When you think about elite shooters, one name inevitably stands out: Stephen Curry. I remember how he burst onto the scene in 2009, drafted seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors. Curry didn't take long to start making waves, particularly during his record-breaking 2015-2016 season. That year, he drained a jaw-dropping 402 three-pointers, shattering his own previous record of 286. What’s even more staggering is that he did it with a 45.4% accuracy from beyond the arc, a feat not often seen in a player who takes such a high volume of shots.
His shooting prowess wasn't just about numbers, though those certainly stand out. Everyone remembers how he transformed the Warriors into a team feared by every opponent. Curry's ability to shoot from unimaginable distances expanded the concept of where a shot could be taken and successfully made. He redefined the term "shooting range" in the NBA. Even analysts coined a term for it— they called it "Curryland," which referred to the areas well beyond the three-point line from where he would casually drain shots.
I think one of the most memorable games has to be the one against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 27, 2016. With the game tied and just seconds left in overtime, Curry made one of the most iconic shots in NBA history. He pulled up from 37 feet out and swished it, securing a 121-118 victory. This shot not only represented his audacity but also underlined his ice-cold composure under pressure. It was a moment that got everyone, from fans to seasoned analysts, to ask, can anyone else do what he does? The resounding answer: No one, at least not then.
That shot against the Thunder was so viral that it sparked immediate global reactions. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram exploded with highlights, replays, and even memes appreciating the greatness of Curry. Articles from ESPN to local sports blogs couldn’t get enough of that moment; it was promoted as one of the best game-winners ever seen. This level of media buzz clearly highlighted Curry’s ability to capture the world's attention. It is redefining the concept of a clutch performer in basketball terms.
In terms of accolades, Curry's hardware cabinet is overflowing. He’s a four-time NBA Champion and a two-time MVP, with one of those being a unanimous vote in 2016—a first in NBA history. Let’s not forget his All-Star appearances, 9 and counting, and All-NBA selections. His accomplishments read like a laundry list of what every aspiring basketball player dreams of. To top it off, Curry also clinched the NBA's three-point contest title in both 2015 and 2021, proving his supremacy in long-range shooting under competitive conditions.
You may wonder, what sets Curry apart from other great shooters of the past? Well, it’s not just the staggering totals but also his shooting mechanics. Steph’s quick release and off-the-dribble shooting are almost unparalleled. Most shooters excel either in spot-up situations or catch-and-shoot scenarios. Curry, however, blends both facets seamlessly. The term “shooting off the dribble” might as well have a picture of him next to it in the basketball dictionary. Imagine this: a player dribbling up the court at full speed, stops on a dime, and shoots a three while his defender is still scrambling to catch up. That’s classic Curry for you.
Injuries have tried to put a damper on his career, but Curry’s resilience is as awe-inspiring as his shooting. He missed most of the 2019-2020 season due to a broken hand, but he didn’t let that stop him. The following season, he came back with a vengeance, leading the league in scoring with an average of 32.0 points per game. During that span, he nailed 337 three-pointers, once again showcasing his durability and skill. Magazines like Sports Illustrated emphasized his remarkable comeback, dubbing him the 'Comeback Kid' in various articles. This enduring quality further fortifies his legacy.
Let's also talk about his impact on the younger generation of players. Kids today grow up wanting to shoot like Steph. His approachability and seeming ease with which he makes the hardest shots have changed the way basketball is taught at the grassroots level. AAU teams and youth leagues have incorporated more three-point drills into their practices, inspired by Curry’s success. High school gyms now echo with the sound of basketballs being launched from beyond the arc, with young players dreaming of becoming the next Curry.
His influence even extends to the coaching strategies employed in the league today. Teams are now emphasizing three-point shooting more than ever, a trend known as "Moreyball," named after Daryl Morey, the former General Manager of the Houston Rockets. However, the driving force behind this strategic shift is undeniably Curry. Coaches and analysts often point to the Warriors' success, orchestrated by Curry's shooting, as the blueprint for modern basketball success.
Off the court, Curry’s impact is equally impressive. Through his foundation, Eat. Learn. Play., he has positively influenced thousands of kids by focusing on education, nutrition, and active living. The foundation has provided over 16 million meals to children and families in need and has funded numerous education initiatives. Articles in Forbes and other outlets have pointed out how Curry's influence transcends basketball—he's making a tangible difference in communities.
Even sneaker culture feels Curry’s touch. His deal with Under Armour, originally signed in 2013, has been incredibly successful. The launch of Curry Brand in 2020 signifies his stature not just as an athlete, but as a cultural icon. Sneaker releases sell out quickly, and each new design always creates a buzz that reverberates through the sneakerhead community. It's not just about footwear; it’s about a legacy that intersects sports and lifestyle.
One of the standout moments came in the 2021 season when Curry surpassed Ray Allen's all-time three-point record. It happened on December 14, 2021, against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, no less. Curry nailed his 2,974th three-pointer, earning a standing ovation from the crowd, which included some of basketball’s biggest names. This historic event cemented his status as the greatest shooter the sport has ever seen. Articles in major newspapers like The New York Times and The Washington Post ran headlines celebrating this monumental achievement.
Stephen Curry’s journey from a relatively unheralded seventh-round pick to the preeminent shooter we know today is filled with countless other memorable moments and achievements. It’s a tale of talent, hard work, and an unwavering belief in oneself. So, whenever you're discussing who tops the list of sharpshooters in basketball history, remember this story and the undeniable impact Curry has had on the game.