Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors entered the NBA Finals for the first time in 40 years, but it was his daughter who starred in the post-game press conference.
Riley, Curry’s two-year-old daughter, was with her dad when the MVP spoke to the media after the Warriors dismantled the Houston Rockets 104-90 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals and she was loving it.
“She’s enjoying the moment for sure,” Curry said of his daughter.
While sitting on her father’s lap, Riley pretended to be tired, then asked her “Dada” for a little help on her bracelet, tore a piece of paper, played hide-and-seek, sang some Big Sean, told her dad to be quiet, then finally sat in peace as her father instructed her.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry speaks with his daughter Riley at his side during a news conference after Game 5 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Houston Rockets in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, May 27, 2015. The Warriors won 104-90 and advanced to the NBA Finals. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Still, Riley’s post-game appearances haven’t sat well with other broadcasters and an NBA legend.
ESPN broadcaster Skip Bayless said Riley was a “menace. An adorable menace,” and NBA legend Charles Barkley preferred Riley to stay away from press conferences.
Riley, however, had supporters including NBA TV analyst Vince Cellini who copied the Curries and brought his 20-year-old “little one” to the set which drew laughs from another NBA legend, Isiah Thomas, and retired NBA player Dennis Scott.
Whatever the case, Riley is still the breakout star of the playoffs. CC