Pros Admit to Nerves, Offer Tips to Embrace Big Moments

Stephen Curry, Jason Kidd, and other athletes open up about managing anxiety in high-pressure situations

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:54pm by Ben Kaplan

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In a refreshingly candid discussion, top professional athletes like Stephen Curry, Jason Kidd, and Luis Severino have acknowledged that even the best in their sports still experience nerves and anxiety, especially in clutch moments. Coaches like Billy Donovan and Doc Rivers also admit to feeling the pressure when the stakes are high. These pros offer insights on how they reframe their mindset, lean on routine, and embrace the big moments to perform at their best.

Why it matters

This story provides an important window into the mental challenges even elite athletes face, normalizing the experience of nerves and anxiety. By sharing their strategies for coping, these pros can help inspire young athletes and fans to better understand the human side of sports performance, and the value of mental preparation alongside physical skills.

The details

Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan polled his players on whether they viewed a free throw in the final seconds of a tie game differently than one in the first quarter. The resounding answer was yes - the high-stakes situation triggers very real nerves, even for seasoned veterans. Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton aims to make 10 free throws in a row each day to build that routine, while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasizes the importance of preparation to 'mitigate the fear or the nerves.' Coaches like Doc Rivers admit they sometimes don't fully trust themselves in crunch time, highlighting how the pressure can impact decision-making at the highest levels.

  • In December, Stephen Curry made a conscious effort to smile before converting two free throws that sealed a win against Phoenix.
  • Earlier this season, Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan polled his players about their mindset on free throws in different game situations.

The players

Stephen Curry

A 38-year-old NBA superstar with the Golden State Warriors, known for his calm demeanor and clutch shooting, who has admitted to experiencing nerves even late in his career.

Jason Kidd

The Dallas Mavericks head coach who played 19 seasons in the NBA, making 10 All-Star teams and winning Rookie of the Year in 1994-95.

Luis Severino

A Major League Baseball pitcher who spent the first nine years of his career with the Yankees and Mets, dealing with the pressure of playing in New York.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who polled his players on their mindset for free throws in different game situations.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has witnessed his players deliver in high-pressure playoff moments.

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What they’re saying

“That's more mental warfare for me to just enjoy the moment. I don't care how many free throws you've made, when you need two of them, you do get nervous, so the smile is more to kind of embrace the moment and enjoy it instead of overthinking or worrying about mechanics or anything.”

— Stephen Curry, NBA Player

“I think that's telling that Steph would say that and there is an innate fear in people to fail in big spots or to be nervous. I think it's just important to admit it at times and then kind of move on from there.”

— Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers Manager

“The biggest surprise to most people is that great pro athletes have the same feeling that a kid has, they just reframe it.”

— Graham Betchart, Mental Performance Coach

“It is healthy. I think that just lets everyone know you're human. Steph is human. There are feelings and emotions but I don't know if he gets nervous. Free throws are like layups for him, like 2-foot putts. But it's also great that he is open to sharing that about his feelings, that's pretty cool.”

— Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks Head Coach

“I think it's a great thing, I think it's something that you have to embrace and know that it's OK to feel it. I always try to tell myself, 'if you feel a little nervous or a little anxious, just embrace it like it's OK, it's OK to feel it. But just know that you've got to take a deep breath and try to make sure that you're under control.”

— Willy Adames, San Francisco Giants Shortstop

What’s next

The story highlights the growing openness among professional athletes to discuss mental health challenges, which could lead to more players and coaches sharing their strategies for coping with nerves and anxiety in high-pressure situations. This trend could inspire further dialogue and resources to support young athletes navigating the mental demands of elite competition.

The takeaway

This story provides an important reminder that even the best athletes in the world still experience the same human emotions and anxieties as the rest of us. By normalizing these feelings and sharing effective coping mechanisms, these pros are helping to destigmatize mental health discussions in sports and inspire the next generation to embrace the mental side of peak performance.