The first time Stephen Curry debuted the ‘Night Night’ celebration was in Game 3 of the 2022-2023 playoffs against Denver. With 40 seconds left, Curry sealed the game with a layup against Jokic, pushing the lead to 116-111, and for the first time, he hit the now-iconic ‘Night Night’ celebration. He did it again in Game 5 to close out the series, and from there, the ‘Night Night’ took off. Curry continued the celebration throughout the playoffs, doing it against the Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, and again in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.

During media day, a reporter asked Bam Adebayo how cool it was when Steph Curry hit the ‘Night Night’ celebration in the Olympics, as they were teammates at the time. The reporter also mentioned the celebration’s transformation from being ‘very cool’ to ‘iconic.’ Reflecting on the moment, Bam said, “Yeah for me, it’s just…realizing that it’s for his first one. Uh and then do that on that stage and it being your first one, you know, I always make the joke that Steph was my rook in the Olympics but for him to do that, you know, that was pretty iconic.”

And who could forget the 2024 Olympic Finals, where Curry dropped 24 points, all from three-pointers? His last four threes came in the final three minutes, crushing France’s hopes of a comeback. That final shot, with two French defenders closing in, sealed the game. After hitting that dagger, Curry unleashed the ‘Night Night’ celebration once again, but this time, it truly caught fire. His performance that night turned the celebration into an iconic moment, forever tied to his legendary career. “I mean the resume speaks for itself and the person that he is…so it was only due time until he would have another iconic moment like that,” Bam added.

And now, Curry isn’t the only one hitting the ‘Night Night’ celebration—it’s been embraced by athletes across sports all over the world. What started as a signature move has grown into a global phenomenon, a symbol of closing out a game in style.

Steph Curry’s Iconic Celebration Takes Over MLS & Presidents Cup

Football legend Lionel Messi even joined the ‘Night Night’ wave, bringing the celebration to the global stage. Just two months after recovering from his Copa America injury, the Ballon d’Or winner returned to action in stunning fashion. Messi scored twice, leading Inter Miami to victory against Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium. But what made the moment even more special was after one of his goals, Messi broke out Stephen Curry’s iconic ‘Night Night’ celebration.

Messi wasn’t the only one to embrace the iconic celebration. After making an incredible chip shot to secure a birdie on the 16th hole during the Presidents Cup, Si Woo Kim paid tribute to NBA star Steph Curry with his celebration. From a difficult spot just outside the bunker, Kim’s perfect touch landed the ball smoothly into the hole, tying the hole for him and his partner Tom Kim against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. Following the shot, Kim ran onto the green and hit Curry’s famous “Night Night” celebration, tilting his head into his hands as if going to sleep.

Even Steph Curry couldn’t help but acknowledge the moment when Si Woo Kim imitated his famous “Night Night” celebration during the Presidents Cup. Curry, who has a known love for golf, gave the Korean golfer a shoutout on social media. He posted the clip of Kim celebrating with the ‘Night Night’ gesture, captioning it, “I appreciate the energy and the love (Kim). Gotta know time and score tho!!! #USA.”

The ‘Night Night’ celebration has truly grown into an iconic gesture, spreading far beyond basketball. With athletes from various sports and fans around the world imitating it, the celebration has become a symbol of sealing victory in style. Each time it’s performed, it shines a spotlight on the legendary moment created by none other than Stephen Curry. What are your thoughts on this?