In a move that sent shockwaves through the basketball world, Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry stepped onto the court wearing Nike sneakers for the first time in over a decade during a game against the Utah Jazz. This marked a dramatic end to his 12-year winning streak of not wearing the brand, a period that began back in 2013.
A Historic Footwear Change
The specific model Curry chose added a layer of significance to the occasion. He laced up the Nike Sabrina 3s, the signature shoe of WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu. In a delightful coincidence, Ionescu herself was present at the Chase Centre to witness the tribute. Curry's switch was particularly notable as it came shortly after he abruptly severed his long-standing relationship with Under Armour, a partnership that had defined his on-court look for years.
The Heartwarming Reason Behind the Choice
During the post-game interview, Curry was questioned about his decision to wear Ionescu's sneakers, especially with her in the audience. He revealed a heartfelt backstory, explaining their long-standing connection. "Yeah, we have a long history knowing she's from the Bay," Curry said. "And just obviously following her career, and there was a time when she was coming out of school that I was trying to get her to buy Curry Brand…"
He humorously added, "It's hard to get an Oregon duck to leave Nike. But it was cool. It was kind of a coincidence that I didn't know she was going to be here until yesterday, and I just had a pair of shoes, and it was a great moment."
New Shoes, New NBA Record
It appears the Nike Sabrina 3s brought Curry a fresh dose of luck. In his debut game wearing them, he carved his name into the NBA history books. Stephen Curry now holds the record for the most 30-point games played in fewer than 30 minutes on the court.
This momentous shift closes a major chapter in Curry's career. His partnership with Under Armour, which started as a $12 million, four-year deal, blossomed into the Curry Brand and was one of the most impactful athlete-brand collaborations of the last ten years. The alliance was so successful that it boosted Under Armour's sales by a staggering 350 percent by 2016 and culminated in a monumental deal worth over $200 million in 2023.
