Steph Curry Gets Introduced to a “New Teammate” Mid-Game in Classic Steve Kerr Fashion

The Golden State Warriors have long been known for their high-energy, fast-paced style of play. A team built on creativity, skill, and the leadership of players like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors have won multiple championships over the past decade, solidifying themselves as one of the NBA’s most dominant dynasties. However, one thing that has always set the Warriors apart, especially under head coach Steve Kerr, is the team’s unique, sometimes playful approach to leadership and camaraderie.

A recent game in the 2024-2025 season between the Warriors and their opponents was no exception, as Coach Kerr once again demonstrated his penchant for humor, creativity, and leadership. Midway through the game, in true Kerr fashion, he introduced Steph Curry to a “new teammate” in the most unexpected and hilarious way possible. This quirky moment not only provided a much-needed break from the intensity of the game but also exemplified the unique dynamic within the Warriors’ locker room and their ability to maintain a lighthearted yet focused approach to the grind of the season.

The Game: Warriors vs. the Memphis Grizzlies

The game itself was a crucial one for both teams. The Warriors, still vying for a strong playoff position in the competitive Western Conference, were facing off against the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that had established itself as a formidable force in recent years. With both teams coming off a string of inconsistent performances, the stakes were high for this matchup.

The Warriors came into the game with their usual high expectations, relying heavily on the scoring prowess of Steph Curry and the leadership of Draymond Green. But in recent weeks, there had been a sense of urgency around the Warriors. While they still had the firepower to win, their energy levels, focus, and consistency were being questioned.

The first half of the game had been competitive but lacked the fluidity and chemistry the Warriors were known for. Turnovers were piling up, defensive rotations were shaky, and the offense didn’t seem to be clicking the way it normally does. Curry was putting up points, but he was visibly frustrated with the lack of movement on the floor and the sloppy execution from his teammates.

As the game reached the halftime break, the Warriors were trailing by a few points, and tensions were running high in the locker room. Kerr, known for his ability to keep things loose even in tense moments, had something up his sleeve that would both alleviate the pressure and remind his team of the importance of focus, fun, and collective effort.

The Mid-Game Surprise: Enter the “New Teammate”

It was late in the third quarter, and the game was still up for grabs. The Warriors had come out of the locker room with renewed energy and were slowly closing the gap, but they still weren’t playing their best. Curry had just drained a deep three-pointer to give the Warriors a small lead, but the energy from the bench and the crowd had yet to hit the level that would propel Golden State to their usual heights. That’s when Steve Kerr decided to pull off one of his most memorable coaching moments of the season — introducing Curry to a “new teammate.”

Kerr, as he often does, had been pacing along the sideline, gesturing and talking with assistant coaches when he caught the attention of the players on the court. The bench was still buzzing with players talking about the game, but Kerr had a mischievous glint in his eye. As the game moved on, Curry’s concentration was momentarily broken when he heard Kerr’s voice cutting through the noise.

“Klay, Draymond, get ready for this,” Kerr said, giving a wink to the two veterans sitting on the sidelines.

In a typical Steve Kerr move, he was about to introduce a new teammate in the most unexpected way possible. Curry, now intrigued, turned to Kerr with a puzzled look. The rest of the players on the court, sensing something was about to unfold, started paying attention as well.

Kerr called over a staff member, who, much to everyone’s surprise, wheeled out a fully inflated inflatable mannequin — in full Warriors gear, no less — onto the court. The mannequin was wearing a customized Warriors jersey with Curry’s number “30” emblazoned across the chest. It was a ridiculous sight, but it instantly brought some much-needed levity to the moment. The inflatable “teammate” was now a part of the Warriors’ roster, if only temporarily.

Curry, ever the good sport, couldn’t help but laugh. The rest of the team — including Thompson and Green — burst into laughter as well. Kerr, standing confidently on the sideline, waved his hand toward the mannequin and said, “Steph, meet your new teammate, ‘Inflatable Curry.’ He’ll fit right in with your game today.”

The timing was perfect. Despite the tension and high stakes of the game, Kerr had found a way to break the ice and lighten the mood. It was a classic Steve Kerr moment — a combination of humor, leadership, and the ability to turn any situation into a bonding experience for the team.

