In the high-stakes world of NBA preseason, where every game represents an opportunity to either solidify a spot on the team or watch a dream slip away, Quincy Olivari showcased both skill and heart in the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors. The undrafted rookie from Xavier capped off his preseason journey in memorable fashion, although the Lakers suffered a significant defeat, losing 132-74 to the Warriors in San Francisco.
Olivari's Impressive Performance
Despite the unfavorable outcome for the Lakers, Olivari's performance was a beacon of promise. The rookie guard demonstrated his prowess, contributing 22 points and securing seven rebounds. His shooting efficiency was similarly impressive, nailing 5 of his 9 attempts from the 3-point range. Throughout the four preseason games, Olivari consistently averaged nearly nine points per game, boasting a cumulative 8-for-14 record from beyond the arc. This efficiency not only highlights his shooting potential but also his readiness to make an impact in the NBA.
A Memorable Meeting with a Childhood Hero
Yet, the night will be remembered by Quincy Olivari not just for his performance on the court, but for his off-court encounter with NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who did not play in the game. For Olivari, meeting Curry was a dream realized. The rookie shared his enthusiasm and reverence for Curry, stating, "It's crazy because I've liked him since I was in like sixth grade. I don't even know what to say, man. Like, that's my favorite player ever."
The admiration was mutual. "The first thing he told me was like, 'I'm a big fan of your game,' and truth be told, I'm a big fan of him," Olivari relayed with palpable excitement. This exchange not only highlights the mutual respect between emerging talent and an established veteran but also underscores the personal significance for Olivari.
A Gift to Remember
The night reached a poignant moment when Curry presented Olivari with a pair of signed shoes, a gesture that Olivari cherishes deeply. Reflecting on the gift, Olivari shared, "Just to be able to meet him, him being able to have some respect for me, and then us to talk in the back -- he gave me a pair of his shoes and signed them. That meant the world to me, man." This token of acknowledgment from Curry is a testament to Olivari’s impact, despite the rookie status.
Olivari's history with Curry transcends typical fan admiration. "I had his jersey -- he signed it twice. I used to sleep under that jersey. And like, I just wanted to be like him so badly," Olivari recalled, emphasizing the profound influence Curry has had on his basketball journey. The emotions that spilled over at the encounter demonstrate how boundaries of fandom can blur when aspiring athletes finally step into the realm they’ve long idolized.
A Future in Question
As Olivari awaits a decision on his place on the Lakers’ opening night roster, this preseason serves as a stepping stone in what he hopes will be an enduring career. Regardless of the decision, Olivari’s heart has shown through the statistics he’s collected and the impressions he’s made, not just on fans and potentially future teammates, but on his idol, Stephen Curry himself.
In the end, Olivari's preseason isn’t just a matter of points or percentages—it’s a vivid narrative of aspirations meeting reality, dreams tangling with perseverance, and a young player's hopes crystallizing in a pair of signed shoes. As he told reporters, "My dad knows, my mom knows -- like, it just means a lot. I don't know, it just means a lot."
For Quincy Olivari, this is just the beginning, leaving us all waiting to see if his passion and prowess can carve out a permanent space in the highly competitive world of the NBA.