- Stephen Curry says his career longevity comes down to what he does off the court.
- He says he's grateful to be still playing at a high level at his age.
- The NBA star, now 38, says thinking about the end helps him make the most of every day.
Stephen Curry is still at the top of his game and says it comes down to what happens off the court.
"It's the not-so-glamorous but still fun to me work that you put in behind the scenes, and that's the only way you make it this long," Curry said during an appearance on Wednesday's episode of "The Stephen A. Smith Show."
The NBA player said he's proud and grateful to still be playing at a high level, despite dealing with injuries over the years. He said experience has taught him how to prepare his body for each season.
"I still love to play. That's the gas in the tank, and I've got a great team around me that is helping me accomplish my goals," he said.
Curry has spent his entire NBA career with the Golden State Warriors after being drafted seventh overall in 2009. He has won four NBA championships, two league MVP awards, and the 2022 Finals MVP.
While he's known for his three-point shooting, Curry said much of the work that keeps him on the court happens away from it.
"The hardest work is in the offseason," he said. Once the season begins, he said, the focus is on doing his best and hoping his health holds up.
At 38, Curry said he is focused on seeing how long he can continue competing at the highest level.
A large part of it means being more deliberate about his preparation, both offseason and during the season, Curry said, adding that he trains "differently" than he used to.
He is grateful to still be capable of "moving the needle" on the court, even as he recognizes he has fewer seasons ahead than behind him.
"I can still enjoy myself, give everything I've got to it," Curry said. "There's a sense of urgency at the moment, and that's as far as I let my mind go."
The 12-time NBA All-Star said he thinks about "the end of the road every day."
"I think that's OK. I think that's a motivator," he said.
Curry has previously shared habits that help him stay healthy and sharp throughout the season.
In March 2025, Curry told Business Insider that he tries to stay active with walks or bike rides, even when he's not training. He also values his nighttime wind-down routine.
"I wear Normatec compression boots when I watch a show in bed, read a book, or talk to my wife," Curry said. "After that, I put on an audio track, a sleep sound device meant to trigger the brainwaves and help you get deep sleep."
In September, he told Business Insider that regular sauna sessions are a key part of his recovery routine. Curry uses it for around 15 minutes after games or demanding workouts. On rest days, he typically spends 20 to 25 minutes in an infrared sauna.
Curry has also previously shared details of his game-day routine. He told GQ that he aims for at least eight hours of sleep and, if he does not have a shootaround, starts the morning with mobility stretching or core work. He also follows a standard formula for his pregame meals.
"It's some type of protein, whether it's a fish or a chicken. I don't really do too much red meat. Then like a pasta — or a rice — and a veggie, pretty straightforward," Curry said.