Glitz and glamour have always been at the heart of the NBA All-Star Weekend, but this year something feels different. The glittering spectacle has returned to Oakland — a city many NBA stars call home after 25 years. But this one they had to leave behind due to outdated amenities and various other factors. Among those affected by the move was Stephen Curry. You’ve probably seen the man recently, shooting from the tunnel, vibing with fans, and making no-look half-court shots alongside Kevin Durant. But behind the lens, there was a different story. But what story?

A story of nostalgia that Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic witnessed as he conducted one of Curry’s final interviews leading to the NBA All-Star game. For Curry, it was all about taking a trip down memory lane. The old Oracle Arena was his roots. So, he couldn’t resist visiting where it all began 16 years ago, on Saturday. But what hit Steph was rather painful than joyous.

The sounds of past victories and defeats echoed in his mind. He remembered the heartaches of losses, the bonds he formed, and the ones that faded away in that very arena. Sitting there, he soaked it all in, feeling the weight of his journey. Curry asked his friend to capture ‘the moment’.

The National reporter watched quietly as the visibly emotional Curry stood in front of the locker he first called his own. The one he shared with the Warriors’ elites like Anthony Randolph, Corey Maggette, Stephen Jackson, Monta Ellis, and many more. But now, his locker was no longer his. It was painted black. His name was erased. And the seat? Thompson explained, “The seat was just a standard issue folding chair, not the special thickly padded chairs that served as his throne. Until he became such a big star, he couldn’t do interviews at that locker anymore.”

While the Chase Center may have built a shiny new locker room in 2019, it could never hold the memories that the humble locker at Oracle Arena carries. After all, that locker room wasn’t just a place. It saw every stage of Curry’s evolution, from a rookie to the superstar he is today.

The 36-year-old believed the best way to give back all the love the city showed him was by giving back to the community. And he wasn’t doing it alone. His wife, Ayesha, and his mom, Sonya, were right there with him.

Stephen Curry and his family step up for the noble deed

The league has not officially assigned Stephen Curry and his wife the role of hosts for the event. And Commissioner Adam Silver knows that, unofficially, guaranteed. But before stepping into that role, on Friday, they dedicated their time to helping schools and young minds. Their Eat. Learn. Play. The foundation organized a day of service and a playground renovation at an elementary school in the city.

“This is where we both became adults, where we started our life together, where we had our first child,” Ayesha Curry told The Associated Press. “So for us, Oakland has always left this enormous impact on our spirits. And we’ve always said that we would continue to be a part of the community, even if we weren’t necessarily right in Oakland every single day.”

On the other hand, Sonya took it upon herself to share valuable lessons with the little ones, one that would help pave the way for their future.

But the All-Star Game is almost here. And after fulfilling his off-court duties, Stephen Curry will soon be gearing up to take the court. This time again, surely both women will be in the stands, supporting him there as well. With his clock ticking towards the inevitable end to a storied career, this game will surely be Stephen Curry’s love letter to his beloved backyard.