What makes an athlete successful? While some argue it is a god-given ability, others say it’s hard work and commitment. But, there is one common factor that is common to the best of the best. Whether it be GOATs like Michael Jordan or current players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, they share a common DNA. Not in the biological sense, in the mentality sense. Even though Kobe Bryant gave genesis to the term Mamba Mentality, it has been a way of life for athletes for a long time. Something that the aforementioned Giannis understood, and that Stephen Curry had to hear from MJ himself.

As Steph’s desert escapades go viral, an old clip about the essence of competition, as explained by Jordan himself, is making the rounds.

Michael Jordan and his never-lose mentality

When it comes to winners in the NBA, there are very few who can match the sheer volume of Michael Jordan. A 6-time Champion, and 5-time MVP, the accolades do nothing but solidify his standing as the greatest ever. But, the motivation behind achieving each of those objectives was the same throughout.      “I hate losing. I mean, I gotta be honest.” 3 simple words and it explains the entire mystique about Jordan.

But, in a call back to an iconic quote by the legend himself, and an echo of the Greek Freak‘s comments at the conclusion of last season, His Airness gave proper respect to the importance of a loss.

While Giannis gave light to the term “steps to success”, the idea came from a man he would reference in that conference.

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed,” declared the Chicago Bulls legend.

Perhaps, that ideology is what separates the truly great ones. Respecting the importance of losing, “I gotta respect losing cuz losing is a part of winning,” Michael said. “You never just win. You gotta lose to win.”

It is that mentality that led Curry to try out desert workouts after his second round exit earlier this year.

Jordan’s words give Stephen Curry inspiration

There isn’t a lot left for Wardell to accomplish. Whether it be 2 MVP awards, including the only unanimous, or 4 championships, Stephen Curry has done it all.

But, that drive still remains strong. As a result, clips of him working out in the desert have gone viral over the last few days. Over the sandy dunes in Dubai, Chef Curry is putting in the work, getting ready for yet another season. Or, maybe he wants Jordan to change his stance on the GOAT point guard debate.

Read More: “Rocky Mode”: Stephen Curry Turns into Sylvester Stallone, as He Trains in Scorching Heat in Dubai, 28 Days Before Facing Kevin Durant

His same drive and determination were visible when he refused to give up in Game 7 of the first round this past year against the Sacramento Kings, dropping the first 50-piece in a Game 7 in history. It remains strong even in the offseason, where after more than a decade in the league and every award under his name, he could relax. But, the great ones rarely do.

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