Steph Curry and Buddy Hield: The ‘Twirl’ That Brings the Warriors’ Offense to Life

The game of basketball has always been about adapting, evolving, and finding new ways to gain an edge over opponents. Over the years, we’ve seen countless innovations on the court, from Michael Jordan’s mid-air acrobatics to LeBron James’ gravity-defying dunks. But in the modern era, no innovation has had as much of a profound effect on the game as the three-point shot. And no two players have embodied this revolution more than Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield.

Steph Curry is widely regarded as the greatest shooter the game has ever seen, and his ability to stretch defenses to their breaking point has revolutionized the way the NBA approaches offense. On the other hand, Buddy Hield, who possesses a deadly shooting stroke of his own, has often been a source of scoring dynamism for his teams, particularly the Sacramento Kings and, at times, the Indiana Pacers. But it’s not just their shooting prowess that makes these two players intriguing — it’s how they bring this lethal weapon into action, sometimes in the most graceful, yet deadly, fashion. One such moment is their trademark ‘Twirl.’

The Origins of the ‘Twirl’

For basketball fans and analysts alike, the concept of the ‘Twirl’ is more than just a clever play on the court. It’s a statement about the modern game, a quick nod to the improvisational brilliance that has come to define modern offense. For many, the move was popularized by Stephen Curry, though it wasn’t always so well-defined. It first emerged as a dynamic reaction to fast breaks, a fluid motion that allowed the ball handler to keep the defense guessing.

A ‘Twirl’ in basketball refers to a specific dribble move, in which a player uses a quick, almost balletic spin with the ball to shift momentum in their favor. It’s an elegant move, one that involves a slight pivot, a well-timed spin, and an immediate decision — shoot or dish. It’s the kind of move that can throw off defenders, create space, and force defenders to recalibrate their approach. When executed correctly, the ‘Twirl’ leaves defenders in a twisted mess, caught between contesting a shot or guarding the paint.

This move, though originating from Curry, has been absorbed by several players, and Buddy Hield, a player known for his shooting, has employed it to great success in many of his own highlights. Together, Curry and Hield’s dynamic execution of this move is one of the driving forces behind their ability to bring their respective offenses to life.

The Magic of Curry’s ‘Twirl’

Curry’s ‘Twirl’ has become an iconic symbol of his versatility as a scorer. The term ‘offensive maestro’ is often associated with him, and for good reason. His ability to create opportunities not only for himself but for his teammates is unparalleled. But it’s the fluidity of his movements — including the ‘Twirl’ — that makes him such a devastating weapon on the offensive end.

The ‘Twirl’ can be deployed in several scenarios. In transition, when Curry finds himself racing toward the basket, he uses the ‘Twirl’ to evade defenders who are closing in. It’s a graceful move, one that doesn’t take away from his speed, but instead enhances his ability to cover more ground. As defenders approach him, he’ll quickly pivot, making a smooth rotation with the ball in hand, while using his other hand to shield off a defender or create an illusion of uncertainty. The move allows him to reset, reevaluate the defense, and often find an open shot.

One of the most notable examples of this came during a 2019 regular-season game against the Dallas Mavericks. Curry, on a fast break, was initially guarded by two defenders as he moved toward the basket. He used a subtle but effective ‘Twirl,’ spinning away from the help defense and creating just enough space to launch a contested three-pointer. The result? A flawless transition bucket that kept the Warriors’ offensive rhythm intact.

The ‘Twirl’ not only allows Curry to generate open shots, but it also keeps the defense off balance. By performing such a move, Curry ensures that defenders are forced to make decisions on the fly — whether to stick with him, rush him, or switch assignments. It also allows him to maintain his dribble while navigating the defense, buying him extra time to look for the best option.

Buddy Hield and the ‘Twirl’: A Master of Scoring with Flair

Buddy Hield’s journey into the NBA was marked by a reputation for being a dynamic shooter. His collegiate days at Oklahoma showed glimpses of his ability to stretch the floor, but it was his transition into the pros that truly allowed his shooting prowess to shine. Hield’s shooting technique — a quick release, fluid mechanics, and deep range — has often been compared to Curry, though his overall game has always been more direct. He’s less of a ball handler and more of a catch-and-shoot player, but the ‘Twirl’ has allowed him to introduce a level of creativity and unpredictability into his scoring arsenal.

