Preseason games can bring a mix of excitement and personal milestones for players, especially when they involve meeting lifelong idols. Such was the case for Los Angeles Lakers rookie Quincy Olivari, who not only delivered a standout performance against the Golden State Warriors but also shared an unforgettable post-game moment with his basketball hero, Stephen Curry.
Olivari, an undrafted rookie guard playing for the Lakers, seized the opportunity to shine in their final preseason game against the Warriors. Despite the Lakers suffering a lopsided 132-74 defeat, Olivari led his team in scoring with 22 points, shooting an impressive 8-for-16 from the field and 5-for-9 from beyond the arc. His contributions also included seven rebounds and two assists, showing his all-around potential.
However, it wasn’t just Quincy Olivari’s play that made the night unforgettable. After the game, the 23-year-old had a special meeting with his longtime idol, Curry, which turned into a moment he’ll likely cherish for the rest of his life.
Olivari shared that Curry has been his favorite player since the sixth grade, a connection that fueled his drive to pursue basketball. Fighting back tears, Olivari recalled in a post-game press conference, “It’s crazy because that’s my favorite player ever. The first thing he told me was, ‘I’m a big fan of your game,’ and truth be told, I’m a big fan of him. I had his jersey; he signed it twice. I used to sleep under that jersey, and I used to want to be like him so badly.“
Quincy Olivari’s Dream Encounter With Stephen Curry
The interaction between Olivari and Curry didn’t end there. Curry continued the conversation backstage, gifting Olivari a signed pair of his shoes, adding to the surreal experience. For Olivari, this encounter was the highlight of years of admiration and hard work. He even showed Curry a video from when they first met during his childhood, adding another layer of nostalgia to the moment.
Olivari took to Instagram after the game, sharing pictures and videos of his younger self wearing a Curry jersey. In one clip, Curry signs a young Olivari’s jersey, and in another, Olivari proudly displays the pair of autographed shoes he received that night. He captioned the post, “Dreams do Come True.”
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Stephen Curry is starting his 16th NBA season, showing how much he has inspired younger players who are just beginning their careers. Olivari’s preseason time was short, but it was full of special moments, especially meeting the player who sparked his love for basketball. With the Lakers set to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 22, Quincy Olivari can take the confidence from that experience and step into the next chapter of his career.
