Stephen Curry hilariously reacts after TNT's Kevin Harlan jinxes free-throw streak during Warriors vs. Suns

Dan Treacy

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Stephen Curry hilariously reacts after TNT's Kevin Harlan jinxes free-throw streak during Warriors vs. Suns image

Warriors star Stephen Curry missed his first free throw of the season on Tuesday night, and he instantly knew why.

The two-time MVP pointed right at TNT play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Harlan, who said just as the shot was launched that Curry hadn't missed a free throw yet this year.

Reggie Miller immediately said, "Why? Why? Why?" as fellow color analyst Candace Parker joked, "That is you, Kevin!" Miller and Parker both pointed at Harlan before Curry joined in on the fun.

Curry was a perfect 22-of-22 from the free-throw line heading into tonight's matchup with the Suns, and he made it 23 in a row with an early and-one opportunity. Curry ultimately missed another free-throw in the third quarter tonight.

Tuesday's game marks the first of four meetings this season between the Warriors and Suns, two of the West's most talented teams. Golden State's defense has struggled mightily through the first three games of the season, so every Curry free-throw has some value. 

MORE: Kevin Harlan delivers hilarious call of Super Bowl 55 streaker: 'Pull up your pants!'

Announcer's jinxes in sports

The idea of an announcer's jinx resurfaces whenever a commentator mentions an active streak that ends shortly after the comment. While it may not be an actual factor in the end of any streak, it's hilarious to see Curry have some fun with it.

In football, broadcasters get blamed for missed field goals. During the 2020 season, Joe Buck famously jinxed a streak of 70 consecutive made field goals from inside 40 yards by Ravens kicker Justin Tucker.

Seconds before the missed kick, Buck referenced the idea of a jinx, saying, "I'm just gonna say he is [making the field goal]. No announcer's jinx, come on." Tucker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, missed the attempt.

There are plenty of examples:

What is Stephen Curry's career free-throw percentage?

While Curry will always be best known for his skills from beyond the three-point line, he's also a historically good free-throw shooter.

Curry is shooting 90.9 percent on free-throws in his career. He's led the league in free-throw percentage on four occasions and has a 92.2 percent mark from the free-throw line since 2017-18. 

MORE: Stephen Curry's 10 career-defining moments

While Curry's career still has a long way to go, he stands alone as the NBA's all-time leader in free-throw percentage. Steve Nash sits just behind Curry with a 90.4 percent mark, and Mark Price is the only other player with a career rate over 90 percent.

Among active players, Damian Lillard is the closest player to Curry with an 89.3 percent mark. 

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy Photo

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.