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Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry
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Wardell Stephen Curry II (/ˈstɛfən/ STEF-ən;[1] born March 14, 1988), also known as Steph Curry (/ˈstɛf/ STEF), is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he plays as a point guard. Nicknamed "Chef Curry",[2] he is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in basketball history[3][4] and is credited with revolutionizing the game by popularizing the three-point shot across all levels of basketball.[5]

Key Information

He is a four-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), an NBA Finals MVP, and a two-time NBA All-Star Game MVP. He is also a two-time NBA scoring champion, an eleven-time NBA All-Star, and an eleven-time All-NBA Team selection (including four on the First Team). Internationally, he has won two gold medals at the FIBA World Cup and a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics as part of the U.S. national team.

Curry played collegiately for the Davidson Wildcats, where he was named Conference Player of the Year twice. He set the NCAA single-season record for three-pointers made (162) as a sophomore and led the NCAA Division I in scoring during his junior year. Curry was selected by the Warriors as the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft.

In 2014–15, Curry won his first league MVP award and led the Warriors to their first championship since 1975. The following season, he became the first player to be unanimously voted MVP and led the league in scoring while shooting above 50–40–90. That same year, the Warriors broke the record for most wins in a regular season (73) en route to the 2016 NBA Finals, where they squandered a 3–1 series lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Curry then helped the Warriors win back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, and reach the 2019 NBA Finals, where they fell to the Toronto Raptors in six games. After struggling with injuries and missing the playoffs in 2020 and 2021, Curry won his fourth championship and first Finals MVP award in 2022, leading the Warriors past the Boston Celtics in six games. That same season, he became the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers made, surpassing Ray Allen.[6]

Curry has the highest career free-throw percentage in NBA history (.911) and has led the league in three-pointers made a record eight times. In 2016, he broke his own record for three-pointers made in a regular season, with 402, and made at least one three-pointer in an NBA-record 268 consecutive games from 2018 to 2023.

Early life, family and education

[edit]

Curry was born on March 14, 1988,[7] at the Akron General Medical Center in Akron, Ohio, to Sonya (née Adams) and professional basketball player Dell Curry.[8][9] He grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his father spent most of his NBA career with the Charlotte Hornets.[10] He played with his younger brother Seth on their backyard basketball court in Charlotte.[11] The family briefly moved to Toronto, where Dell finished out his career as a member of the Toronto Raptors.[10] During this time, Curry played for the Queensway Christian College boys' basketball team, leading them to an undefeated season.[12][13] He was also a member of Toronto 5–0, a club team that plays across Ontario,[14][15] pitting him against fellow future NBA players Cory Joseph and Kelly Olynyk.[15] Curry led the team to a 33–4 record, en route to winning the provincial championship.[16]

After Dell's retirement, the family moved back to Charlotte and Curry enrolled at Charlotte Christian School, where he was named all-conference and all-state, and led his team to three conference titles and three state playoff appearances.[17] Because of his father's storied career at Virginia Tech, Curry wanted to play college basketball for the Hokies, but was only offered a walk-on spot due in part to his slender 160-pound frame.[18] He ultimately chose to attend Davidson College, who had aggressively recruited him from the tenth grade.[19]

College career

[edit]

Freshman season

[edit]

Before Curry even played in his first game for the Wildcats, head coach Bob McKillop praised him at a Davidson alumni event, saying: "Wait 'til you see Steph Curry. He is something special."[20] In his second collegiate game, he recorded a season-high 32 points and nine rebounds against Michigan.[21] He had 30 points and a season-high 11 rebounds against Chattanooga on December 18, 2006, for his first career double-double.[21] On February 6, 2007, also against Chattanooga, Curry broke the school's 500-point freshman record. He went on to finish with 730 points. He also broke Davidson's single-season record for three-pointers held by Brendan Winters (2004–05).[21] He led the Southern Conference in scoring at 21.5 points per game, ranking him ninth nationally and second nationally among freshman behind only Kevin Durant of Texas.[21]

The Wildcats finished with a 29–5 record and a Southern Conference regular-season title. On March 2, in the Southern Conference tournament semi-finals against Furman, Curry made his 113th three-point field goal of the year, breaking Keydren Clark's NCAA freshman season record for three-pointers.[22] On March 15, he scored a game-high 30 points in a first-round NCAA tournament loss to Maryland.[23]

At the end of his freshman season, Curry was named Southern Conference Freshman of the Year, SoCon Tournament MVP, and selected to the SoCon All-tournament team, All-freshman team, and All-SoCon First Team.[24] He was also an honorable mention in Sports Illustrated's All-Mid-Major.[21]

Sophomore season

[edit]
Curry at the 2008 NCAA tournament

In his sophomore season in 2007–08, Curry helped the Wildcats to a 26–6 regular-season record, a 20–0 conference record, and a trip to the 2008 NCAA tournament.[25]

