Mike Greenberg made a bold proclamation on ESPN's 'Get Up,' declaring Stephen Curry's dagger in the 2024 Olympic Gold Medal Game as the most memorable shot in basketball history. Greenberg's statement wasn’t just about the sheer difficulty of the shot, but also about the context and stakes surrounding it, making it a defining moment in the sport.
"It's not just this fourth one, which is a miracle. He's literally the only person on planet Earth for whom that's a good look. But it is also the stakes. The team of net team USA winning the gold medal is what is expected."
"So it will not be remembered the way some of those others were. But think about the other side. Think about if we don't win that game."
"Think about the reaction if Team USA loses that day and we were in significant jeopardy of doing just that and so for that reason and because of the spectacular nature of that flurry capped off by that fourth one which again is an absolutely terrible shot for every other person in the world."
"I put that one at number one. I put that as the number one most memorable moment. It is one you will never forget having watched."
Curry’s remarkable shot came in the final minutes of the game against France, where he was already on a scoring spree. With 19 points in the fourth quarter alone, Curry's final three-pointer over multiple defenders was nothing short of miraculous. The shot was a high-arcing jumper that seemed impossible for anyone else to even attempt, let alone make. But for Curry, it was a dagger that not only sealed the victory but also secured the gold medal for Team USA in Paris.
The significance of this shot extends beyond just its technical brilliance. The expectations for Team USA to win gold were sky-high, and a loss would have been catastrophic. Curry's shot, therefore, wasn’t just a game-winner; it was a nation-saving moment that prevented a potential disaster for American basketball on the world stage.
Greenberg’s assertion that this is the most memorable shot in basketball history is rooted in the idea that it encapsulates everything a legendary moment should—unbelievable skill, immense stakes, and a story that will be retold for generations.
While basketball has seen its share of iconic shots, from Michael Jordan's 1998 Finals game-winner to Kyrie Irving's clutch three in the 2016 Finals, Curry's Olympic dagger stands apart because of the combination of its difficulty and the global significance of the moment.
As Curry celebrated with his signature “night, night” gesture, joined by teammates like LeBron James and Kevin Durant , it became clear that this shot wasn’t just another highlight—it was a moment that would be etched in the annals of basketball history forever.
Stephen Curry Showed The Warriors They Can Still Compete
At 36 years old, Stephen Curry reminded the Golden State Warriors —and the rest of the NBA—that his greatness is far from fading. Despite the team’s recent struggles, including missing the playoffs within two seasons after their 2022 championship, Curry’s performance has shown that the Warriors can still compete at the highest level.
In the years following their 2022 title, the Warriors faced difficult decisions. The front office let go of key members from their championship squad, driven by the massive luxury tax bills and the team's failure to replicate that success. As a result, Golden State found themselves on the outside looking in during the postseason, raising questions about the franchise's future.
Yet, Curry’s continued excellence has provided a beacon of hope. His ability to dominate games, even as he approaches his late 30s, proves that the Warriors still have a foundation to build upon. Curry’s leadership on and off the court, combined with his still-lethal shooting and playmaking, suggests that the Warriors don’t need a complete overhaul—they just need the right pieces around him.
The Warriors’ front office now faces a critical decision: How do they maximize the remaining years of Curry’s prime? They could choose to go all-in by acquiring veteran talent that complements Curry's game, focusing on players who can handle the defensive load and provide scoring support. Alternatively, they could look to develop younger players while keeping a competitive roster, hoping that a mix of youth and experience will keep them in contention.
What’s clear is that Curry’s presence alone keeps the Warriors in the conversation. His recent performances serve as a reminder that, with the right adjustments, Golden State can once again be a serious threat in the Western Conference. The key will be making the right moves to capitalize on the time they have left with one of the game’s all-time greats still playing at an elite level.
Related: Warriors Acquire Trail Blazers Wing And Big Man In Proposed Trade Scenario
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