Steph Curry’s 3-Point Revolution: A Legacy Beyond the Arc
Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ maestro, has redefined basketball with his unparalleled 3-point prowess. Recently eclipsing the 4,000 mark for career 3-pointers made, a feat previously considered within the realm of fantasy, Curry’s influence extends far beyond individual accolades. He is the architect of a modern offensive philosophy that prioritizes spacing, ball movement, and, most importantly, the ever-present threat of the long ball.
It’s almost impossible to believe that in his NBA debut on October 28, 2009, Curry failed to connect on his sole 3-point attempt. Now, the image of Curry not hitting a 3 in a game feels absurd, a stark contrast to the reality of his nightly barrage of deep shots, often launched from well beyond the arc. His ability to consistently convert from distances previously considered "low percentage" has warped the perception of what constitutes a good shot.
The record-breaking 4,000th 3-pointer, achieved against the Sacramento Kings, wasn’t just another milestone; it was a testament to his dedication, skill, and the impact he’s had on the sport. He currently leads the NBA in 3s made per game this season, averaging 4.5, and is on track to add approximately 60 more to his already staggering total before the regular season concludes.
The sheer volume of Curry’s 3-point production is astounding. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in basketball history, he continues to elevate his game, setting new standards each season. The numbers are staggering: Curry has surpassed 250 3s made in each of his last five seasons and exceeded 212 in 12 of his past 13 seasons. The sole exception was the injury-plagued 2019-20 season, where he was limited to just five games.
The question now isn’t whether Curry will further extend his record but how far he can push it. If he maintains his health and plays 70 games per season for the next four years, a climb to 5,000 career 3-pointers becomes a realistic possibility. When asked about his future and the potential for a long career, Curry expressed his desire to continue competing at the highest level and pursuing further championships.
Curry’s impact extends beyond his personal achievements. He is the catalyst for the evolution of modern NBA offenses. His gravity, the constant attention he commands from opposing defenses, creates opportunities for his teammates, fostering a culture of spacing and perimeter shooting. Teams are now built around the 3-point shot, recognizing its efficiency and its ability to generate high-scoring, exciting basketball.
The numbers illustrate this dramatic shift. In Curry’s rookie season, NBA teams averaged 18.1 3-point attempts per game, converting 6.4 of them. Today, teams average 37.6 attempts and make 13.5. The volume has more than doubled, a direct consequence of Curry’s influence and the realization that the 3-point shot, when executed effectively, is a potent weapon. He is now one of five players who launch at least 10 3s per game.
His individual brilliance is further highlighted by the fact that he’s hit at least 300 3s in a season five times, including an NBA-record 402 in 2015-16. To put that in perspective, there were four teams in the entire league in his rookie year that failed to reach 400 3s for the entire season. Curry also holds seven of the top-12 single-season marks for 3s made.
The current Boston Celtics are on pace to shatter league records for 3-point attempts per game and 3s made in a season. The Golden State Warriors made 1,363 3s in 2022-23. With 16 games remaining, the Celtics have already made 1,177 and are on pace to surpass 1,450, demonstrating the league’s increasing reliance on the long ball.
Winning in the modern NBA necessitates proficient 3-point shooting. Teams must embrace the strategy to remain competitive. Curry himself acknowledges his role in this transformation. He takes pride in expanding his range and developing the confidence to shoot from anywhere on the court. While he relishes the increasing volume of 3-point attempts throughout the league, he emphasizes the importance of diligent practice and preparation to truly maximize the potential of the shot.
The list of all-time 3-point leaders underscores Curry’s dominance. He stands alone at the summit, far ahead of his closest competitors:
- Steph Curry: 4,000
- James Harden: 3,127
- Ray Allen: 2,973
- Damian Lillard: 2,792
- Klay Thompson: 2,667
- Reggie Miller: 2,560
- LeBron James: 2,542
- Kyle Korver: 2,450
- Paul George: 2,349
- Vince Carter: 2,290
Just as LeBron James’ scoring records present a monumental challenge for future generations, Curry’s 3-point record will require a uniquely gifted player with exceptional longevity to seriously contend. While the prevalence of 3-point shooting may increase the likelihood of someone challenging his record, the combination of Curry’s volume, accuracy, and longevity creates a formidable obstacle.
Younger players like Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards have demonstrated the potential to become prolific 3-point shooters. Tatum, at 27, has already made 1,517 3s in eight seasons, averaging at least 200 per season for the past four years. Maintaining that pace for another decade could potentially put him in the 4,000 range.
Edwards, 23, has also shown significant improvement, increasing his 3-point attempts this season while consistently surpassing 213 3s in three of his last five seasons. If Edwards were to maintain an average of 220 3s for the next 15 seasons, he would approach 4,400.
While James Harden and Damian Lillard are exceptional 3-point shooters, they are significantly behind Curry and may not have enough remaining seasons to close the gap.
Steph Curry has not just rewritten the record books; he has redefined the very fabric of the game. He has inspired a generation of players to embrace the 3-point shot, and his legacy will continue to shape the NBA for years to come. His impact is both statistical and philosophical, and his influence will be felt long after he hangs up his sneakers.
