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Bill Simmons Thinks LeBron James Is Kicking Himself For Missing Stephen Curry’s Night-Night Move

Originally posted on Fadeaway World | By Vishwesha Kumar | Last updated Nov 17, 2024 2:45 PM ET

Stephen Curry’s “Night-Night” celebration has become a cultural phenomenon in sports, and Bill Simmons believes LeBron James is probably kicking himself for not coming up with it first. On a recent episode of 'The Bill Simmons Podcast', Simmons raved about the celebration's impact and its infectious appeal.

"I think it's great. It's it's become like almost like a wrestling finishing move now. Now I'm like, I want it. Now, when he went up four in 25 seconds, I was like, do it, do the night night, do it! It's great."

"I just feel like LeBron must be furious that he didn't think of this. Like, he's probably fired his quirk management, whoever the guy is on his team. It's like, how did you not give me the night night? I would have been doing that in like 2013."

"You guys were supposed to come up with ideas like this for me. Why don't I have the night-night?"

The “Night-Night” originated during the Golden State Warriors' 2022 playoff run. The moment that launched it into the spotlight came in Game 3 of the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets. After Curry hit a clutch dagger to seal the game, he introduced the gesture: resting his head on his hands, signaling that it was time for his opponents to go to sleep.

The simplicity and timing of the move captured the attention of fans worldwide. Since then, Curry has used it repeatedly, even on the global stage during the Olympics, cementing its place in sports culture.

In comparison, LeBron James does have notable celebrations, such as his iconic “Silencer” and the “Crown Gesture,” where he proclaims himself as the King. However, Simmons argued that none of these have achieved the universal appeal of Curry’s “Night-Night.”

The charm of the move lies in its effortless simplicity and its perfect execution during critical moments. It’s playful yet assertive, a direct statement of dominance without requiring words.

Curry’s celebration has gone beyond basketball, with athletes from other sports adopting it. Its relatability and meme-friendly nature make it one of the most recognizable modern-day gestures in sports. Simmons’ playful commentary highlights the unspoken competition between superstars like Curry and LeBron to create not just highlights but enduring cultural moments.

Ultimately, the “Night-Night” fits Curry’s brand: effective, understated, and undeniably entertaining. While LeBron’s legacy is etched in championships and accolades, Simmons’ remarks suggest that even the greatest players might envy the magic of a perfect celebration.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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