Steph Curry’s Viral Mock of Austin Reaves’ Flop Steals Spotlight in Preseason Game

The Warriors dominate the Lakers, but Curry’s playful jab takes center stage.

In a preseason showdown between two Western Conference giants, the Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Los Angeles Lakers, securing a 111-97 victory on Tuesday. While the game was filled with impressive performances, it was a lighthearted yet pointed moment from Warriors superstar Steph Curry that grabbed the attention of NBA fans across the globe.

Warriors Continue Preseason Dominance

With this victory, the Warriors improved to a perfect 5-0 in the preseason, while the Lakers stumbled to 1-3. Curry’s 28 minutes on the court showcased his consistent brilliance, as he posted 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Over his four preseason games, Curry has averaged 11.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, demonstrating his readiness for the regular season.

The game was held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, giving fans a thrilling preview of the competition ahead. However, it wasn’t Curry’s stat line or the Warriors’ continued dominance that stole the spotlight—it was a playful moment with Lakers guard Austin Reaves.

The Mock Heard ‘Round the Internet

During a heated sequence, Curry became visibly unhappy with what he saw as a flop by Reaves. As the play halted, Curry took the opportunity to mimic Reaves’ exaggerated fall, drawing laughter from fans both in the arena and online. The playful mock quickly became the highlight of the night, making its way to social media where it exploded in popularity.

The clip of Curry’s imitation garnered over 150,000 views on X (formerly Twitter), with NBA fan account BricksCenter, which boasts 94,000 followers, sharing the moment with the caption: “STEPH MOCKING AUSTIN REAVES FLOP.” As the viral clip made its way to other platforms, it gained even more traction.

Bleacher Report, one of the NBA’s largest digital platforms, posted the video on TikTok to its 8.5 million followers, generating over a million views and 100,000 likes. “Steph wasn’t feeling this foul call,” Bleacher Report wrote, capturing the lighthearted jab in a moment of frustration turned entertainment.

A New Era for Flopping Rules

Curry’s mock wasn’t just for show—it also highlighted a growing issue in the NBA. The league has introduced stricter rules in recent seasons to curtail flopping, a tactic that has long been a point of contention among players and fans alike. Though these rules aim

 

Warriors Deemed the Worst Fit for $215 Million Superstar

The Golden State Warriors have been named the worst possible landing spot for Chicago Bulls’ star o, whose contract is valued at $215 million, according to Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey. While LaVine is a two-time NBA All-Star, his playstyle does not align with the Warriors’ system, which emphasizes seamless ball and player movement rather than isolation-based offense. Bailey noted that LaVine’s “hooper” game would be difficult to integrate into Golden State’s fluid, team-oriented structure, stating that “LaVine probably isn’t the right source” to energize the Warriors’ offense.

Earlier in the offseason, the Bulls attempted to trade LaVine to the Warriors in exchange for Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins. However, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Golden State rejected the offer, feeling the deal did not provide enough value. Consequently, the proposed trade fell through, and the Warriors eventually released Paul, who later signed with the San Antonio Spurs.

Warriors’ Cautious Approach to LaVine

Despite the Bulls’ willingness to part with LaVine, whose $215 million contract includes a substantial $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, Golden State chose to decline the deal. ESPN’s Bobby Marks had reported earlier that LaVine’s market value was low due to his injury history and high salary. Even though the Bulls were reportedly willing to include a first-round pick to sweeten the offer, the Warriors saw LaVine’s declining health and hefty contract as too significant a risk.

LaVine, who has three years remaining on his contract, might benefit from a change of scenery. However, the Warriors decided that the potential long-term concerns of acquiring a high-priced player with a questionable health record outweighed the benefits.

Andrew Wiggins Faces Personal Loss

Amid these trade discussions, Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is grieving the death of his father, former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins, who passed away last week at the age of 64. Wiggins has missed several games over the past two seasons due to his father’s serious health issues, which became public in 2022. The Warriors have supported Wiggins during this challenging time.

As Golden State navigates its roster and trade possibilities, the decision to pass on LaVine underscores their focus on maintaining long-term stability. The team appears to be avoiding the risks associated with adding a high-cost player with significant injury concerns.

Warriors Eye Jimmy Butler Trade as Potential Game-Changer for Steph Curry’s Title Quest

Golden State explores high-profile trade to boost championship aspirations

As the Golden State Warriors continue their pursuit of a fifth NBA title in the Steph Curry era, they are reportedly keeping a close eye on Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. With the Warriors failing to land an established second option to support Curry this offseason, Butler has emerged as a potential game-changer for their championship hopes.

Butler on Warriors’ Radar

During a recent episode of *The TK Show*, Sam Amick of *The Athletic* revealed that Golden State has genuine interest in acquiring Butler, a player known for his leadership, defensive prowess, and clutch performances. Amick suggested that the Warriors may have already explored the possibility of bringing in Butler over the summer.

“You need the wheels to fall off somewhere,” Amick stated. “Not free agency-wise, but trade-wise. Jimmy Butler comes to mind. He’s set to be a free agent next summer, and the Warriors, as you know, have interest. I think they probably made a couple of calls during the offseason.”

Butler, who will be an unrestricted free agent next year, did not finalize an extension with the Heat, further fueling speculation about a potential trade.

A Hypothetical Blockbuster Trade

Andy Bailey of *Bleacher Report* recently proposed a hypothetical trade scenario that could see Butler donning a Warriors jersey before the trade deadline. In this scenario, the Warriors would receive Butler and Josh Richardson, while Miami would acquire a significant haul that includes Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, and future first-round draft picks in 2025 and 2027, with a pick swap in 2028.

Bailey noted that the Warriors would be sacrificing considerable depth and youth in this trade, but it could be the bold move needed to secure Curry’s fifth ring. “This is the kind of desperate, win-now move they might have to make,” Bailey explained. For Miami, the deal would represent a chance to reset and focus on building for the future.

Miami’s Position Remains Unclear

Although Butler has not yet been made available for trade by the Heat, the situation could evolve if Miami struggles during the early part of the season. If the Heat decide to retool their roster, the Warriors could position themselves as a leading contender to acquire Butler, a move that would drastically enhance their chances of making another deep playoff run.

For now, Golden State’s interest in Butler underscores their commitment to maximizing Steph Curry’s championship window, and adding a star like Butler could be the game-changing move that pushes the Warriors over the top in their quest for another title.