Stephen Curry Remembers Iconic 30-Foot Shot Against Kobe Bryant

Kobe’s Relentless Defense

Curry recalled the game where Kobe, true to his Mamba Mentality, played full-court defense from the very first quarter. "It’s a preseason game, and he's picking me up full court—sliding in front of me, staying locked in," Curry said. "I was thinking, ‘What is happening right now? This is freaking Kobe Bryant.’”

Despite being an exhibition match, Kobe wasn’t taking it lightly. His size and strength overpowered Curry, who admitted to being exhausted from the intense pressure.

The Unbelievable Shot

Eventually, Curry found himself stumbling off balance as Kobe’s physical defense wore him down. With no better option, he decided to pull up from deep—about 30 feet from the basket.

"I just thought, ‘I’m shooting this and living with the result,’” Curry recalled. As fate would have it, the shot went in, nothing but net. Instead of celebrating, Curry kept his composure, acting as if it was just another play. "It was the ultimate ‘keep your cool’ moment. Inside, I was freaking out, but I had to play it off."

Kobe’s Subtle Acknowledgment

As Curry jogged back, Kobe gave him a small but telling gesture—a tap on the backside, a silent nod of respect. "I couldn't even acknowledge it. I just acted like I was playing defense. But as soon as I got to the locker room at halftime, I was like, ‘I need that clip!’” Curry laughed.

A Moment to Remember

This legendary encounter between two basketball icons showcases the essence of competition and mutual respect. Kobe’s tenacity and Curry’s clutch performance highlight why both players have left a lasting impact on the game. Fans will always cherish these moments, where greatness meets greatness on the court.