Curry, now chuckling along with his teammates, gave an exaggerated nod toward the inflatable player. “I see we’re really stepping up the competition today,” he said, playing along with the joke. “I’m looking forward to seeing how well this guy can shoot.”

The Team’s Response: Laughter as a Unifying Force

In the midst of a tough game, Kerr’s antics were a reminder to the Warriors that they needed to stay loose and have fun, even in the most intense situations. The inflatable “new teammate” was more than just a joke; it served as a reminder to the players that success on the court wasn’t just about technical precision and hard work — it was also about enjoying the process and staying connected as a team.

The moment was especially significant given the Warriors’ current state. They had been struggling with consistency and were trying to find their rhythm. With Curry and Green, the two vocal leaders on the floor, there had been a sense that the team’s chemistry wasn’t at its best. Tensions had been running high with some players, and Kerr knew that injecting some humor into the situation would help ease the pressure.

After the inflatable teammate made his debut, the Warriors were visibly more relaxed. Curry began to smile more, Thompson started to joke around with the bench, and even Draymond Green, known for his fiery personality, couldn’t help but crack a smile. It was as though Kerr’s lighthearted approach had reminded the team of the importance of camaraderie and shared responsibility.

“I’m going to start lobbying for this guy to get some minutes,” Curry quipped, still keeping his eye on the court. “At this rate, he might end up as the next Warriors star.”

The inflatable mannequin, while an obvious gag, had succeeded in its mission. It wasn’t about the mannequin itself; it was about what it represented. Kerr had found a way to momentarily shift the Warriors’ focus from their frustrations and struggles to a more relaxed, team-first mindset. And it worked.

The Warriors’ Comeback: From Laughter to Success

Following the introduction of the “new teammate,” something clicked for the Warriors. They came out with renewed energy and focus, their body language vastly improved. Curry hit another couple of three-pointers, Thompson got into rhythm, and Green provided his usual defensive presence. The Warriors began to pull away from the Grizzlies, their offense flowing much more smoothly.

It wasn’t long before the bench was fully engaged, with everyone cheering each other on. The humor from the earlier moment had broken the ice and allowed the players to focus on the game, without overthinking it. The Warriors, once trailing, began to take control of the game, ultimately securing a dominant victory.

In a postgame interview, Curry spoke about the impact of Kerr’s lighthearted move on the team’s performance. “You know, coach is great at keeping us grounded,” Curry said. “We were having a tough time, but he always knows how to break the tension. That mannequin, as silly as it was, reminded us to have fun out there. That’s what makes this team so special — we can always laugh and keep things loose, even in the most high-pressure moments.”

The Legacy of Steve Kerr’s Leadership

This moment, while humorous, also speaks to the deeper leadership qualities of Steve Kerr. His ability to read the room, to understand when his team needs a break and when they need to refocus, is what has made him one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. Kerr knows that the key to sustained success in the NBA isn’t just about strategies and Xs and Os; it’s also about creating an environment where players feel comfortable, united, and, most importantly, able to enjoy the game.

The inflatable “teammate” was a perfect example of Kerr’s leadership philosophy. It wasn’t about being overly serious or trying to control every aspect of the game. It was about giving the players space to breathe, laugh, and remember what they were playing for — each other.

While the Warriors’ victory that night was hard-earned and important, it was also made sweeter by the camaraderie and team spirit that was revitalized in those moments of levity. Kerr’s unique ability to lead with humor and humanity continues to be a hallmark of the Warriors’ success.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, where the pressure to win is constant and unrelenting, moments like these — moments that remind players to enjoy the game — are invaluable. Steve Kerr’s introduction of a “new teammate” in the middle of a tense game against the Memphis Grizzlies was a perfect example of how humor, leadership, and connection can transform a game, a season, and a team.

For the Warriors, the introduction of the inflatable mannequin wasn’t just a funny moment; it was a reminder of the importance of staying grounded and focused, while still having fun. And for Steph Curry, it was yet another example of how his coach and team continue to bring joy and unity, even in the most challenging times. With Kerr at the helm, the Warriors will continue to rely on both their talent and their unique chemistry as they aim to capture another championship.