Stephen Curry has already solidified his place as the greatest shooter in NBA history. From revolutionizing the game with his deep-range shots to setting records that may never be broken, Curry has changed how basketball is played. But even with all his accomplishments, one question remains: Can he reach 5,000 career three-pointers?
As of early 2025, Curry is closing in on 4,000 made three-pointers, a mark once thought impossible. Now, with ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst stating, “If you’re talking about getting to 5,000, his conditioning will allow him to do it,” fans and analysts alike are debating whether Curry can achieve yet another unprecedented milestone.
Let’s break down the numbers, analyze Curry’s physical longevity, and explore whether 5,000 career three-pointers is a realistic goal.
Stephen Curry’s Three-Point Milestones
Before discussing whether Curry can reach 5,000 threes, it’s important to understand how he got here. His journey has been marked by record-breaking performances and historic achievements.
Key Career Three-Point Milestones
- December 14, 2021: Passes Ray Allen’s All-Time Record – Curry surpassed Ray Allen’s long-standing 2,973 career threes to become the NBA’s all-time leader in made three-pointers.
- December 28, 2021: First to 3,000 Career Threes Just weeks after breaking Allen’s record, Curry became the first player ever to cross the 3,000 mark.
- March 2025: Nearing 4,000 Career Threes As of this year, Curry is on the verge of hitting 4,000 career three-pointers, a number once thought to be impossible.
The fact that Curry has shattered records and continues to perform at an elite level raises the question: Can he make it to 5,000?
The Feasibility of Reaching 5,000 Three-Pointers
Current Pace and Projections
To determine if Curry can reach 5,000 threes, we need to examine his current three-point shooting rate and project his future performance.
Over the past five seasons, Curry has averaged approximately 300 made threes per season. If he maintains this pace, here’s what his timeline might look like:
- End of 2025–26 season: ~4,300 three-pointers
- End of 2026–27 season: ~4,600 three-pointers
- End of 2027–28 season: ~4,900 three-pointers
- Mid-2028–29 season: 5,000 career three-pointers
If Curry stays healthy and continues playing at a high level for at least four more seasons, he could realistically break the 5,000 mark.
Age and Physical Conditioning
One of the biggest factors in Curry’s pursuit of 5,000 threes is his physical longevity. At 36 years old, many players begin to decline due to injuries or reduced athleticism. However, Curry has two advantages that could allow him to extend his career and sustain his high-level shooting:
- Elite Conditioning: Curry’s training regimen is among the most rigorous in the NBA. His focus on endurance, flexibility, and balance has helped him avoid major injuries.
- A Game Built for Longevity: Unlike players who rely on athleticism and explosiveness, Curry’s game is based on shooting, off-ball movement, and IQ. Even if he loses some speed, he can still be an elite shooter well into his late 30s or even early 40s.
Brian Windhorst’s claim that Curry’s conditioning “will allow him to do it” is based on these factors. As long as he stays healthy, he has a strong chance of reaching 5,000.
Evolving Role on the Warriors
As Curry ages, his role on the Warriors may shift slightly. While he has always been the team’s primary offensive weapon, Golden State could adapt his game to preserve his longevity.
We’ve seen other legendary shooters extend their careers by becoming spot-up shooters rather than ball-dominant scorers:
- Ray Allen played until age 39, transitioning into more of a catch-and-shoot role.
- Reggie Miller remained an elite shooter into his late 30s.
If the Warriors reduce Curry’s workload but keep him as their designated sharpshooter, he could maintain a high three-point shooting volume for years to come.
What Would 5,000 Three-Pointers Mean for Basketball?
If Curry reaches 5,000 threes, it would redefine the limits of three-point shooting and set a record that might never be broken.
A New Standard for Great Shooters
Reaching 5,000 threes would set a benchmark that could last for decades. Right now, no other active player is even close to matching Curry’s numbers.
Here’s how he compares to the next closest players:
| Player | Career 3-Pointers Made (2025) |
|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | ~4,000 (and counting) |
| James Harden | ~2,900 |
| Damian Lillard | ~2,700 |
| LeBron James | ~2,300 |
Even the best shooters of this generation aren’t close to Curry’s pace. His eventual three-point record might stand the test of time.
Impact on the Future of Basketball
Curry has already transformed the game by making the three-pointer the most dominant weapon in basketball. If he reaches 5,000, it will:
- Further emphasize the importance of outside shooting in the modern game.
- Inspire future players to focus on long-range efficiency from an early age.
- Force teams to rethink their defensive strategies against sharpshooters.
We are already seeing young players like Trae Young and Victor Wembanyama attempt longer-range shots—a direct result of Curry’s influence.
Challenges That Could Prevent Him from Reaching 5,000
While Curry’s path to 5,000 is possible, there are a few obstacles that could prevent him from reaching the milestone:
- Injuries: Even though Curry has avoided major injuries in recent seasons, a significant setback could slow his progress.
- Reduced Playing Time: If the Warriors begin limiting his minutes to preserve his longevity, it could affect his total shot attempts.
- Retirement Timing: If Curry retires before the 2028–29 season, he might fall just short of 5,000.
While these challenges exist, his dedication to training and the Warriors’ system favor him playing long enough to reach the goal.
Final Verdict: Will Curry Reach 5,000 Three-Pointers?
Given his current pace, conditioning, and style of play, Stephen Curry has a strong chance of reaching 5,000 career three-pointers.
- If he maintains his current average of 300+ threes per season, he could reach 5,000 by the 2028–29 season.
- His elite conditioning and ability to adapt his role could allow him to extend his career long enough to hit the milestone.
- The biggest challenges will be avoiding injuries and maintaining a high volume of shot attempts.
If anyone can do it, it’s Stephen Curry. He has already defied expectations throughout his career, and 5,000 career three-pointers could be his final, greatest achievement.
Whether he gets there or not, one thing is clear: Curry has forever changed the game of basketball!
