Stephen Curry’s Sneaker Tribute to Klay Thompson Was the Real All-Star Moment
It wasn’t a windmill dunk or a half-court three that stole the show during All-Star Weekend. The most powerful moment came before the game even tipped off-when Stephen Curry walked onto the court wearing Klay Thompson’s signature sneakers.
Not just any pair, either. These were silver, sparkling KT 11s, customized to honor the four championships the duo won together.
The title years were etched into the design. On the back?
A nod to Klay’s legendary 37-point quarter-still the NBA record for most points in a single period. It was a tribute wrapped in chrome and symbolism, gleaming under the arena lights.
And it hit even harder considering the timing: just days before, Thompson had signed a lifetime deal with ANTA, a rare honor in the world of basketball sneakers.
Curry didn’t just send a congratulatory text or post a highlight reel. He laced up his old teammate’s shoes on the league’s biggest stage of the weekend.
For a player as deeply tied to his own brand as Curry-whose partnership with Under Armour helped launch one of the most successful signature lines of the past decade-this wasn’t some casual switch. It was a deliberate, thoughtful gesture.
A public salute to the player who’s been with him every step of the Warriors’ dynasty.
And there was something poetic about it happening in Los Angeles-Klay’s hometown, where his basketball journey began long before the championship parades in the Bay. Thompson wasn’t on the All-Star roster this year, but his legacy still made its way onto the floor through the teammate who’s shared every major milestone of his career.
Klay’s lifetime sneaker deal tells a story that’s always run a little counter to the NBA norm. Back in 2015, while many stars were chasing deals with Nike or Adidas, Thompson signed with ANTA.
It was a move that raised eyebrows at the time, but over the past 12 years, he’s turned it into one of the most successful basketball brands in Asia. Eleven signature models.
Over ten million pairs sold. “China Klay” went from meme to movement, built on real fan engagement, offseason tours, and a genuine connection that transcended borders.
Lifetime sneaker contracts are reserved for the elite of the elite-Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, Damian Lillard. Now, Klay Thompson joins that exclusive club.
It’s a reminder that his impact stretches far beyond the box score, even as he suits up in a different jersey in Dallas. His influence is global.
His legacy, secure.
Together, Curry and Thompson didn’t just win titles-they changed the way basketball is played. The Splash Brothers redefined spacing, pace, and perimeter shooting.
They made the three-pointer not just a weapon, but a way of life. And on All-Star Weekend, Curry gave Klay his flowers in the most fitting way possible: by letting his shoes do the talking.
It was subtle. It was classy. And it was a moment that reminded everyone-some bonds don’t fade, even when teammates go their separate ways.