Stephen Curry is widely regarded as the pioneer of the NBA’s 3-point revolution. His 54-point game against the New York Knicks in 2013 is seen as the catalyst for the 3-point era. Although, others argue that it was his historic 2015-16 season that truly ushered in the revolution.
The 2014-15 championship marked the onset of a new basketball era characterized by a heavy emphasis on floor spacing and ball movement. This style of play stood in stark contrast to the pick-and-roll-dominated basketball of previous eras. However, it took the league some years to fully embrace the concept of leveraging the 3-point shot as a weapon. The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors elevated the 3-point revolution to unprecedented levels. They set a new standard by winning a record-breaking 73 games in the regular season, surpassing the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls of the 1995-96 season for the most wins in a single season.
Matthew Steinmetz, an American journalist and television sportscaster, worked as the pregame and postgame analyst for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. Steinmetz joined in on the conversation about the impact of Curry and said,
Stephen Curry didn’t ruin basketball. I’m not blaming him for [the three-point revolution]. I’m blaming everyone else who THINKS they’re Steph Curry.
Stephen Curry’s impact on the NBA’s 3-point revolution is undeniable, with his record-breaking 402 three-pointers in the 2015-16 season highlighting his unparalleled shooting prowess. Despite encouraging a league-wide increase in 3-point attempts, Curry’s efficiency remains unmatched, evidenced by his shooting splits of 50% from the field, 45% from beyond the arc, and 91% from the free-throw line.
Critics argue that while the 3-point revolution has led to more long-range shots, it has also detracted from the game’s diversity by shifting focus away from scoring in the paint, without necessarily improving the overall quality of shots taken.
Steph Curry not planning on retiring anytime soon
Stephen Curry will turn 36 next month, yet he has shown no signs of readiness to discuss retirement. Following Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game, the Golden State Warriors veteran engaged in a dialogue on the matter, exhibiting a resolute determination to prolong his career for years ahead.
Stephen Curry (Credits: NBA.com)While interacting with reporters, he said:
I think about it all the time. But those thoughts stop because you gotta get ready for the next game. There’s a routine and cycle. You embrace the now. Eventually, you’ll get to a point where you wake up and whatever your body is telling you, or if your mind is telling you, it’s time. But I don’t think I’m anywhere close to that.
In the twilight of their careers, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant remain standout figures in the NBA. Despite other notable players continuing to compete, this trio has defied aging, with Curry’s timeless shooting ability standing out. Speculation suggests they could play well into their forties.
Curry’s unique skill in creating shots for himself distinguishes him, though his eventual decline may signal retirement. For now, it’s essential to appreciate the trio’s greatness.
