Steph Curry and his impact on Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics wasn’t just about scoring.
The Golden State Warriors guard became a guiding voice for younger teammates, most notably Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.
Haliburton explained what it was like to learn from Curry during that summer.
“He is so unbelievable the way he can like, he remembers people, he cares about people,” Haliburton said on The Young Man and The Three podcast. “I mean, I just, I can’t say enough good things about Steph. And then, like, through the Olympic experience, for me, I didn’t play a ton, so a lot of it was for me to learn, and pick guys’ brains, and Steph was just that guy for me.”
Haliburton admitted his role was limited as Team USA pursued gold, but Curry made sure he still got valuable experience.
The Warriors legend scored 60 points across the Americans’ final two games, hitting eight three-pointers in the gold medal matchup against Victor Wembanyama and Team France, including the shot quickly dubbed the “Golden Dagger.”
For Haliburton, those moments off the court were just as meaningful.
“After every practice, I’m like, ‘I got to work out with Steph,’” Haliburton recalled. “I got to do what he’s doing and kind of take things from him, and he was always like, before he would start, if I’m on the other end of the gym, he’ll be like, ‘Come on, Ty, we’re going to work out.’ So for me, I can’t say enough good things about him.”
That mentorship carried into the NBA season. Haliburton led the Pacers on a stunning run to the 2025 NBA Finals, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games. His effort ended in heartbreak when he tore his right Achilles tendon early in Game 7.
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