

Stephen Curry Makes NBA History: The First Player to Hit 4,000 Career Three-Pointers
On March 14, 2025, Stephen Curry once again solidified his place as the greatest shooter in NBA history by becoming the first player to make 4,000 career three-pointers. This historic milestone came during the Golden State Warriors’ dominant 130-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings, just one day before Curry’s 37th birthday.
The achievement places Curry in a league of his own, further proving his revolutionary impact on the game of basketball. But how did he get here? What makes Curry so unstoppable beyond the arc? And what does this record mean for the future of the NBA?
In this in-depth look, we’ll break down Curry’s road to 4,000, his greatest three-point moments, and how he has forever changed the game.
Breaking Down the Milestone: The Shot That Made History
Going into the game, Curry needed just two three-pointers to reach 4,000. It didn’t take long for him to get there.
- First Three-Pointer: In the opening quarter, Curry drained his first shot from beyond the arc, moving within one of the milestones.
- The Historic Shot: The record-breaking moment happened in the third quarter with 8:19 remaining. Curry received a pass on the right wing, faked out a defender with his signature pump fake, took a step to the side, and launched a deep three. The ball swished through the net, marking his 4,000th career three-pointer and sending Chase Center into a frenzy.
- Final Stats: Curry finished the game with 11 points and three three-pointers, while Draymond Green had a season-high 23 points and Jonathan Kuminga added 18 off the bench.
After the game, Curry reflected on the milestone:
“It’s crazy to think about. When I started my career, I never thought I’d be the guy to redefine the three-point shot. I just played my game and let it evolve. This one means a lot.”
A Career Built on Three-Pointers
Early Days: The Three-Point Revolution Begins
When Stephen Curry entered the NBA in 2009, the three-point shot was not a priority for most teams. Back then, players like Ray Allen and Reggie Miller were considered the best three-point shooters, but their shot attempts paled in comparison to today’s numbers.
Curry redefined what was possible. He increased volume without losing efficiency, proving that three-pointers weren’t just a weapon—they were the future.
- 2012-13 Season: Curry set an NBA record for most threes in a season (272).
- 2015-16 Season: He broke his own record with 402 three-pointers, an unthinkable number at the time.
- 2018-19 Season: He surpassed 2,500 career threes, moving into the conversation for greatest shooter ever.
- 2021: Curry officially passed Ray Allen (2,973 threes) to become the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers.
- 2025: He becomes the first and only player to hit 4,000 career threes.
Signature Shots and Iconic Moments
Curry’s three-point dominance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the way he makes them. His range, quick release, and ability to create shots off the dribble have made him nearly unstoppable.
Some of his most legendary three-pointers include:
- The Half-Court Buzzer Beaters: Curry has more half-court makes than most players dream of, proving that his range extends far beyond the arc.
- The OKC Game Winner (2016): One of the greatest regular-season moments in NBA history, Curry pulled up from nearly 40 feet in overtime and drilled a cold-blooded game-winner against the Thunder.
- The “Bang! Bang!” Three (2019 Playoffs): Facing the Rockets, Curry nailed a deep dagger that had NBA commentator Mike Breen screaming, “Bang! Bang!”
- The No-Look Three: One of Curry’s most disrespectful moves—turning around before the ball even goes in because he knows it’s good.
His ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, under pressure, and with limitless confidence has made him the most feared shooter ever.
How Curry Changed the NBA
The Three-Point Explosion
Before Curry, teams prioritized mid-range shots and postplay. Now, the entire league revolves around the three-pointer.
- Teams now shoot more threes than ever before—in 2009, the average team took 18 three-pointers per game; in 2025, that number is over 35.
- Curry’s influence extends to high school and college players, who now train to shoot from deep rather than focus on traditional two-point shots.
- His impact forced defenses to evolve—coaches had to develop new strategies to try (and usually fail) to slow him down.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Curry’s shooting ability has inspired a new wave of NBA players who prioritize the three-pointer. Some notable names who have followed in his footsteps:
- Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks) modeled his game after Curry, attempting deep threes from well beyond the arc.
- Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks): Another deep-range shooter who adopted Curry’s fearless shot selection.
- Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks): While more of a playmaker, Luka has added Curry-like three-pointers to his game.
Even younger players now enter the league with limitless range, all thanks to Curry.
What’s Next for Stephen Curry?
At 37 years old, Curry is still playing at an elite level. But what’s left for him to accomplish?
More Records to Break
With 4,000 threes and counting, Curry could very well hit 5,000 before retiring.
- If he continues averaging 250 threes per season, he will likely reach 5,000 by 2028.
- This would set a record that could take generations to break—if it’s ever broken at all.
Another Championship?
The Warriors are still in playoff contention, and Curry remains their most dangerous weapon.
- He has already won four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022).
- Adding a fifth ring would further cement his legacy among the greatest players of all time.
A Smooth Transition Into Retirement
Curry’s impact on the game won’t stop when he retires. He could:
- Become a coach or mentor to young shooters.
- Continue influencing basketball at the youth level through his SC30 Academy.
- Move into team ownership, much like Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Final Thoughts: The Greatest Shooter of All Time
There has never been a player like Stephen Curry, and there may never be another.
- He revolutionized basketball by proving that three-pointers are the future.
- He shattered records that were once thought impossible to reach.
- He inspired millions of young players to shoot beyond the arc with confidence.
With 4,000 three-pointers and counting, Curry’s legacy as the greatest shooter in NBA history is untouchable. The only question left is: How much further can he go?
One thing is for sure: Steph Curry isn’t done making history!