Steph Curry surprised fans with a rare dunk during the Warriors-76ers game, joking that it would likely be his last, as he reflects on the physical toll of his career while continuing to dominate with his shooting and leadership.

In a game filled with highlight-worthy moments, none was more unexpected than Steph Curry’s dunk during the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 1, 2025.

For a player renowned for his deep three-pointers and playmaking ability rather than his aerial feats, this dunk was a rare, thrilling spectacle.

But the moment was as fleeting as it was surprising, as Curry himself joked after the game that it would “probably be my last dunk.”

At 36 years old, Curry has had a remarkable career that has defined an era in basketball. Known for his unmatched shooting range and ability to dominate from beyond the arc, Curry’s dunk caught everyone off guard.

The last time Curry dunked in a game was over six years ago, back when the Warriors played at Oracle Arena.

Since then, Curry’s primary focus has been on refining his shooting and leading his team to championships, rather than relying on his athleticism to finish plays above the rim.

But as Curry charged down the court during the fast break, he seized an opportunity that led to a spectacular finish.

After picking up the ball and gliding towards the basket, Curry soared and threw down a dunk that had the Chase Center crowd on their feet. His teammates cheered, but the moment felt bittersweet.

Curry, a player who once effortlessly dunked with ease in his younger days, was now acknowledging that this type of move was becoming increasingly rare for him.

Curry spoke candidly about the physical demands that have come with age and his years in the league. “That took everything out of me,” he admitted with a smile. “It’s not easy to throw down like I used to.”

The dunk may have been a spontaneous, energetic display, but it was also a testament to Curry’s enduring athleticism, even as he navigates the wear and tear of a long career.

His ability to execute such a play in a competitive game is a reminder of the versatility that makes him one of the greatest to ever play the game.

This dunk also took on added significance given the context of Curry’s career. A player who has reshaped the game with his shooting, revolutionizing the three-point shot and making it the focal point of modern basketball, Curry’s physicality has often taken a back seat.

However, his all-around game has always been one of the cornerstones of his success.

The dunk was a rare physical statement that Curry still possesses the versatility and stamina that made him a two-time MVP and a key player in the Warriors’ four championships.

As Curry reflects on his career, he is mindful of the physical toll that being an elite NBA player takes on the body. Knee injuries have been a recurring issue for him, particularly over the past few seasons.

This season, Curry has been battling through these lingering concerns, yet his game remains as impactful as ever.

The decision to retire from high-flying dunks, however, comes from a pragmatic understanding of his body’s limits as he nears the end of his career.

In a league that constantly evolves, Curry has embraced the changes in his own game. Instead of relying on high-flying dunks, Curry’s sharp shooting and court vision have allowed him to maintain a dominant presence on the court.

His deep threes have become his signature move, often leaving defenders in his wake, and his leadership on the Warriors has been pivotal as the team continues to compete at the highest level.

Still, the sight of him dunking once again—even if it is “probably” his last—reminds fans of his athletic prowess and the full scope of his talents.

When Curry last dunked six years ago, he was a different player, still in his prime, surrounded by a Warriors team that had yet to cement its dynasty.

At that time, Kevin Durant was also on the team, and Curry’s thunderous dunk was part of a larger narrative of the Warriors’ rise to dominance. Fast forward to today, and Curry remains the face of the Warriors, but the team’s dynamic has shifted.

While he’s no longer the high-flyer he once was, Curry continues to lead the Warriors with his veteran experience, playmaking, and clutch shooting.

As Curry’s career continues, the prospect of seeing him dunk again seems less and less likely. His remarks about the dunk being a rare event underscore the reality that his days of explosive leaping may be behind him.

While his age and injury concerns may limit his athleticism, Curry’s impact on the game remains undeniable.

His ability to elevate his team with his shooting and leadership has made him one of the NBA’s most iconic figures, and his legacy is already cemented as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

For Warriors fans, Curry’s dunk may have marked the final chapter in his high-flying days, but it was a moment that encapsulated everything fans love about him: unrelenting determination, incredible skill, and an ever-present sense of fun.

As he continues to defy the odds with his shooting prowess, Curry’s dunk will be remembered as a rare, unforgettable highlight in a career that has been full of breathtaking plays.

With his future in the NBA uncertain as he edges toward retirement, Curry’s moments like these remind fans of just how special he is, both as an athlete and as a person.

His legacy will undoubtedly live on in the annals of basketball history, and whether or not he ever dunks again, his place among the game’s greats is secure.

For now, his fans will continue to celebrate his dazzling threes, jaw-dropping passes, and unforgettable moments like the dunk that surprised them all.