D’Angelo Russell Reveals Steph Curry’s Mindset: ‘I Don’t Need the Refs’ – Why It Makes Him Unstoppable

The Podcast Revelation

When D’Angelo Russell sat down for a recent podcast episode, he didn’t hold back praising his former teammate Steph Curry. “He plays like he doesn’t need the referees,” Russell said, shaking his head. “Name one other player in the league with that mentality. That’s why he’s my favorite player.”

As a Lakers fan (yes, I said it), even I have to tip my hat to Curry. The man’s audacity to dominate without relying on foul calls is next-level arrogance—the kind that wins championships.

By the Numbers: Curry’s Ref-Independent Dominance

Let’s talk stats, because feelings don’t win games (looking at you, 2023 Lakers). This season:

• 24.5 PPG on 62.6% True Shooting (4th among guards)
• Only 5.1 FTA per game — fewer than Trae Young (who averages 8.9)
• 42.7% from three on contested shots (NBA.com tracking)

Curry doesn’t flop. He doesn’t hunt fouls. He just breaks defenses with movement and precision—like a sniper who refuses to call for backup.

The Psychological Edge

Russell nailed it: Curry’s mindset is rare. Most stars (cough Embiid cough) treat free throws as a birthright. But Curry? He’d rather drop a 30-foot dagger than bait a whistle. That mentality:

1. Demoralizes opponents: When you can’t stop someone without fouling, what’s left?
2. Elevates teammates: No whining = no distraction from winning.
3. Saves his legs: Less theatrics means fresher fourth quarters (see: 2022 Finals Game 4).

Final Verdict: The Ultimate Competitor

Love him or hate him (I oscillate daily), Curry’s ref-free dominance is why he’s a future Hall of Famer. As Russell put it: “That’s too powerful.” And as a data guy? I’ll add: That’s efficiency personified.