Stephen Curry Revolutionized the Game and Broke the All-Time Three-Point Record
Stephen Curry has revolutionized basketball with his shooting. With two first-quarter threes on a Tuesday night in New York, he breaks the all-time three-point record. Surpassing Ray Allen‘s previous record, having overtaken Reggie Miller previously. Both of whom were in attendance to witness this historic night against the Knicks. It’s almost fitting that he broke it at the historic ‘Mecca of Basketball’ Madison Square Garden. Miller himself has a well-known adversarial relationship with the Garden faithful due to his career heroics for the Pacers in the building. Steph had his own historic night scoring 54 at MSG back in 2013. It seemed like destiny for Steph to return and break this record. Upon his record-breaking 2,974th three falling, the game was then paused for Allen to congratulate him. Following that was loving embraces from his family. Social media was then flooded with congratulations including the greats of the game such as LeBron James and Magic Johnson. This achievement speaks to how he’s revolutionized the game.
Revolutionizing the Game
To quote team-mate Draymond Green: “He has totally changed the game as we know it,” Green is spot on here, he’s revolutionized the sport. Miller alluded to it in the telecast during the game, the way that there is an emphasis on the three-point shot in the NBA is because of Curry. It’s now a key weapon in the modern NBA. Head Coach Steve Kerr reflected on Curry’s influence on the modern game during his post-game: “Steph is the guy who grabbed it and ran with it. He has changed the way the game is played and the way young players think about the game.”
Further to Kerr’s point, It’s bred an exciting new generation of guards such as Luka Doncic and Trae Young. Veteran stars James Harden and Damian Lillard worked at their games and made the three-ball a point of emphasis. Furthermore, Curry’s revolutionizing the game has led to most offenses adopting this perimeter-based strategy.
Stephen Curry Breaks All-time Three-point Record: A Look at His Career
Curry entered the league in 2009 as a skinny guard from Davidson College. Showing promise in his rookie year scoring 17.5 points per game and 43.7% from 3-point range. His trajectory to become an all-time great has been one of overcoming early injuries and working extremely hard at his craft and getting better each year.
It was in 2012 when his career really blossomed. His scoring shot up to 22.9 points per game. His career further took off with the hiring of Kerr as Head Coach in 2014. Kerr introduced a dynamic offense to fit his skillset. With the use of split screens and movement off the ball to suit Curry’s stamina and catch and shoot ability. Developing a lethal partnership in the process with Klay Thompson, earning them the nickname ‘Splash Brothers.’
In 2014-15 he earned MVP honors. He won a Championship and joined the revered 50-40-90 club. Shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from free throw range. Smashing his own previously held record for threes in a season that year.
Curry then hit the stratosphere in the 2015-16 season helping the Golden State Warriors to the all-time record of 73 wins. Whilst draining an unbelievable 402 threes that season, the NBA record for most three’s in a single season. He’s since gone on to win two further championships in his remarkable career to date.
Looking at the leader board of most threes made in a single season, Curry holds four of the top five records. Only Harden in 2018 stopped a clean sweep of the top five. This phenomenal amount of threes per year is how Curry kept pace to break the all-time three-point record in around 400 fewer games than Allen managed, which is staggering in itself.
Improving with Age?
Arguably Curry has become an even better player in the latter stage of his career. Even though he has two prior MVPs, his performances now are arguably more impressive. Due to the long-term injury of Thompson, and Kevin Durant leaving in free agency, Curry had to take on the scoring load himself. Averaging a career-high 32 points per game last year, draining 335 three-point field goals. Helping an undermanned Warrior team to the play-in tournament last year. He was perhaps unfortunate not to win MVP honors last year.
He’s gone a step further with another amazing season to date. Leading his team to the best record in the NBA at a sensational 23-5. This is still without Thompson who’s imminent return gives the Warriors a serious chance at another Championship this season.
They play an elite brand of basketball perfectly honed around their craftsman. With their constant movement and screens, Curry makes it very hard for other teams to guard him and others. This is a testament to Kerr’s system and Curry’s elite work rate and stamina. His stamina and range is the key to his success and longevity.
A Great Honor for a Humble Champion
This is a wonderful achievement for a player whose achievements transcend the sport. As previous record-holder Allen told NBA.com: “He’s on his own level, one he’s made for himself.”
Nicknamed the “Baby-Faced Assassin”, he’s a humble player. He’s genuinely appreciative of what this game has given him. After breaking the record, he posted on his Twitter page: “Dream come true, at the Garden too. This means so much to me and my family.”
Curry bucks the trend of the modern load management seen in the league because he plays with such enthusiasm for the game he wants to play every day. He’s a showman, and his appreciation for the fans gives one the impression he plays each game like he knows there are people in the stands watching him for the first time. There are kids all over the world in Curry jerseys attempting shots from deep, as he continues to be the inspiration for future generations of players, further attesting to his legacy. This record will almost surely be unbroken.
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