In the beginning of his career, Stephen Curry was plagued by ankle injuries. The 2011-12 season was especially unkind for Curry, as an ankle injury ended his year early, allowing him to play in just 26 games. Curry needed surgery to fix his ankle woes and there was even a fear that the Warriors star's career could end prematurely. But as we now know, Curry returned from the surgery better than ever and has since been relatively injury free.

And while Curry's hard work to strengthen his entire body coupled with the ankle surgery has helped him to maintain his health, former Warriors coach Mark Jackson's church may also have played a role in his rise to greatness. A more divine and holy role, if you will.

As explained in Golden: The Miraculous Rise of Steph Curry by Marcus Thompson II, Jackson's church “anointed” Curry's ankles with oil during a service (excerpt via SI):

They took off his shoes and socks, anointed his ankle with oil and prayed for healing. The parishioners lifted their voices in chants and amens, calling on God to bless one of His Christian ambassadors. Service at Jackson’s church was much more passionate and engaging than Curry was used to back in Charlotte. But he humbly accepted the blessing that was being offered and returned to his seat with a smile on his face.

Whether or not Curry's ankles being “anointed” with oil actually worked, is up to your own interpretation. But at the very least, Curry (who is deeply religious) appreciated the gesture and ever since, has become a perennial All-Star, two-time MVP, NBA champion and one of the best players in the league.