Stephen Curry, the legendary basketball superstar, is known for his incredible shooting ability and leadership on the court. But off the court, he has a heart just as big as his championship rings. Recently, Curry made headlines for a surprise that left an entire school—and the internet—speechless.
At Jefferson High School, one person keeps things running behind the scenes—Mr. James Willis, the beloved janitor who has been a fixture at the school for over two decades. Known for his warm smile, unwavering work ethic, and encouragement toward students, Mr. Willis had been quietly dealing with a major struggle: his car had broken down months ago, forcing him to take the bus or walk several miles to and from work.
When Stephen Curry heard about his situation through a former player who attended Jefferson, he knew he had to do something. With the help of the school’s principal and some of his connections, he planned an unforgettable surprise.
On a Friday afternoon, students and faculty gathered in the school gym under the pretense of a “special assembly.” Mr. Willis, assuming he was simply helping set up, was caught completely off guard when Curry walked in, microphone in hand.
After sharing how much of an impact he had on the students and school community, he handed him a set of car keys. Outside, waiting for him, was a brand-new SUV—paid for in full. The look on Mr. Willis’ face said it all: disbelief, joy, and overwhelming gratitude. Tears flowed freely as students erupted in cheers.
“I don’t even know what to say,” Mr. Willis managed through sobs. “I just do my job because I love these kids. I never expected anything like this.”
What Happened Next Will Melt Your Heart
As if the moment wasn’t emotional enough, the story didn’t end there. Inspired by Curry’s act of kindness, the students at Jefferson High started a fundraising campaign to help cover Mr. Willis’ gas, insurance, and maintenance for the foreseeable future. Within 48 hours, donations poured in from across the country, surpassing $25,000.
Even more touching, Curry later revealed that he had been working with a local dealership to ensure Mr. Willis’ new ride came with a lifetime maintenance package—meaning he’d never have to worry about repairs again.
In a world that often highlights negativity, this heartwarming story is a reminder of the power of kindness and community. Stephen Curry’s generosity didn’t just change one man’s life; it inspired an entire school and thousands of others to pay it forward.
As for Mr. Willis? He’s still wiping away tears, but now, he’s doing it from the driver’s seat of his brand-new SUV, proving that sometimes, good people really do get the happy endings they deserve.
Stephen Curry named Kia MVP as Shaq’s OGs win 1st NBA All-Star mini-tournament
The hometown hero scores 12 points in the Final to help Shaq’s OGs defeat Chuck’s Global Stars in the new All-Star format.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The final pregame introduction belonged to none other than Stephen Curry. The big MVP trophy at the end, Curry heaved that high in the air, too, in a fitting finish to his special All-Star Game at home.
His arena. His fans. His shining moment — the latest one on the list, that is.
Curry earned all this well-deserved fanfare in what has been a remarkable run from Oakland to San Francisco for the Golden State Warriors star.
Curry scored the first points of the final on a 3-pointer and later hit from half court, running down to chest bump rapper Mistah Fab along one baseline. He helped Shaq’s OGs beat Chuck’s Global Stars 41-25 on Sunday, scoring 12 points on four 3-pointers on his way to the Kobe Bryant Award as Kia NBA All-Star Game MVP.
Fans at Chase Center chanted “M-V-P! M-V-P!” as he received the trophy.
An Olympic gold medal in August, then an All-Star victory back in the Bay Area six months later. Next month, he will celebrate his 37th birthday.
Curry took a moment during a break midgame, grabbed the mic and shared how “blessed” he felt having the All-Star Game on his court at 5-year-old Chase Center — something the Golden State Warriors had long envisioned from the very start.
Curry kicked a ball to Anthony Edwards before beginning his pregame shooting routine — minus his regular passing man, Warriors assistant coach Bruce Fraser.
Shaquille O’Neal drafted Curry and his teammates for the All-Star competition, facing Candace’s Rising Stars in the first game in the new format for the NBA’s midseason classic.
No quarters, no clock, first one to 40 points.
This was a fitting finish for Curry after a jam-packed weekend of parties, practice and community outreach.
It marked the 36-year-old Curry’s 11th All-Star selection and 10th appearance overall.
This moment clearly meant so much to Curry, whose birthday is March 14. He appeared emotional during the Canadian and U.S. national anthems and then quickly turned his attention to the next task.
The final was basically over early, and the halftime show — an 18-minute tribute to TNT — lasted longer than the game did. The Global Stars started the title game 0-for-10 from the field, 0-for-6 from 3-point range and fell into a quick 11-0 hole.
It was the debut of the All-Star mini-tournament format: four teams, three games, with only 40 points needed to end each contest.
The league went to the tournament format of untimed, short games with hopes that asking All-Stars to play fewer minutes would lead to better competition.
Last year’s game in Indianapolis had a 211-186 final score, setting a slew of records but prompting the league to take action after years of urging players to take the exhibition a bit more seriously.
Semifinal 1: Global Stars 41, Young Stars 32
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 12 points, including the clinching basket, and Chuck’s Global Stars advanced to the title game by beating Kenny’s Young Stars.
Wembanyama and Karl-Anthony Towns each had six points for the Global Stars. Darius Garland, Tyler Herro and Evan Mobley each had six points for the Young Stars, who were without Edwards. He was a last-second scratch with a groin issue.
“My groin’s been messed up for a little minute,” said Edwards, who had been listed as a starter for the first semifinal. He added that with the short warmup before Game 1, he didn’t think there was time to test it out and see if he could go.
“You always want to play,” Edwards said. “But when they put two minutes on the clock for warmup, I didn’t get no time to warm up my groin and it was all bad.”
Semifinal 2: Shaq’s OGs 42, Candace’s Rising Stars 35
Damian Lillard scored nine points, including the 3-pointer to push his team past the target score, and the OGs survived.
The Rising Stars — a team of first- and second-year players — weren’t an easy out against a roster with a combined 86 All-Star appearances and $2.7 billion in on-court earnings. There were nine lead changes and five ties.
Curry scored eight points for the OGs, while Dalton Knecht and Ryan Dunn each had eight for the Rising Stars.
