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Why does Stephen Curry chew on his mouthguard during Warriors games?
Discover the tale behind Stephen Curry's iconic on-court habit: his one-of-a-kind mouthguard ritual, which not only protects but also enhances his performance.
In his NBA career, Stephen Curry established himself as the most memorable 3-point shooter, but people often connect him with a particular piece of equipment - his mouthguard.
The choice to use a mouthguard traces back to his college years, and he has consistently worn it throughout his NBA journey.
The mouthguard would not draw much attention if Curry wore it in a typical way, but he consistently munches on it during games, with a particular penchant for gnawing on it while taking free throws.
He habitually accommodates it on one side of his mouth while shooting free throws.
So why does Curry have this unique mouthguard habit? Over time, he has explained that it's a method that works for him and, intriguingly, aids in maintaining his focus.
While discussing with Jimmy Kimmel in 2015, Curry confessed that toying with his mouthguard has become an "irrefutable habit" for him, tracing back to his tenure at Davidson. During a game in 2007, he unexpectedly received a face hit from Jon Brick of The Citadel.
"After an elbow hit me in my junior college year and split open my lip, I adopted the practice of wearing a mouthpiece in every game," Curry shared with Kimmel.
"Over the years, it has progressively distanced itself from my teeth."
The Ritual of Curry's Mouthguard: A superstition turned habit with performance impacts
The mouthguard he wears, now seen as a blessing, emerged as a trick to manage his nerves during games, as chewing on it eased his tension. "By chewing on this like crazy, I achieve a sense of calm," confessed Curry. "It's especially helpful when I'm on the free-throw line, allowing me to get into my rhythm."
