the stands of the tiny gym that Stephen and his family helped refurbish, a facility where he practiced at times during his childhood.
“I was trash talking with the kids and I said, ‘Me and your pops, we are going to take this thing from you.’ And they were like, ‘Whatever, whatever,”’ Sonya said.
Dell and Sonya Curry said they practiced the shot last week.
“She told me she was going to make it — she called it. I was shocked, surprised, amazed,” Dell said.
So was Stephen, who called the shot “absolutely unbelievable.”
Seth couldn’t hold back laughter knowing he’d just been beaten by his mom, a former volleyball player, and knowing he’s probably not going to hear the end of it.
“That was a lucky shot,” the younger of the Curry brothers said afterward. “But she knocked it down on the big stage.”
Both Stephen and Seth will participate in the 3-point contest Saturday night. Stephen is a starter for Team Giannis in the All-Star Game on Sunday.
Stephen hinted that Dell, still a fan favorite in the city, will make some kind of appearance during the festivities Saturday night.
“I doubt he’ll be in the 3-point contest,” Stephen said. “But there may be something happening [Saturday]. I’m not sure if the plans have been finalized. But Saturday night, there’s obviously surprises all over the place no matter what year it is. Just this year with me and Seth being in there it takes it up another notch.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.