Even the brightest stars can have their world shaken in an instant. That’s exactly what happened to NBA legend Stephen Curry when his phone rang in the early hours of the morning. It was 3:15 a.m., and on the other end of the line was his mother, Sonya Curry, crying uncontrollably. The news she delivered left him devastated: his father, former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry, had just been rushed to the hospital.
According to sources close to the Curry family, Sonya struggled to get the words out as she explained what happened. Dell had suddenly fallen ill and was taken in for emergency treatment. The severity of the situation left Sonya shaken and desperate for comfort, prompting her late-night call to her son.
“Steph was half-asleep, but the moment he heard his mother’s voice, he knew something was terribly wrong,” an insider shared. “When she finally told him that Dell had been hospitalized, Steph went silent. He couldn’t believe it.”
For Stephen Curry, his father has always been more than just a parent. Dell Curry was the first person to put a basketball in his hands, the man who showed him how to shoot, and the role model he looked up to long before he became a global icon. To hear that his father’s health was in jeopardy left him shaken to his core.
Reports indicate that Curry immediately began making arrangements to be with his family, despite being in the middle of a demanding NBA schedule. “Basketball is important,” Steph reportedly said to a teammate, “but family comes first. Always.”
The story of Sonya’s late-night call has spread quickly, capturing the hearts of fans around the world. Many took to social media to send prayers for Dell Curry’s recovery. “Steph gave us so much joy on the court. Now it’s our turn to send love to him and his family,” one fan posted. Another wrote: “Hearing about his dad being hospitalized at 3 a.m. breaks my heart. Prayers up for the Curry family.”
While the exact nature of Dell’s illness has not been disclosed, sources say the situation was serious enough to require urgent hospitalization. Sonya, who has always been the emotional backbone of the family, was visibly distraught, which is why she reached out to Steph in such a raw, vulnerable moment.
Curry has often credited both his parents for his success. His father’s guidance in basketball and his mother’s discipline and spiritual influence shaped him into the man he is today. The idea of losing one of those pillars understandably shook him deeply.
Yet, even in the midst of personal pain, Stephen reportedly reminded his mother to stay strong. “We’ve been through challenges before, Mom,” he told her during the emotional call, according to a family friend. “Dad’s a fighter. We’re going to get through this together.”
The NBA community has also rallied around him. Several current and former players have privately reached out with support, acknowledging how close Steph and his father have always been. Dell Curry, now a broadcaster, has been a visible presence throughout Steph’s career, often seen courtside supporting his son with pride.
This moment serves as a stark reminder that even global superstars are not immune to the fragility of life. For Curry, who is used to controlling games with precision, this was a situation he could not dribble his way out of. Instead, it was about faith, family, and resilience.
As fans continue to await updates on Dell’s condition, the story of that 3:15 a.m. phone call remains a powerful glimpse into the human side of Stephen Curry. Behind the championships, the MVP trophies, and the highlight reels is a son—one who picked up the phone in the dead of night to hear the most frightening words a child can hear: “Your father is in the hospital.”
And in that moment, Steph was not the face of the Golden State Warriors, nor the greatest shooter in NBA history. He was simply a son, holding onto hope, praying that his father pulls through.
