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