Over the course of the Golden State Warriors’ five-year dominance, Stephen Curry’s pregame shooting sessions have become legendary in their own right.

With dribbles of two balls at once, long-range shots from beyond the half-court line, and jaw-dropping flings from the depths of Oracle Arena, Curry’s warm-up routine has captivated crowds and become a must-see spectacle akin to Barry Bonds’s batting practice.

However, there’s a lesser-known ritual that Curry adheres to before every game, particularly when the Warriors are on the road: his love for popcorn.

“Get off the bus, walk into the locker room, put my stuff down, go straight to the popcorn table,” Curry revealed.

Wardell Stephen Curry II, the offensive heartbeat of the Warriors, proudly admits to being a self-professed “popcorn addict.” While it may contradict the health-conscious trends of the NBA, Curry considers popcorn an essential part of his game-night experience. He indulges in it before the game, at halftime, and after, if it’s especially good.

Recently, Curry’s shooting accuracy received a boost when he acquired contact lenses to address years of blurry vision. In his final 13 games of the season, he shot an impressive 47.3 percent from the three-point line—an increase of nearly 5 percentage points compared to his performance in the preceding 56 games. When asked to weigh the significance of popcorn versus his new contacts in determining his postseason success, Curry struggled to choose.

“It’s 1A and 1B,” he confessed.

Curry’s affection for this movie-watching snack traces back to his childhood. His father, Dell Curry, a former NBA sharpshooter turned broadcaster, is also a popcorn enthusiast and believes his eldest son inherited both the addiction and some of his shooting skills.

While Dell Curry enjoys popcorn as a post-game treat, he acknowledges that he would never have considered munching on buttered-and-salted popcorn before playing an NBA game. The same goes for Warriors coach Steve Kerr, another sharpshooter from Dell Curry’s era. In the past decade, common concession stand foods have become taboo in NBA pregame fueling, with energy bars, deli meats, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches taking their place.

However, Kerr gives Curry the green light not just on the court but also in his diet.

“Whatever he is doing, he needs to continue to do,” Kerr advised, recognizing the unique impact of Curry’s popcorn tradition.

As the playoffs approach, fans will eagerly watch Curry’s shooting prowess and wonder if popcorn’s role as his go-to snack will continue to play a part in his success. One thing is for certain: Curry’s love for popcorn has become a delightful and enduring aspect of his storied basketball career.