The Secret Weapon Powering Stephen Curry’s Resurgence
Stephen Curry leads the league in field goal percentage on drives to the basket this season.
Stephen Curry debuted his signature Under Armour shoe on Friday night, dropping 23 points and 10 assists to lead the Golden State Warriors to a win over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers.
The “Curry One” high-top sneaker features new performance technologies designed to enhance Curry’s quick bursts and cuts on the court. Don’t be fooled by the ad copy. It’s not just the shoes that have elevated Curry’s game to new heights this season.
Shaun Powell of NBA.com writes that Curry is playing with a newfound confidence, and he appears to have shaken off a series of ankle sprains that formerly beset the Warriors star.
On the resurgence of Curry and Oklahoma City Thunder PG Russell Westbrook, Powell writes, “their movements are sure and quick, without the slightest bit of hesitation—the sign of players who trust their bodies won’t betray them again.”
After undergoing surgery to his right ankle in 2011, Curry discovered the form-fitting Zamst A2-DX ankle brace, which he now wears on both ankles. The brace is designed for an anatomically correct fit, which prevents the ankle from rolling and the foot from shifting forward.
Curry told NBA.com, “I make a lot of different cuts, and I feel secure that when I put my foot in that brace, it’s not going to go anywhere. It’s a good feeling to have.”
Curry is averaging a career-best 5.2 rebounds a game, which Powell attributes to his lack of fear about re-injuring his ankle. Further statistical research supports the assertion that Curry is confident in his ability to drive, cut and plant on his surgically repaired ankle. He leads the league in field goal percentage on drives to the basket—61.4 percent, up 10 percent from his 2013-14 total—and he’s averaging 5.2 points per game on drives to the basket—up from 4.6 last season—further validating his poise when driving the lane and attacking the rim.
(Per SportVU Player Tracking stats, a “drive” is defined as “any touch that starts at least 20 feet from the hoop and is dribbled within 10 feet of the hoop and excludes fast breaks.”)
Whereas other star players have been slow—and in some cases reluctant (see Rose, Derrick)—to return from lower-body injuries, Curry is pushing the limit. As a result, he has expanded his game.
For that, Curry has led the Warriors to the best record in the NBA.
Curry sports the Zamst A2-DX ankle braces with his new signature Under Armour shoe.
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The Secret Weapon Powering Stephen Curry’s Resurgence
Stephen Curry leads the league in field goal percentage on drives to the basket this season.
Stephen Curry debuted his signature Under Armour shoe on Friday night, dropping 23 points and 10 assists to lead the Golden State Warriors to a win over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers.
The “Curry One” high-top sneaker features new performance technologies designed to enhance Curry’s quick bursts and cuts on the court. Don’t be fooled by the ad copy. It’s not just the shoes that have elevated Curry’s game to new heights this season.
Shaun Powell of NBA.com writes that Curry is playing with a newfound confidence, and he appears to have shaken off a series of ankle sprains that formerly beset the Warriors star.
On the resurgence of Curry and Oklahoma City Thunder PG Russell Westbrook, Powell writes, “their movements are sure and quick, without the slightest bit of hesitation—the sign of players who trust their bodies won’t betray them again.”
After undergoing surgery to his right ankle in 2011, Curry discovered the form-fitting Zamst A2-DX ankle brace, which he now wears on both ankles. The brace is designed for an anatomically correct fit, which prevents the ankle from rolling and the foot from shifting forward.
Curry told NBA.com, “I make a lot of different cuts, and I feel secure that when I put my foot in that brace, it’s not going to go anywhere. It’s a good feeling to have.”
Curry is averaging a career-best 5.2 rebounds a game, which Powell attributes to his lack of fear about re-injuring his ankle. Further statistical research supports the assertion that Curry is confident in his ability to drive, cut and plant on his surgically repaired ankle. He leads the league in field goal percentage on drives to the basket—61.4 percent, up 10 percent from his 2013-14 total—and he’s averaging 5.2 points per game on drives to the basket—up from 4.6 last season—further validating his poise when driving the lane and attacking the rim.
(Per SportVU Player Tracking stats, a “drive” is defined as “any touch that starts at least 20 feet from the hoop and is dribbled within 10 feet of the hoop and excludes fast breaks.”)
Whereas other star players have been slow—and in some cases reluctant (see Rose, Derrick)—to return from lower-body injuries, Curry is pushing the limit. As a result, he has expanded his game.
For that, Curry has led the Warriors to the best record in the NBA.
Curry sports the Zamst A2-DX ankle braces with his new signature Under Armour shoe.