Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry has opened up about the profound impact his childhood years with the Toronto Raptors had on his basketball development. Curry's father, Dell Curry, played for the Raptors from 1999 to 2002, giving the future MVP an inside look at the NBA. The Raptors are coming off a 114-102 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 3, 2026, but hold a recent form of 3 wins and 2 losses in their last five outings.
How did Toronto shape Steph Curry's early basketball years?
Steph Curry spent three years in Toronto during his early teens. He witnessed the city's passionate fanbase firsthand, calling the atmosphere at Raptors games "unreal" and "in the middle of insanity." Because of his dad's role on the team, he had unique access to the Air Canada Centre, now Scotiabank Arena. He and his brother, Seth, would shoot on the practice court for hours, honing the jump shot that would later break NBA records.
"Me and my brother would go up to the Air Canada Center, go up to the practice facility, and we shoot for the first half, and then we go watch the second half," Curry said. They were regulars, watching stars like Vince Carter and working on their own games simultaneously.
What was Curry's experience playing basketball in Ontario?
Playing in the Greater Toronto Area gave Curry a new perspective. He got away from the American AAU circuit and faced different competition. "I got to play against the best of the best in Ontario," he recalled. This experience built his confidence with a different style of play.
He led his Toronto club team to a spectacular 33-4 record and a provincial championship. Curry also played for Queensway Christian College, leading them to an undefeated season despite his small stature. He shared the court with future Canadian NBA players Cory Joseph and Kelly Olynyk during this time.
How did this period influence Curry's career trajectory?
Curry believes his time in Canada directly made him a better player. "And then when I got back and started playing high school back in North Carolina, I think I was better off for it," he stated. The diverse competition and vibe helped refine his skills before his legendary college and professional career.
He would later face the Raptors on the NBA's biggest stage. In the 2019 NBA Finals, Curry's Warriors lost to the Kawhi Leonard-led Raptors, giving Toronto its first championship. That series is a key part of both franchises' histories. Fans can explore current team data and future matchups on the official stats and schedule pages.
What is the current context for the Toronto Raptors?
The Raptors' history, which includes developing talent and winning a title, continues to evolve. The team's recent form shows they are competitive, with three wins in their last five games. Building a winning culture has always been important for the franchise, a trait Curry observed as a kid. The current squad looks to build on its 3W-2L form as they prepare for future seasons. Keeping an eye on the standings will show how they stack up in the Eastern Conference.
