The Road to 4,000: How Stephen Curry Became the First Player to Reach 4,000 Career Three-Pointers

Introduction

Stephen Curry has once again redefined the game of basketball, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 4,000 career three-pointers. The historic milestone came during the Golden State Warriors' 130-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings on March 13, 2025—just a day before his 37th birthday. This achievement solidifies Curry’s status as the greatest shooter in NBA history and further cements his legacy as a transformational figure in modern basketball.

The Historic Moment: Curry’s 4,000th Three-Pointer

Heading into the game, Curry needed just two three-pointers to reach the 4,000 mark. He wasted no time, knocking down his first long-range shot in the first quarter. The milestone moment came in the third quarter, when Curry received a pass from Moses Moody, executed a quick pump-fake, sidestepped his defender, and drained a three-pointer from the right wing. The Chase Center crowd erupted in celebration, recognizing the historic significance of the shot.

Curry finished the game with 11 points, contributing to a dominant Warriors victory that extended their winning streak to six games and boosted their playoff hopes.

Stephen Curry’s Unmatched Three-Point Records

Curry has completely revolutionized the way basketball is played, and his journey to 4,000 career three-pointers is a testament to his sustained excellence and longevity in the league. His long list of three-point records includes:

Most career three-pointers made: 4,000+ (first player in history)
Most three-pointers in a single season: 402 (2015-16 season)
Most consecutive games with a made three-pointer: 268
Most games with 10+ three-pointers: 26
Fastest player to reach 3,000 and 4,000 career three-pointers

His ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, combined with his lightning-quick release and unparalleled accuracy, has forced defenses to adapt and changed how teams strategize around the perimeter.

Warriors’ Team Effort in the Historic Game

While Curry's 4,000th three-pointer stole the headlines, the Golden State Warriors delivered a well-rounded performance against the Kings.

Draymond Green led the team with a season-high 23 points.
Jonathan Kuminga returned from injury to add 18 points off the bench.
The Warriors shot an impressive 57.7% from the field and 56.4% from beyond the arc.

The win propelled Golden State to a 38-28 record, strengthening their push for a higher playoff seed in the Western Conference.

Curry’s Influence on Modern Basketball

Curry’s impact on the game extends beyond his record-breaking numbers. His success has inspired a new generation of players to prioritize three-point shooting, shifting the NBA’s offensive philosophy.

Before Curry’s emergence, the three-point shot was seen as a complementary skill. Today, it is the foundation of most NBA offenses. His influence has led to an explosion in three-point attempts league-wide, with teams focusing more on spacing, ball movement, and deep shooting.

His individual achievements have also been complemented by team success, including:

Four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
Two MVP awards (2015, 2016)
Nine NBA All-Star selections
NBA Finals MVP (2022)

What’s Next for Curry?

With 4,000 three-pointers in the books, the question now is: How much further can Curry push the record? While nearing the twilight of his career, Curry continues to perform at an elite level, proving he still has plenty left in the tank.

If he maintains his current pace, reaching 4,500 or even 5,000 career three-pointers before retirement is not out of the realm of possibility. Additionally, the Warriors remain contenders, and Curry’s leadership will be crucial in their pursuit of another championship.

Conclusion

Stephen Curry’s achievement of 4,000 career three-pointers is a milestone that may never be surpassed. His influence on the sport, his unmatched shooting ability, and his continued excellence have forever changed the game of basketball. As fans, we are witnessing history in real time, and the journey of the NBA’s greatest shooter is far from over.

With the Warriors gaining momentum, could another deep playoff run be in store for Curry and Golden State? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Steph Curry is not done rewriting the record books.