“He’s obviously sprained the ankle many times before, so he doesn’t think it’s too bad. But obviously, you know, it’s a concern.” Steve Kerr quickly provided an update following an unfortunate moment in the Warriors’ recent game. During the third quarter against the LA Clippers, Stephen Curry rolled his ankle. Initially, it appeared manageable as Curry sat on the sidelines using a band to stretch. But just moments after returning to the court, he tweaked the same ankle again. Limping off to the locker room, fans could see the reactions of many in attendance, though Curry’s family was notably absent from view—at least until now.

Earlier today, as updates on Stephen Curry’s injury were still emerging, a fan-shot video from the Warriors-Clippers game began circulating online. It captured the moment Curry limped to the locker room, accompanied by groans from the crowd. The camera then shifted to a section of the arena where Curry’s wife, Ayesha, his eldest daughter, Riley, and another woman were seated.

Riley had her hands over her mouth in apparent shock while Ayesha spoke to her companion, clearly distressed by the unfolding events. Steph did not choose to make eye contact with either of them. Given that his focus was on dealing with the possible pain or discomfort originating from the ankle injury, however, his actions seemed reasonable.

The Warriors-Clippers matchup was highly anticipated, especially since Stephen Curry and his teammates were finally hosting a game at their home court, the Chase Center, after winning their first two regular-season games. Ayesha also made her contribution to the occasion by sharing a special meal she prepared for Steph on her official Instagram account. She showcased a Creamy Basil Ravioli with blistered candied tomatoes, sweet corn, and grilled prawns, along with a garlic and herb tomahawk steak. After all, a boost of protein is essential!

That meal likely fueled Curry to achieve 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists in just 27 minutes. Unfortunately, it couldn’t shield him from the persistent ankle issues that have plagued him since the early days of his NBA career.

The saga of the All-Time Three-Point Leader and his ankle injuries dates back to the early 2010s. Reports indicate that a surgeon had to rebuild two ligaments in his right ankle, which had “stretched apart like a rotting sweater.” Despite this, Curry suffered five sprains over a 26-game stretch. GiveMeSport even labeled him one of the league’s most “injury-prone” players during his third season, as seven ankle sprains in just 16 months sidelined him for a staggering 56 games during the 2011-12 season. Fortunately, during those challenging times, his wife was there to support him as a pillar of strength.

“Don’t forget who you are”: Stephen Curry highlighted how Ayesha motivated him amidst ankle troubles

In October 2018, Stephen Curry sat down for an interview with Brazilian soccer star Neymar, reflecting on his journey as he celebrated his third championship title. During the conversation, he emphasized that he wouldn’t have won any Larry O’Brien trophies if he had given up early in his career. This determination came in the wake of his ankle troubles and the challenges he faced during the 2011-12 season when doubts circulated about his future in the league.

As Curry revealed, “I’m such an optimistic person. I always see the glass half full. But in that moment it really tested my mental strength to get through the dog days of a second summer of rehab, and not really know where the end was going to be.” Amidst all this, what the player needed was some motivation. And motivation is what he got, thanks to Ayesha.

“You’re chasing greatness. You want to be great, but the one thing I couldn’t control was my health, in terms of my ankles. And she gave me that one line of like, ‘Don’t forget who you are’” Curry said. “That kind of kept me focused on that mission. And 2 years later, or almost 3 years later, I’m back on the court, winning the championship. So that moment right there was kind of like the lowest of lows, and it was kind of only up from there.”

A new update has now indicated that Stephen Curry’s ankle injury will only keep him sidelined for, at least, two games. Therefore, during this brief period, the 36-year-old might once again require some words from Ayesha herself.