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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates Klay Thompson’s three-point basket against the Denver Nuggets in the first half of an NBA game at Oracle Arena on Friday, March 8, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. (Photo by Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) | Courtesy: Getty Images

via Getty
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates Klay Thompson’s three-point basket against the Denver Nuggets in the first half of an NBA game at Oracle Arena on Friday, March 8, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. (Photo by Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) | Courtesy: Getty Images
The moment between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars is gaining all the attention. Smith’s slap is quickly turning into the headline for the event. However, amidst all the drama, a much-deserved legacy was solidified. Lusia Harris Stewart became truly immortal after her documentary ‘The Queen of Basketball’ won recognition at the Oscars. Her biggest supporters, Stephen Curry and Shaquille O’Neal showed their appreciation for the basketball legend after the iconic win as well.
Lusia Harris Stewart was a truly unique talent in all the ways imaginable. She was a true pioneer for women’s basketball and paved the way for women athletes all around the world. She gained her first bit of recognition after winning three state championships in the 1970s. Later, in the first Olympic event where women competed, she took the USA to silver medal status. However, her true greatness comes with proof. To this day she remains to be the only woman to be officially drafted into the NBA.

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Mar 16, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) saves the ball from going out of bounds against the Boston Celtics in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Likewise, Curry and Shaq both looked up to her journey in life. And her story gained much-deserved respect after the short film won an Oscar for best doc short.
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Stephen Curry and Shaquille O’Neal pay their respects to the Queen
Lusia inspired many athletes around the world with her journey. In particular, it caught the eye of Stephen Curry and Shaquille O’Neal. The true basketball giants were left emotional after watching her documentary and giving her the respect she deserved. While Lucy could watch the documentary, she, unfortunately, passed away in January earlier this year. However, her legacy became cemented after her film won an Oscar.
Steph took to Instagram to congratulate the entire team of ‘The Queen of Basketball’. He wrote, “Long live the queen. this one’s for you Lucy.”
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While the Big Diesel hasn’t been vocal after the win, he showered Lusia Harris Stewart with the biggest praise. After watching the movie Shaq said, ‘I got to do whatever it takes to bring this story to the world…’ I want to see Lusia on the Oscars, the red carpet, want to see this woman get her shot. I want her to have that moment where she gets to talk to an even bigger audience, to be able to inspire the future generations.”
While the icon didn’t get the chance to speak at the ceremony, the win gives her true validation. Women’s basketball is skyrocketing in these times, and Lucy played one of the biggest roles. She was one of the best basketball players and set an example for athletes of all ages and gender. She let nothing hold her back as she made use of her talents in the best way possible.
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This win only goes to show the impact Lucy has had on women’s sports. Her story is an example for anyone around the world that nothing is impossible. Lusia achieved everything she set her mind to and will be remembered forever with the iconic Oscars win.
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