Stephen Curry Becomes the First Player to Hit 4,000 Career 3-Pointers
On Thursday night, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry reached an unprecedented milestone in NBA history, becoming the first player to score 4,000 career 3-pointers. This landmark feat was achieved during a game against the Sacramento Kings, when Curry netted a side-step jumper from the right wing in the third quarter, adding another notable achievement to his already storied career.
A New Record Surpassed
Curry entered the game just two 3-pointers shy of the historic mark, and after some anticipation, he successfully hit his 4,000th. This accomplishment extends his lead as the all-time leader in 3-pointers made, having previously broken Ray Allen’s record in 2021. To provide context, as of now, only Curry and fellow player James Harden have surpassed 3,000 career 3-pointers. By achieving this latest record, Curry continues to distance himself from any competitors who may seek to follow in his footsteps.
Recent Achievements Increasing Acclaim
This milestone follows closely on the heels of another significant achievement in Curry’s career: surpassing 25,000 career points on March 9. This achievement placed him as the 26th player in NBA history to reach this scoring threshold while also marking him as only the 10th player to accomplish this feat with a single team throughout their career. With the pace at which Curry has been scoring, discussions are beginning regarding his potential to finish his career among the top ten all-time leading scorers. As he continues to accumulate points, many speculate he could even eclipse the 5,000 3-pointer mark before his career concludes.
Future Aspirations Amid Performance Expectations
As Curry approaches his 37th birthday, he has made it known that he expresses interest in extending his playing career beyond his current contract, which ends in the summer of 2027. This raises speculation about his potential to remain active in the league until the age of 40, potentially spanning the 2028-29 season. He would need to maintain an impressive performance level, averaging at least 4.2 3-pointers per game over a projected 60 games each season over the next four years to reach the 5,000 milestone.
While requiring consistent health and performance, experts believe that achieving this mark is plausible for a player with Curry’s caliber and work ethic. The conversation surrounding Curry’s longevity is underscored by his stringent training routines and natural athleticism, often regarded as one of the best-conditioned athletes in the NBA.
Contemplating Curry’s Legacy
Curry’s latest achievement shines a light not only on his individual talent but also on the evolution of the NBA game itself, where the emphasis on perimeter shooting has drastically increased. His ability to consistently make shots from long range has reshaped defensive strategies across the league and has inspired a generation of players.
As the debate about his place in NBA history continues, Curry’s commitment to innovation and excellence on the court keeps fans engaged and eager to see how much further he can push the limits of the game. With each 3-pointer he makes, he solidifies his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats, and the implications of his career achievements extend far beyond mere statistics.
The significance of Curry’s milestone cannot be overstated, as it not only cements his standing in basketball lore but also raises the bar for future players aiming to emulate his success. As Curry continues his career, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how high he can climb in the annals of basketball history.
