The Golden State Warriors are entering the 2025–26 season with Stephen Curry in exceptional form, according to his trainer Brandon Payne.
Payne told Mark Medina of RG, “His first-step quickness and explosiveness is the fastest that it’s ever been, if not faster.” He added that Curry’s ability to process information and make decisions quickly has also improved, keeping him ahead despite aging.
This offseason, Curry focused on reactive basketball, emphasizing reading and reacting rather than relying on set patterns. Payne highlighted that even his shooting has incorporated more reactive decision-making.
The 37-year-old guard remains a central figure in Golden State’s offense, building on a 2024–25 season that included multiple historic performances. He recorded four consecutive 30-point games at age 36 or older, becoming the first in NBA history to do so.
Curry also set milestones for three-point shooting, surpassing 4,000 career triples and achieving career-high single-game marks, including a 12 three-pointer game against the Orlando Magic.
Payne emphasized that Curry’s combination of peak physical ability and faster processing makes him a uniquely quick player on the court. “We have a very quick player out there,” he said.
In addition to individual growth, Curry has maintained leadership for Golden State. He helped the Warriors navigate a challenging postseason, passing Tony Parker for 10th on the NBA all-time playoff scoring list.
The offseason work also included preparation for rule changes in the NBA, particularly regarding shots at the end of quarters. Payne noted Curry’s excitement for the adjustments, which remove the effect on shooting percentages.
With his contract running through the 2026–27 season, Curry is set to continue shaping Golden State’s offensive strategies. The Warriors aim to balance his minutes and maximize efficiency while leveraging his scoring and playmaking abilities.
