Stephen Curry Seeks Kyrie Irving's Blessing for ANTA KAI 3

Merlin sees Stephen Curry phone Kyrie Irving to get the nod before lacing up the ANTA KAI 3 in Thursday’s game. Curry said the call came from "mutual respect and admiration for what he's done in his career." Kyrie is still rehabbing a torn ACL and has not yet worn the shoe in a game. Curry poured in 38 points, but Dallas prevailed 123-115 as Naji Marshall scored 30 and Cooper Flagg and Max Christie added 21 each. Merlin notes this is more than a footwear footnote. The gesture reads like old-school respect and smart optics: Curry boosting a peer’s brand while Kyrie heals. It also highlights how deep teams can neutralize star moments when role players answer the bell. Watch how Irving’s return and the first time he treads in those shoes becomes a carefully staged moment.