Stephen Curry recently made an appearance on Hot Ones, where he discussed a variety of different topics. One that he spoke about in detail was Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba is undoubtedly one of the most iconic players in NBA history, and his influence on the game is transcendental. Curry, in particular, has many fond memories of the five-time NBA Champion, and one of them involved the time Kobe put the full-court press on him. The video of which was recently dug up by a Twitter user.
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Curry’s appearance on the First We Feast show was for the purpose of promoting his new film. Underrated is a documentary that tells the story of the rise of the Baby-Faced Assassin. However, while that was the main reason he took on the hot wings challenge, Curry also gave fans some bonus stories about one of the game’s all-time greats.
Footage of Kobe Bryant hounding Stephen Curry on defense resurfaces on Twitter
Back in 2014, the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors in a pre-season game. It was an incredible battle between two California teams, that saw Stephen Curry face off against Kobe Bryant. It was an intense matchup from start to finish, highlighted by Steph’s amazing shooting ability. And, of course, Kobe’s competitive spirit.
Nine years on, the game is still very memorable. In fact, The Ringer‘s Kevin O’Connor recently dug up an interesting clip from the game. A clip that showcased Curry’s limitless range, and Bryant’s relentless defense from full-court. The play in question saw Steph drive up the court, only for the Black Mamba to hound him from the halfway line. Nevertheless, Curry managed to pull up from 30 feet and sink the three-pointer.
A breathtaking maneuver, one that earned him a friendly slap on the behind from the five-time NBA Champion. However, on the very next possession for the Dubs, Curry attempted to drive up the court again. But this time Kobe’s lockdown defense proved to be too much for him, as Curry had to settle for a foul call instead of getting his shot off.
“After Steph’s pull up jumper, Kobe picked him up full court again the next play and Steph drove by him to draw a foul. Here’s the full sequence”
Curry recalled the play on his appearance on Hot Ones, “[Kobe is] doing that Mamba Mentality thing where he is picking me up from full court in a pre-season game in the first quarter…I’m actually gassed at this point, tired…so I shot it from like 30 feet and made it. And then I act like nothing happened…And he gave me a little a** tap on the way back…I went right back in at half-time and was like, ‘I need that clip.'”
Just a typical battle between two of the best to ever do it. And, while Kobe did eventually come out on top in this meeting, it’s safe to say his respect for Curry only grew.
Kobe knew that Steph was destined to be a great player
In 2016, Kobe Bryant retired from the NBA. It was the end of an era, one that saw many looking for the next big superstar. A player who could take up the Black Mamba’s title as one of the faces of the NBA alongside LeBron James. But while everyone was doing their research, rapper Killer Mike went to the retired legend himself.
And upon asking Kobe for his opinion, the five-time NBA Champion voiced his belief, that if healthy, Stephen Curry would be the one to watch out for.
“It’s this kid[Curry], if he can stay healthy, because he’s skinny… I’m watching him. But I think he’s who you should follow. He’s this kid named Steph Curry.”
Kobe was a basketball savant, and his assessment of Steph was spot on. After all, as of 2023, much like the Black Mamba, Curry is one of the most feared and talented players in the NBA.
