SAN FRANCISCO — On Thursday night, Stephen Curry matriculated even deeper into the history books, becoming the first player in NBA history to hit 4,000 career 3-pointers. The milestone came with a moment of typical Curry flair—after a scramble for the ball, Moses Moody found Curry on the right wing. A quick pump fake and sidestep later, the shot splashed through the net from 28 feet, stamping a significant achievement in Curry’s already legendary career.
The 4,000th three-pointer came at the 8:19 mark in the third quarter of the Golden State Warriors’ dominant 130-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. Curry, who entered the game just two triples shy of the milestone, reached it in the middle of a game that saw his Warriors extend their hot streak, winning their sixth consecutive contest.
“It’s a clear milestone threshold,” Curry said before the game, reflecting on the significance of the number. “A number that I didn’t think about, that it was realistic even from 2,974, which is the number that means the most because that was the record at the time.” Curry passed Ray Allen’s long-standing record of 2,973 three-pointers in 2021 and has now added over 1,000 to that total, solidifying his place as the greatest shooter in NBA history.
What was especially fitting about this moment for Curry is how often his greatest shots have come in the midst of chaotic, unpredictable moments. His 4,000th three-pointer was no exception. The shot came off a broken play as the Kings deployed a relentless defense, face-guarding Curry and top-locking him. But as the game has proven time and again, Curry is not bound by any defense. It took a scramble and a bit of a broken play, but Curry still found a way to deliver.
“It was a weird night because we all knew I was two away,” Curry said. “Sacramento was playing that gimmicky defense all game where they were literally face-guarding me, top-locking, and nothing was clean about it.”
Draymond Green, a longtime teammate of Curry’s, couldn’t help but express his excitement for his teammate. “We all kind of wanted that for him,” Green said. “To see him cross that milestone that no one has ever crossed is very fitting for the way he changed the game. Happy it happened at home.”
As Curry reflected on his achievement, he credited the evolution of the game itself and his own role in that transformation. “It puts into perspective just how the game has changed, and I’ve been able to be a part of that,” he said. Curry’s influence on the game is undeniable—he’s changed the way basketball is played, with teams now prioritizing the three-point shot as a critical offensive weapon.
Looking ahead, Curry remains focused on continuing to build on his record, though he acknowledges that his future in the league, and the number of threes he can make, will be determined by his health. With Curry turning 37 this Friday, and entering his 16th season, he knows the window of opportunity may not last forever. However, he’s not slowing down just yet. “I don’t know how many more I got after that,” Curry admitted. “I think it’s one of those things where I just keep pushing it as far as I can.”
Curry’s 4,000 Career 3-Pointers: A Look at Some of the NBA’s Best Pure Shooters
Curry’s achievement highlights his place in basketball history as one of the best, but he is not alone in the pantheon of great shooters. Over the years, there have been a handful of players known for their exceptional shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc. Here are a few of the best pure shooters to ever play the game:
- Ray Allen
Before Curry, Ray Allen was the NBA’s all-time leader in made three-pointers. Allen’s smooth shooting form and clutch performances in big moments made him one of the best to ever do it. With over 2,900 three-pointers to his name, his record stood for years before Curry broke it. - Reggie Miller
A pioneer of the modern three-point era, Reggie Miller was known for his ability to make shots in high-pressure situations. Miller, who played his entire career with the Indiana Pacers, finished with over 2,500 career three-pointers and remains one of the most iconic shooters in NBA history. - Klay Thompson
As Curry’s backcourt running mate, Klay Thompson has often been overshadowed by Curry’s groundbreaking success. But Thompson is one of the most efficient shooters in the league. He holds the record for most points in a quarter (37) and has made over 1,900 career three-pointers. - Larry Bird
Though the three-point line wasn’t as prominent during Larry Bird’s era, his ability to shoot from range was a significant part of his offensive game. Bird’s shooting IQ and touch made him one of the most dangerous players in history, especially in clutch moments. - James Harden
Of course, no discussion of great shooters would be complete without Harden. His unparalleled range, step back and quick release, and ability to shoot from virtually anywhere on the court have revolutionized what is possible from a point-forward. - Dale Ellis
A standout in the NBA, Dale Ellis was known for his prolific shooting, especially from long range. He played for several teams during his career and is remembered as one of the best shooters in his era, with over 1,200 career three-pointers. - Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf
Known as Chris Jackson before converting to Islam, Abdul-Rauf’s journey wasn’t just about basketball; he also faced challenges with Tourette’s Syndrome. He was a highly skilled and prolific shooter, particularly excelling at hitting tough shots in the 3-point area, during his NBA career, especially in the 1990s.
Curry’s 4,000 three-pointers are not just a testament to his remarkable ability but also to the way he has reshaped the game of basketball. As the Warriors continue to thrive, fans can only wonder just how much further Curry’s legacy will extend—especially as he continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a shooter in the NBA.