It’s not every day you get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the motivation of a generational talent like Steph Curry.

Yet thanks to his brother-in-law and former teammate Damion Lee, recently speaking on Cameron Brink and Sydel Curry-Lee’s podcast Straight 2 Cam, fans learned that Curry keeps himself locked in with a highly unusual halftime ritual: searching his own name and watching highlight reels—not just for entertainment, but for fuel. 

According to Lee, Curry would scroll through his name on Twitter during halftime, absorbing comments both good and bad, sometimes even responding with on-court flourishes like the “airplane arms” after a fan tweet requested it.

After a couple of minutes soaking up the atmosphere online, Curry would put away his phone and return to the court, channeling any praise or criticism into a more inspired performance. 

Turning Criticism Into Motivation

What sets Curry apart isn’t just his shooting but his ability to use all available energy—positive or negative—to elevate his play. If social media chatter or a harsh tweet crosses his radar, it doesn’t rattle him. Instead, it seems to ignite another gear.

This ability to convert doubt into dominance isn’t new for Curry. He’s admitted in interviews that he often revisits career-defining games, like his 62-point night against Portland, whenever he needs to “find a bit of inspiration.”

His highlight binge, whether on YouTube or Twitter, isn’t about vanity but about reconnecting with his competitive edge and reminding himself of the heights he’s already scaled. 

A Legend Grows

Curry’s approach to motivation is all the more captivating considering its deeply personal and family-oriented context. Cameron Brink, the WNBA’s No. 2 draft pick and Curry’s god-sister, regularly dishes these inside stories, offering fans rare access to the private quirks that fuel public greatness.

Brink and Curry’s bond, along with Lee’s insider perspective, add another dimension to the Curry legend: a superstar who approaches the game with joy, a showman playing for the love of the moment but always searching for the next spark. 

While some athletes shut out the noise, Curry leans in, using everything—from soaring highlights to internet skepticism—to propel himself and his team. In an NBA landscape of unrelenting scrutiny, his method stands as a testament to the mindset of a true champion: always hungry, always looking for fuel, always ready for the next big moment.