Miya Pearson
Steph Curry is a professional basketball player who plays for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. Curry is known for his long-distance shooting and has won four NBA championships. During the Warriors' 2022 playoff run, Curry popularised the night night celebration, in which he pretends to put his opponents to sleep. The gesture went viral and was even replicated by soccer stars Neymar and Alex Morgan. Curry has stated that the celebration was a spur-of-the-moment thing, born out of self-talk during a critical moment in a game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the gesture | Night Night |
| First used by | Wrestler CM Punk |
| Used by Steph Curry for the first time | Game 3 in Denver |
| Used by Steph Curry for the first time against | Nikola Jokić |
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What You'll Learn
Steph Curry's 'Night Night' gesture
The celebration first originated in the 2022 Playoffs: West First Round, during the Warriors vs. Nuggets game. Curry explained the origin of the celebration: "It started with just some self-talk. It was the Denver series in our first round, it was game 3... left in the game. And I was talking to myself, like 'We gotta finish it. We gotta put this to bed. We gotta put them to sleep.' And I made a layup and I did it to myself and didn't realize it was kind of a thing."
The gesture quickly spread, with Curry himself performing it in each of the following series against the Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks, and in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. It also took off outside of basketball, with soccer stars like Neymar and Alex Morgan adopting the celebration.
Curry brought the celebration back for the Olympics, using it during the USA's gold-medal clash with France, after hitting a triple over double coverage to secure victory. This further popularised the gesture, with it becoming a mainstream phenomenon.
The exact origins of the gesture are unclear, with some speculating that it may have been inspired by wrestler CM Punk, who regularly performed a similar move during the late 2000s as part of his "Go To Sleep" finisher. However, Curry himself has stated that it was a spur-of-the-moment thing.
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The gesture's origin
The gesture that has come to be known as "Night Night" or "Go To Sleep" was popularised by Stephen Curry, a basketball player for the Golden State Warriors and Team USA. Curry first used the gesture in 2022 during the Warriors' run to the NBA championship, and later in the Olympics during the gold medal game against France.
Curry himself has explained the origin of the gesture, saying that it started as self-talk during a game against Denver in the first round of the 2022 Playoffs:
> It started with just some self-talk. It was the Denver series in our first round, it was [Game 3], [with] three minutes left in the game. And I was talking to myself, like, 'We gotta finish it. We gotta put this to bed. We gotta put them to sleep.' And I made a layup and I did it to myself and didn't realize it was kind of a thing. And then people picked up on it so I had a lot more opportunities down the stretch of the playoffs to bring it out and pull it out once we close out a game or series.
After this, Curry continued to use the gesture, and it spread "like wildfire around sports and around the world". While Curry may have invented the gesture, some have pointed out that famed wrestler CM Punk regularly used a similar move during the late 2000s, making it a featured element of one of his signature moves, the "Go To Sleep" finisher.
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Steph Curry's influence on sports celebrations
Steph Curry is a trendsetter both on and off the basketball court. His long-distance shooting has changed the game of basketball, and his unique celebrations have also made an impact on the world of sports. Curry's iconic "night night" gesture, in which he simulates putting his opponent to sleep, has become a phenomenon that has spread across different sports.
The origin of the "night night" celebration can be traced back to the 2022 NBA Playoffs. During a game against the Nuggets, Curry made a layup and spontaneously performed the gesture as a form of self-talk, telling himself, "We gotta put this to bed. We gotta put them to sleep." This instinctive move by Curry captured the attention of fans and the sports world.
As Curry continued to use the celebration throughout the Warriors' successful run to the NBA championship, it gained even more prominence. The gesture became a symbol of dominance and a playful taunt to his opponents. Curry's charismatic personality and extraordinary skills on the court made the "night night" celebration instantly recognisable and widely emulated.
The "night night" gesture then made its way to the Olympics, where Curry showcased it during the USA men's basketball team's gold medal game against France. Curry's performance and celebration captivated audiences worldwide, with the Americans securing their 21st gold medal in the program's history. The influence of the "night night" celebration extended beyond basketball, with soccer stars like Neymar and Alex Morgan also adopting it to celebrate their victories.
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The gesture's impact on the sports world
Steph Curry's 'Night Night' gesture has had a significant impact on the sports world, with some even claiming that he has changed the game of sports celebrations. The gesture, which involves Curry pretending to put his opponents to sleep, has become a viral sensation and has been embraced by athletes and fans alike.
Curry first used the "Night Night" gesture during the 2022 NBA Playoffs, after making a layup against the Nuggets. In an interview, Curry recalled that the celebration started as a form of self-talk, with him telling himself, "We gotta finish it. We gotta put this to bed. We gotta put them to sleep." The gesture quickly caught on, and Curry began to use it consistently after making big plays or clinching victories.
The "Night Night" has since spread beyond the NBA, with soccer stars like Neymar and Alex Morgan adopting it as well. It has become a versatile and universal way for athletes to celebrate their successes and taunt their opponents. Curry's celebration has also sparked conversations about the cultural exchange between different sports and the influence of athletes like Curry on popular culture.
While the exact origins of the gesture are debated, with some attributing it to wrestler CM Punk, there is no denying that Curry popularized it and brought it into the mainstream. The gesture has become synonymous with Curry and his iconic career, adding a new dimension to his legacy in the sports world.
Overall, Steph Curry's "Night Night" gesture has left an indelible mark on the sports landscape, showcasing the power of celebrations in athletics and the influence of charismatic athletes like Curry in shaping trends and traditions in sports culture.
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The gesture's use by other sports stars
Steph Curry's viral 'Night Night' gesture during his Olympic win sparked curiosity about the unique celebrations of other sports stars. Celebrations have become a commercialised aspect of sports, with athletes across various disciplines adopting distinct gestures that gain widespread recognition and influence.
Cristiano Ronaldo, for instance, is renowned for his iconic 'Si!' jump celebration, which has been replicated by fans worldwide. Conor McGregor's confident walk during his fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov also gained prominence, reflecting his outlandish personality. In football, Alan Shearer's arm raise and Sergio Ramos' junior cage fighter celebration are well-known.
Some celebrations have taken on a life of their own, such as CM Punk's 'Go To Sleep' gesture, which may have inspired Steph Curry's 'Night Night'. Wrestler CM Punk popularised the move during the late 2000s, incorporating it into his signature finishing move.
Other athletes have used their celebrations to pay homage to their heritage or express their emotions. Liberian star George Weah celebrated with an open-mouthed expression after scoring for Milan in 1996, mirroring Zinedine Zidane's iconic celebration in the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final. Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah performs the sujud, a prostrate position to thank God, after scoring a goal.
Unique celebrations can also be lighthearted and personal, like Tottenham star Son Heung-min's camera gesture. Son explained that he pretends to take a picture to capture the good memory of scoring a goal, showcasing his love for football and his team.
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Frequently asked questions
Steph Curry's "Night Night" celebration is a gesture he makes after a successful shot. It is meant to signify that he has put his opponents to sleep.
Steph Curry first performed the "Night Night" celebration during the 2022 NBA Playoffs. After making a layup, he said to himself, "We gotta put this to bed. We gotta put them to sleep." The celebration then spread like wildfire.
While Steph Curry popularized the "Night Night" celebration, it is unclear if he invented it. Some have pointed out that wrestler CM Punk regularly performed a similar gesture during the late 2000s as part of his "Go To Sleep" finisher.
Steph Curry first performed the "Night Night" celebration during the 2022 NBA Playoffs. He brought it back during the 2024 Olympics, using it to great effect during his fourth-quarter explosion over France.
