Stephen Curry’s 25,000 Points—Is He the Best in History?
Stephen Curry hit another historic milestone during the Golden State Warriors' 115-110 win over the Detroit Pistons, becoming the 26th player in NBA history to surpass 25,000 career points.
Dropping 32 points in the game, Curry now sits at 25,017 career points, adding yet another chapter to his legendary scoring legacy. But what makes Curry’s achievement stand out is how he got there.
While most players who reach this milestone rely heavily on scoring in the paint or free throws, Curry has done it primarily from beyond the arc. On average, only 9.7% of points from other 25,000-point scorers come from three-pointers.
For Curry, that number is an astonishing 47.9%. It was only fitting that his 25,000th point came on a signature deep three—one of the many shots that have made him the most feared shooter in NBA history.
How Curry Redefined Greatness
Curry has changed the way the game is played. His deep shooting ability made the three-pointer the focal point of modern basketball, forcing teams to rethink their offensive strategies. His influence is undeniable, as he holds the record for most career three-pointers and is only seven points away from becoming the first player to reach 4,000 career three-pointers.
Curry’s resume is packed with accomplishments that place him among the all-time greats. He is a four-time NBA champion, two-time MVP—including the only unanimous MVP in the league’s history—, a Finals MVP, and a two-time scoring champion. He’s been an All-Star eleven times and made ten All-NBA teams. He was also the driving force behind Golden State’s historic 73-9 season in 2015-16.
Curry’s efficiency is a key part of his success. He reached 25,000 points with the fewest free-throw attempts of any player in history at this milestone, with just 4,355 attempts.
Is Curry the Greatest in NBA History?
Among active players, Curry is only one of five to reach this milestone, joining LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook. This further solidifies his status as one of the defining players of his era.
But while many of these legends dominated with physicality, Curry has changed the game in a different way. His impact has been about reimagining offensive strategy—stretching the floor, creating more space, and making three-pointers a necessity.
Whether Curry is the greatest player of all time is up for debate, but there’s no question he belongs in the conversation. As the greatest shooter ever and one of the most game-changing players in NBA history, his legacy is secure among the sport’s all-time elite.