Today is a momentous day, not only for math enthusiasts or pie aficionados, but for all those who have been profoundly impacted by the captivating sport we adore. It marks the 36th birthday of a remarkable individual who has truly revolutionized the way we perceive and experience this seemingly trivial game. We gather to celebrate the extraordinary Steph Curry.

Traditionally, birthdays are occasions for bestowing gifts upon the jubilant celebrant. However, in homage to the man who has transformed, and some would argue disrupted, the very essence of basketball, I propose a delightful twist to the customary proceedings. Instead of offering Curry a present, let us implore him to gift us something extraordinary in return.

Oh, Steph, we beseech you. We implore you. We yearn for your return. Please grace us with your presence, for you owe us a birthday present. Or perhaps, something even more awe-inspiring. Thankfully, Curry’s imminent comeback appears to be on the horizon, with the Golden State Warriors brimming with optimism that he will rejoin the lineup in their upcoming clash against the formidable Los Angeles Lakers, scheduled for this Saturday.

The Warriors have seemed somewhat helpless in his absence, faltering since the moment he sprained his ankle with a mere four minutes remaining in the intense encounter against the Chicago Bulls. They suffered a disheartening defeat in that game, followed by a surprising loss at home to a lackluster San Antonio Spurs squad (devoid of the exceptional Victor Wembanyama), a subsequent victory against the Spurs, and another defeat at the hands of the formidable Dallas Mavericks.

Birthdays are always cause for celebration, but in Curry’s case, they also offer an opportunity to marvel not only at his staggering accomplishments but also at his unwavering brilliance during an age when NBA players were presumed to be hobbling towards the twilight of their careers. Curry’s current average of 26.9 points per game is a testament to his enduring greatness. If he manages to sustain this remarkable feat, he will join a select group of basketball luminaries, becoming just the fifth player in NBA history to average 26 points per game in their age-35 or older season. This illustrious fraternity includes the likes of LeBron James (twice), Kevin Durant (who is also achieving it this year), and Alex English.