Pregame warm-ups have become their own spectacle, thanks in large part to Stephen Curry and the lot of the current generation of players. Whether he’s casually draining shots from the logo, launching impossible floaters that amaze, or sinking his now-iconic tunnel shot, Curry has turned the lead-up to tip-off into must-see TV.
Yet, a recently resurfaced clip suggests that Curry may not have been the first to master the art of the tunnel shot. Instead, an old-school Warriors legend might have laid the blueprint years ago. A nostalgic moment from NBA history has resurfaced, one that might rewrite the origins of Stephen Curry’s legendary pregame trick-shot routine
Enter Kevin Garnett, NBA legend and walking encyclopedia of hoop history. A recently resurfaced clip of Monta Ellis, yes, the high-flying, mid-range assassin from the Warriors’ pre-Curry days, had KG connecting some dots. And let’s just say, the Hall of Famer had questions. He shared a story on Instagram where the viral clip features Ellis in his prime, casually launching backward tunnel shots and sinking four straight. He captioned it,” Oh sooo this where Steph go it from…mmm [salute emoji] .“ No look. No hesitation. Just pure, ridiculous shot-making. If social media had been around in the mid-2000s like it is today, that clip would have broken the internet.
Now, to be fair, Curry has credited his father, Dell Curry, for his shooting ability. But Garnett’s theory adds a whole new angle to the conversation that’s taken center stage. Was Monta Ellis unknowingly laying the blueprint for the Warriors’ dynasty before Steph even had the keys to the trickshots?
Monta Ellis, the Trick-Shot Pioneer?
Monta Ellis was always a magician with the basketball. Long before today’s era of logo threes and deep-range snipers, Ellis had a knack for making the impossible look effortless. With a game built on speed, craftiness, and fearless shot-making, Ellis often left defenders helpless. While he was best known for his explosive scoring ability, there was another side to his offensive arsenal that flew under the radar, his willingness to take and make absurd trick shots.
Ellis had a certain flair that set him apart. He was the kind of player who would turn a broken play into a highlight, using angles and shot mechanics that few would even attempt. Here’s what the former shooting guard had to say about teaming up with the Baby-Faced Assassin.
Back in his Warriors days, Ellis’ shot selection was unpredictable in the best way possible. He could attack the basket relentlessly, but he also had an uncanny ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the floor. That confidence made him a must-watch player, someone who could light up the scoreboard while pulling off shots that seemed more like playground antics than NBA execution.
Stephen Curry(30) and Monta Ellis(8) for the Golden State Warriors
Even in an era before social media hype, those who watched Ellis closely knew one thing. The fact that he was ahead of his time. His shot-making creativity may not have been the focal point of his legacy, but it certainly left a lasting impression on the game.
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