Stephen Curry becomes first player
in NBA history to make 4,000 3-pointers
[March 14, 2025]
By JANIE McCAULEY
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry's shooting range and accuracy
from way back have long stood alone — whether with a defender or two
in his face or when letting it fly from the logo.
Now, the NBA's career leader in 3-pointers has reached new territory
from beyond the arc: Golden State's star guard is the first player
in league history to reach 4,000 3s.
He did it a day before his 37th birthday.
His 4,000th came from the right wing and under pressure off a pass
from Moses Moody with 8:19 left in the third quarter, on his fourth
attempt of the night.
Fans jumped to their feet and roared when Curry made it, and a
tribute played on the big screen during a timeout shortly after. It
included a congratulatory message from former Warriors big man
Andris Biedrins of Latvia who dished out the assist on Curry's first
3.
“I actually had I'd call it an emotional moment on the bench when I
saw him. They didn't tell me that they found him and got a video
message from him. That was my vet when I was here my rookie year,”
Curry said. "I would love to have quizzed our team on the the bench
and see if anybody knew who that was because that was such a long
time ago. ... Really cool to kind of think back how far I've come
from the first one to 4,000, which is crazy."
The two-time NBA MVP needed two more from deep coming into Thursday
night's game against the rival Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. He
hit his first from the left wing with 5:35 remaining in the opening
quarter.
Smothered by Keegan Murray or DeMar DeRozan, Curry missed on his
second attempt from near the top of the arc — after teammate
Draymond Green scored the first six points on a pair of 3s and
7-footer Quinten Post also had two 3s.
Curry hit the front rim with his next try, a 30-footer four minutes
before halftime. He could sense how everybody in the building
couldn't wait.
“I could feel the energy and the buzz from the beginning of the game
after I made my first 3, even the second one I shot and missed it
was an adrenaline rush, and they were with me every moment of the
game tonight,” Curry said. “When that second one went in I knew
there was a lot of game left so I tried to not get too ahead of
myself. But it was a special moment to feel that energy and allow
them to enjoy that milestone and accomplishment with me.”
How might the team celebrate Curry's latest milestone and birthday?
“What do you get for the guy who has everything? Maybe I’ll give him
a day off,” coach Steve Kerr said with a smile.
Every player received a special black T-shirt hanging in his locker
commemorating the accomplishment.
Curry hit five 3s in Monday's 130-120 win against Portland. His
first career 3 came on Oct. 30, 2009, at Phoenix.
Kings coach Doug Christie remembers when Reggie Miller's numbers
seemed astronomical.
“It was (2,560) with Reggie Miller and it was like, ‘Whoa, that's
out of control,’” Christie said before the game, then praised Curry.
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Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, is interviewed
after the team's victory over the Sacramento Kings in an NBA
basketball game Thursday, March 13, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP
Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
“He's changed the game in so many different ways,
from seeing him as a little kid in Toronto shooting it from his hip
to standing behind him on the sideline and he's shooting it in your
eye. A lot of credit to him. That's an incredible story. Know and
played with his father, and watching his family, watching the man
he's become, the player, knowing the hours and the commitment that
it takes to do something as great as he does it, is humbling in many
ways. Massive, massive amount of respect.”
Curry, who became the 26th player in NBA history to score 25,000
points during last Saturday’s home win over Detroit, is in his 16th
NBA season and showing no signs of stopping despite his occasional
nights off to rest his tender knees.
“I'm desensitized to the 3s because they just come flooding through
game after game, 4,000 is just an insane number,” Kerr said.
In December 2021, Curry surpassed Ray Allen's then-record of 2,973.
Curry could have company in the 4,000 club eventually. Clippers
guard James Harden is next in line with 3,127 and Bucks star Damian
Lillard behind him with 2,794.
“Steph, he's something like we've never seen,” Portland coach
Chauncey Billups said. “It's been fun watching his journey and
watching his career and his ascension to greatness. I had the
pleasure of playing with him when he was 21 years old on USA team.
"That was before he became this guy, which you could tell he was on
his way. He's a tireless worker, a great person as we all know so
I'm happy for his success. What he's done I'm not surprised. You
spend so much time with him every single day you understand his work
ethic, and he's just been amazing. He's fun to watch, he's not fun
to coach against.”
What might Kerr expect next from his superstar?
“8,000,” he cracked.
Curry could be tempted.
“I don't think he wants to coach that long, so don't put that
pressure on him,” Curry said, “I like a challenge.”
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