For Hield, the ‘Twirl’ becomes particularly effective in tight situations. On one hand, it’s an offensive move that allows him to create space for a quick pull-up jumper. On the other hand, it’s a move that allows him to reset the play without ever losing control of the basketball.

Much like Curry, Hield’s use of the ‘Twirl’ comes in moments when the offense is stagnating, or when the defense is playing tight and aggressive. Hield’s ability to perform the move with deceptive speed allows him to gain an inch or two of separation, just enough to unleash his lethal shot. The key to Hield’s version of the ‘Twirl’ lies in its fluidity — he doesn’t telegraph his intentions. Whether he’s attempting a step-back three or driving to the hoop, the ‘Twirl’ keeps defenders on edge, unable to predict his next move.

In a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Hield showcased his ‘Twirl’ in a high-pressure moment during the fourth quarter. The Kings were down by three, and Hield found himself at the top of the key with the ball. A quick ‘Twirl’ to the right, followed by a fake drive to the basket, froze his defender momentarily, allowing Hield to create enough space for a contested three-pointer. The shot hit nothing but net, and the game was tied. It was a perfect example of how Hield had mastered the ‘Twirl’ and incorporated it into his clutch scoring mentality.

The Importance of Spacing and the ‘Twirl’ in the Modern NBA

The impact of the ‘Twirl’ goes beyond just creating individual scoring opportunities; it’s also about how the move impacts the spacing and flow of the entire offense. In today’s NBA, space is king. Teams that can spread the floor and use it to create mismatches are often the most successful, and both Curry and Hield exemplify this dynamic.

The beauty of the ‘Twirl’ in this context lies in the way it forces defenders to react. Defenders are often caught in a dilemma: Do they overcommit to stopping the ball handler? Or do they stick with their man and risk leaving the player open for a shot? If Curry or Hield can create space with their ‘Twirl,’ they not only generate a shot for themselves but open up lanes for their teammates. Defenders must scramble to adjust, often leaving passing lanes wide open.

The Warriors, under Steve Kerr, have long been known for their emphasis on ball movement and spacing. Curry’s ability to create separation with a quick ‘Twirl’ allows his teammates to move without the ball and find open spots. If Curry is able to draw defenders away from the basket, players like Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, or even Draymond Green can capitalize on the extra space to either receive a pass or make a cut to the basket. The offensive flow becomes much more dynamic when Curry uses this move, keeping defenders guessing and the ball constantly moving.

The Future of the ‘Twirl’ in the NBA

As the NBA continues to evolve, it’s likely that the ‘Twirl’ will become a staple move for players who possess the necessary quickness, agility, and ball-handling skills. Just as the step-back jumper, the Eurostep, and the behind-the-back pass have become vital components of the modern NBA player’s arsenal, so too will the ‘Twirl.’

Players who can master the intricacies of the ‘Twirl’ will not only elevate their individual performances but contribute to their teams’ overall offensive efficiency. Whether it’s creating an open shot, freeing up space for a teammate, or simply keeping the defense on their toes, the ‘Twirl’ is a move that could shape the future of offensive basketball.

For Curry and Hield, their successful implementation of the ‘Twirl’ proves that the game is only getting more exciting and unpredictable. These players — two of the best shooters in the game — have turned a simple dribble move into a highlight-worthy moment that can change the course of a game. It’s a beautiful combination of skill, timing, and basketball IQ, and it’s sure to be a part of their offensive repertoire for years to come.

The ‘Twirl,’ as executed by Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield, represents more than just an individual skill move — it encapsulates the evolution of the modern NBA offense. Through their mastery of the move, both players have shown that innovation in basketball isn’t always about inventing new techniques but refining and adapting existing skills in a way that maximizes their effectiveness. As the game of basketball continues to evolve, the ‘Twirl’ may just become an iconic move — one that every up-and-coming player will strive to master.