In a recent conversation, we explored the surging popularity of Stephen Curry’s signature “Night-Night” celebration, which has captivated fans especially after his impressive performance at the Paris Olympics. There, Curry played a crucial role in helping the U.S. men’s basketball team clinch the gold medal. Following the game, he celebrated with the same gesture, further cementing its iconic status. In fact, Curry has even sought trademark protection for the celebration in both the EU and the U.S.
Since the Golden State Warriors’ championship run in 2022, the “Night-Night” celebration, where Curry places his palms together at the side of his tilted head, has created a buzz among fans and energized arenas across the country.
In the Olympic final against France, Curry truly shined in the last two minutes of the game, delivering four pivotal three-pointers that dashed the host nation’s comeback hopes. This celebration not only resonated with fans but also sparked inspiration among other stars, including LeBron James, who began to mimic the move. During the Olympics, Curry led his team in scoring, averaging 14.8 points per game, along with 3.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He has now joined an elite group of just five players in NBA history to have won at least four NBA championships, two MVP awards, and an Olympic gold medal, standing alongside legends like LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Bill Russell.
Curry’s celebration has transcended basketball and permeated popular culture, influencing icons worldwide. Just a couple of weeks ago, soccer legend Lionel Messi mirrored the celebration after scoring twice for Inter Miami. Meanwhile, golfer Kim Si Woo adopted the gesture after sinking a tricky putt during the Presidents Cup. Even Warriors coach Steve Kerr got in on the action during a speech at the Democratic National Convention, stating, “Come November, we can tell Trump ‘Night-Night.’”
Recently, collectibles company Fanatics launched a jersey featuring Curry alongside the French word for “night,” “NUIT. NUIT.” Following this, Curry officially registered the “Night-Night” trademark. At the Warriors media day, he remarked on how finishing plays with this gesture amplifies the energy in the arena.
Brandon Podziemski, a second-year player with the Warriors, has had a front-row seat to Curry’s talents both in practice and in games. Reflecting on the Olympic gold medal game, he said, “I really thought this is Curry at his best; he was in the zone, and I didn’t know what would happen next. You just give him the ball and let him do his thing. I see that happen all the time in practice; he just lets his body take over.”
To celebrate Curry’s first Olympic gold medal, the Warriors plan to distribute bobblehead dolls of him to the first 10,000 fans at their preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on November 11th, with 1,500 of those featuring a unique gold spray paint variant randomly mixed in.
