April 2, 2025
Written by: Quincy Bentley | Sports Editor
Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry has once again etched his name in the record books, becoming the first player in NBA history to make 4,000 career three-pointers. In a home game against the Sacramento Kings March 13, 2025, Curry drained a three, sending Chase Center into a frenzy as he shattered yet another milestone that seemed nearly impossible when he first entered the league.
This achievement cements Curry’s legacy as the greatest shooter of all time, putting him well above his competitors. Known for completely changing the game of basketball with his shooting range and quick release, Curry has single-handedly transformed the modern NBA. His influence is evident across all levels of basketball, from youth leagues emulating his shots to NBA teams designing offenses that prioritize three-point shooting.
When Curry surpassed Ray Allen’s previous record of 2,973 made three-pointers back in December 2021, it was clear that he was far from finished. Now, having racked up 4,000, Curry has set a standard that may take decades for another player to even come close to.
While modern players are attempting more threes than ever before, no one has combined Curry’s volume, accuracy and longevity in quite the same way. His career three-point percentage remains around 42%, a remarkable number given the degree of difficulty of many of his shot attempts.
Even as talented shooters like Klay Thompson, James Harden and Kevin Durant continue to ascend the all-time three-point leaderboard, none appear to have the consistency required to approach 4,000 threes. Younger stars like Luka Dončić and Anthony Edwards are also great shooters but will need to maintain an elite level of shooting for over a decade just to match Curry’s mark.
Drafted seventh overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, Curry entered the league with a reputation as a sharpshooter from Davidson College. However, injuries and early skepticism about his durability and size threatened to stunt his career. But Curry’s hard work and commitment to improvement paid off.
By the 2014-2015 season, Curry had reached superstardom, leading the Warriors to their first NBA title in 40 years and capturing the league’s MVP award. His 402 made threes during the 2015-2016 season — another record — showcased his ability to hit shots from unthinkable distances and angles, forever altering how teams approach perimeter defense.
While the 4,000 three-pointers are a remarkable statistic, Curry’s impact on the game transcends the numbers. He has inspired a generation of young players to embrace shooting as an essential skill, shifting the way basketball is taught and played. Other NBA stars such as Trae Young, Damian Lillard and even rising stars such as Jordan Hawkins have admitted to modeling aspects of their game after Curry’s shooting and movement off the ball.
Moreover, Curry’s influence extends beyond the court. His contagious joy, humility and leadership have made him a global icon and a role model for aspiring athletes. Through his “Eat. Learn. Play.” Foundation, Curry and his wife, Ayesha, have helped countless communities by ensuring every student in the Oakland Unified School District has access to high-quality sports and play opportunities at every stage of their education.
At 37 years old, Curry shows no signs of slowing down. Though his role with the Warriors has shifted slightly, he remains the focal point of the team’s offense, capable of taking over games at any given moment. With his conditioning and skill set allowing him to age gracefully, Curry could potentially extend his three-point record well beyond 4,000, perhaps even approaching 5,000 if he maintains his current pace over the next few seasons.
Stephen Curry’s journey to the top of the list in career three-pointers is not just a milestone but a reflection of how one player can redefine an entire sport. His impact on basketball, both culturally and strategically, is immeasurable. As he continues to light up arenas with his shooting, fans around the world can witness history unfold in real-time.
Contact the author at howlsports@wou.edu
