Steph Curry was underperforming during the Olympic Games in Paris, scoring an average of just 7.2 points per game across four matches. Instead of succumbing to pressure, he mentally stepped away from the situation before an important semifinal against Serbia.

“I was visualizing myself on the podium,” Curry shared with FOX Sports.
(Translation: I was imagining myself receiving a medal on the winner’s podium.)

Curry tapped into a profound sense of calm and joy. Subsequently, he delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring 36 points and helping Team USA overcome a 17-point deficit to secure a 95-91 victory.

After the match, Kevin Durant praised Curry’s display, calling it “God-like.”

Throughout his 16-year career in the NBA, Curry has consistently delivered dazzling moments. In a recent play-in game, he displayed his prowess by tying the game at 94-94 in the fourth quarter and scoring 15 out of his total 37 points, propelling the Golden State Warriors to victory.

Curry’s ability to enter a flow state – a mental zone where he performs at his peak – sets him apart. His coach, Steve Kerr, regards this mental prowess as a superpower that Curry can activate even in challenging situations.

Kerr remarked, “He knows he’s always on the verge. With that comes the ability to forget about mistakes and trust in his unmatched hand-eye coordination. He maintains confidence in his effort, knowing he’s just one shot away from that remarkable feeling.”

This mental clarity enables Curry to make seemingly impossible shots in high-pressure situations, making it appear as if he is throwing a basketball into an expansive ocean rather than an ordinary hoop.

“During those moments, it seems like every shot is destined to go in,” said Steve Kerr.
(Translation: In those instances, he looks like he is aiming for an infinitely large target, making even the toughest shots appear effortless.)

As he prepares for the playoffs, Curry reflected on the essence of the flow state, stating, “When the game clicks, all you need to do is focus on getting a good look at the basket; everything else fades away.”

(Translation: When everything aligns, the only thing that matters is finding an opening to take a shot, the rest is secondary.)

By prioritizing family connections and personal interests outside basketball, Curry maintains a balanced mental state, enhancing his performance during games. Recently, he’s prompted discussions about his legacy in the context of being one of the greatest players of all time, alongside legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

“I appreciate being recognized for my game,” Curry remarked.
(Translation: I value the acknowledgment of my skills on the court.)

Indeed, his recent Olympic achievements and the visualization techniques he employed resonate beyond individual scoring, focusing instead on team success and cohesion. He envisioned winning with teammates rather than just individual accolades.

Curry’s journey illustrates that achieving mastery is not confined to physical skills; it also involves a mental journey. Recommended practices such as acceptance, trust, and being present can unlock extraordinary potential in athletes and beyond.