Steph’s mom drains underhand half-court shot
Sonya Curry, mother of Warriors All-Star guard Stephen Curry, nails an underhand half-court shot to the delight of the crowd in Charlotte, North Carolina. (0:14)
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 fianceé, 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 an 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.
Follow along with the Friday night festivities from Charlotte, including the celebrity game and the Rising Stars Challenge.
Warriors star Stephen Curry, who spent most of his childhood in Charlotte, is looking forward to serving as an ambassador for the city during this weekend’s All-Star festivities.
“Obviously for it being All-Star Weekend and how much Charlotte’s meant to our family, we have an opportunity to kind of give back and really celebrate what this community has meant to us, and how we can kind of leave an imprint beyond this weekend,” Stephen said prior to the event. “I’m excited to kind of unveil what this whole center has to offer and kind of shine the light on this city the best way we can.”
Stephen said his family is still trying to sort out ticket requests for the weekend, with the number creeping toward triple digits as more family members continue to make their way here. 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.”