Stephen Curry’s name is already stitched into the fabric of basketball history, but Thursday night at the Chase Center, he threaded another golden strand. The Golden State Warriors star did what only he could do—became the first player in NBA history to drain 4,000 career three-pointers. Against the Sacramento Kings, Curry needed just two triples to reach the milestone. Predictably, he did so with a kind of poetic efficiency that’s become his signature. Two shots early in the game, and the record was his. It was as if he had ordered them off the menu—two threes, please, and make them iconic.
The Road to 4,000
Curry’s journey to this moment started back in 2009 when the Warriors picked him seventh overall in the NBA Draft. A scrawny, boyish sharpshooter from Davidson, his potential was clear, but this level of brilliance? Unthinkable. His rookie season saw him make 166 three-pointers, ranking 10th in the league. Since then, he’s been the NBA’s top three-point scorer in eight of his 16 seasons, including that stunning 2015-16 season where he sank a record 402 threes and became the first-ever unanimous MVP.
Curry’s record-setting has been a constant, even as he evolved from a scoring prodigy into a cultural icon. The man changed basketball itself, stretching defenses until they snapped, altering how the game is played, coached, and consumed. His 4,000 threes are not just the result of a sharp shooting arm but a revolutionary approach to the sport.
Comparing Curry to the Greats
When comparing Curry to other basketball legends, it’s crucial to note his influence on the game’s structure. Michael Jordan’s gravity was his dominance in the air, LeBron James is known for his all-around versatility, and Kobe Bryant was legendary for his obsessive dedication to mastering the art of scoring. Yet none of them altered the fundamental geometry of the game like Curry. His unprecedented three-point shooting range has forced defenses to adapt in ways previously unimaginable. It’s not just the numbers; it’s the way the game is played because of him.
Reggie Miller and Ray Allen, once the greatest shooters in NBA history, redefined the catch-and-shoot role. Curry, however, transcended it, blending finesse, skill, and a little bit of madness. What he does is a combination of art and mathematics—the beauty of a perfect swish paired with the brutal efficiency of analytics. He didn’t just raise the bar; he obliterated it.
Curry’s Influence Across Eras
To understand Curry’s impact on the game, it’s essential to compare him to other transformative players across various eras. In the 1980s, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird revitalized the NBA with their rivalry, dazzling playmaking, and cerebral approach. Michael Jordan dominated the 1990s with his unmatched athleticism and competitive spirit, turning basketball into a global phenomenon. LeBron James, in the 2000s and beyond, became a symbol of all-around brilliance, a player capable of doing everything at an elite level.
But Stephen Curry’s influence is unique. Unlike Jordan’s air assaults or LeBron’s powerful drives, Curry’s artistry lies in precision and range. He made the impossible not just possible but efficient. Today’s game is littered with players emulating his style, from high school gyms to the NBA stage. He changed what it meant to be great by proving that finesse and creativity can be just as dominant as brute strength and height.
Consistency in Excellence
Curry’s consistency is almost as remarkable as his talent. He has made at least one three-pointer in 967 of his 1,010 career games. That’s a success rate of 95.7%, the highest of all time among players with at least 50 games. Even during slumps, his baseline performance remains astonishingly high. Notably, he has never played three consecutive games without sinking at least one three-pointer.
This record-breaking moment is the culmination of years of resilience, talent, and sheer audacity. Curry’s brilliance has always been about more than raw numbers—it’s about a redefinition of what’s possible on a basketball court.
What’s Next for Curry and the Warriors?
Of course, a record like this invites another question: What next? Even as Curry continues to widen the gap between himself and every other three-point shooter in history, the Warriors remain firmly focused on their current season. Could Curry’s sharpshooting help guide the Warriors to a first championship since 2022 this season? The odds are intriguing, as you’ll find out at sites like Covers.com , and there are even bonuses available for new users eager to wager on Curry’s ongoing greatness.
With the competitive nature of the NBA, there’s value in backing an underdog to triumph this season. Surprisingly, given the qualities of Curry and other stars, the Warriors are five or six places down the favorites list with most bookmakers. It’s the kind of place that will add further fuel to the motivational fires of Curry and the company.
The Chase for 5,000
As of now, only James Harden has surpassed the 3,000-career-three threshold. But Curry is already eyeing the 5,000 mark, a record so otherworldly it feels like a myth waiting to be born. If he continues playing beyond his current contract—and by all indications, he plans to—this milestone may well fall, too.
The sheer volume of Curry’s threes isn’t the only marvel. His accuracy remains elite, sitting at 42.4% over his career, placing him fourth all-time among players with at least 1,000 ‘made’ threes. And remember, we’re talking about someone who takes the kind of absurd, logic-defying shots most players wouldn’t dare attempt.
More Than Just Numbers
But to dwell solely on the statistics is to miss the point. Curry’s record isn’t just a testament to his shooting; it’s a statement about his work ethic, creativity, and flair for the dramatic. His ability to hit backcourt bombs—including a 51-footer this season against the Magic—shows his willingness to go beyond conventional limits.
The beauty of Curry’s game lies in its unpredictability. It’s in those wild, heat-check moments when the ball leaves his hands, and everyone in the arena already knows the result.
A Record for the Ages
On this particular Thursday night, as the Warriors coasted to a 130-104 victory, Curry took his seat on the bench, tucking his mouthguard into his tights with the casual air of someone who had just done something extraordinary yet again. And why wouldn’t he? Greatness is routine for Stephen Curry. And as the Warriors march on, their fans will keep asking: What record will he break next?
