Steph Curry recently made headlines not just for his incredible shooting skills but for a rare and memorable moment on the basketball court. On March 2, 2025, during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Curry dunked the ball for the first time in six years. This exciting play brought back memories of his earlier career when such feats were more common. The dunk, which was an impressive two-foot hammer, was assisted by Buddy Hield and capped off a significant personal milestone for Curry. Interestingly, his last dunk before this one was back in 2019, during his time at Oracle Arena, and it was Kevin Durant who had provided the assist. Curry’s recent dunk not only thrilled fans but also marked what he claimed would be the final dunk of his career, citing his knees and the physical toll of jumping as reasons to stick to layups moving forward.
The story behind this dunk began earlier in the day during the team’s morning shootaround in Philadelphia. Assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse, who seemed to be in high spirits, playfully challenged Curry to dunk during a shooting drill. Curry admitted that Stackhouse’s comment stuck with him throughout the day, and when the perfect opportunity arose in the fourth quarter, he seized it. With Hield’s theft leading to a fast break, Curry saw his chance to showcase his hops one last time. Despite battling knee issues throughout the season, Curry said he’s been feeling relatively good lately, and this moment was a testament to his hard work in maintaining his health. He also jokingly pointed out Stackhouse after the dunk, acknowledging the coach’s role in inspiring the play.
This dunk wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment; it also served as a positive indicator for the Golden State Warriors. At 36 years old (he turns 37 soon), Curry has been dealing with knee tendinitis, which has required constant maintenance to stay on the court. However, his recent performance suggests he’s managing his health well. His aggression and willingness to dunk, despite the physical strain, are good signs for a team relying on his leadership as they push toward the playoffs. Curry himself acknowledged the importance of staying available and stable, emphasizing that he’s prioritizing his health while still trying to contribute at a high level.
The Warriors’ recent performance has also been buoyed by the arrival of Jimmy Butler, who has brought both an emotional and physical boost to the team. Butler’s presence has allowed Curry to conserve energy, as Butler often draws defensive attention or shoulders the scoring load during non-Curry units. Curry even mentioned that with Butler on the team, he’s been able to sit out a couple of fourth quarters—a rare luxury given his usual workload. However, Butler’s absence due to back spasms in the game against the 76ers left a noticeable void. Without him, the Warriors struggled, particularly in the minutes Curry wasn’t on the court. The team’s performance was a stark reminder of how much they rely on their stars and how thin their margin for error is.
In the 126-119 loss to the 76ers, Curry was his usual spectacular self, finishing with 29 points and 13 assists. Yet, even his brilliance wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s struggles when he wasn’t on the floor. Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the dilemma of balancing Curry’s minutes, especially given the team’s grueling schedule of three games in four nights. Kerr limited Curry to just 36 minutes, opting to rest him for a significant stretch in the first half—a decision that backfired as the Warriors’ offense stalled without their star. By the second half, Kerr adjusted his strategy, bringing Curry back early in the fourth quarter, but the damage was already done. The Warriors’ inability to secure the win left them a half-game behind the Los Angeles Clippers for the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
Looking ahead, the Warriors face a tough road back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks on Monday and Tuesday. Butler, who is listed as day-to-day with his back injury, will be a crucial factor in these upcoming games. While Curry’s dunk was a celebration-worthy moment, it also highlighted the challenges the Warriors face in their quest for a playoff spot. With Curry’s age and health concerns, coupled with the team’s reliance on him, every game feels like a high-stakes battle. Still, moments like Curry’s dunk remind fans of what makes basketball so special—the blend of artistry, athleticism, and determination that defines the game. And even though Curry says he’s done dunking, his ability to inspire and perform on the biggest stage ensures he’ll continue to captivate audiences for as long as he plays.