On March 21, 2008, Davidson matched up with seventh-seeded Gonzaga. Gonzaga led by 11 points early in the second half but Curry went on to score 30 points in the half[26] to push Davidson to their first NCAA tournament win since 1969 with a score of 82–76. Curry ended the game with 40 points while also going 8-of-10 from three-point range.[27] On March 23, Davidson played second-seeded Georgetown in the second round, with Curry scoring just five points in the first half of the game as Davidson trailed by as many as 17 points. His 25 second-half points led Davidson to a 74–70 comeback victory.[26] On March 28, Curry led Davidson to another win, against third-seeded Wisconsin. He scored 33 points as Davidson won 73–56 to advance to the Elite 8.[28] Curry joined Clyde Lovellette, Jerry Chambers, and Glenn Robinson as the only college players to score over 30 points in their first four career NCAA tournament games.[28] Curry also tied Darrin Fitzgerald of Butler for the single-season record for most three-pointers with 158.[29][30] On March 30, he set the record, against the top-seeded Kansas Jayhawks, with his 159th three-pointer of the season. Curry scored 25 points in the game but Davidson lost 59–57, and the Jayhawks went on to win the championship.[31]

Curry finished the season averaging 25.9 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He was named to the Associated Press' All-America Second Team on March 31, 2008.[32] He also was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Midwest Region of the NCAA tournament, becoming the first player from a team not making the Final Four to do so since Juwan Howard of Michigan in 1994.[33] Curry was nominated for an ESPY in the Breakthrough Player of the Year category.[34]

Junior season

[edit]

Following Davidson's loss in the NCAA Regional Finals, Curry announced that he would return for his junior year.[29] On November 18, 2008, he scored a career-high 44 points in Davidson's 82–78 loss to Oklahoma.[35] He extended a career-long streak by scoring at least 25 points for the seventh straight game.[35] On November 21, Curry registered a career-high 13 assists to go along with 30 points in Davidson's 97–70 win over Winthrop.[36] On November 25, against Loyola, Curry was held scoreless as Loyola constantly double-teamed him. It was Curry's only scoreless collegiate game and only his second without double-digit points. He finished 0-of-3 from the field as Davidson won the game 78–48.[37] In Davidson's next game 11 days later, Curry matched his career high of 44 in a 72–67 win over North Carolina State.[38]

Curry surpassed the 2000-point mark for his career on January 3, 2009, as he scored 21 points against Samford.[39] On February 14, 2009, Curry rolled his ankle in the second half of a win over Furman. The injury caused Curry to miss the February 18 game against The Citadel, the first and only game he missed in his college career.[40] On February 28, 2009, Curry became Davidson's all-time leading scorer with 34 points in a 99–56 win against Georgia Southern. That gave Curry 2,488 points for his career, surpassing previous school leader John Gerdy.[41] Davidson won the 2008–09 Southern Conference regular season championship for the South Division, finishing 18–2 in the conference.[42][43]

In the 2009 Southern Conference tournament, Davidson played Appalachian State in the quarterfinals and won 84–68. Curry scored 43 points, which is the third most points in Southern Conference tournament history.[44] In the semifinals, against the College of Charleston, Curry had 20 points but Davidson lost 52–59. Despite lobbying from Davidson head coach Bob McKillop and Charleston coach Bobby Cremins,[45] the Wildcats failed to get an NCAA tournament bid. Instead, they received the sixth seed in the 2009 NIT. Davidson played the third seed, South Carolina, on the road in the first round. Curry scored 32 points as the Wildcats beat the Gamecocks 70–63.[46] Davidson then lost 80–68 to the Saint Mary's Gaels in the second round. Curry registered 26 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in what was his final game for the Wildcats.[47]

In his final season at Davidson, Curry averaged 28.6 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.5 steals. He was the NCAA scoring champion and was named a consensus first team All-American.[48] Curry opted out of his senior year at Davidson to enter the 2009 NBA draft, but expressed his intention to complete his degree.[49]

In May 2022, Curry completed his coursework and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.[50] In a ceremony held on August 31, 2022, Curry became the first Davidson graduate to have his jersey number retired and was inducted into the Davidson Athletics Hall of Fame.[51][52]

In March 2025, Davidson announced that Curry would serve as assistant general manager for basketball programs, alongside alum Matt Berman in an advisory role.[53] They will share insights with student-athletes and create the eight-figure "Curry-Berman Fund" to support both men's and women's basketball, with contributions from Curry, his wife Ayesha, Berman, his sister Erica, and father Don.[54]

Professional career

[edit]

Golden State Warriors (2009–present)

[edit]

Early years (2009–2012)

[edit]
Curry defending against Allen Iverson in 2009

On June 25, 2009, his father's 45th birthday, Curry was selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors.[55] The day of the draft, Curry's father Dell, who wished for his son to be drafted with the eighth pick by the New York Knicks, called teams with higher picks and urged them not to draft his son. The Minnesota Timberwolves agreed not to draft Curry, and subsequently drafted two other point guards with the fifth and sixth picks. Warriors head coach Don Nelson chose to disregard Dell's wishes and drafted him anyway, one pick before the Knicks would have the opportunity to.[56][57] Although the Warriors already had another lean, 6-foot-3, offensive-minded guard in Monta Ellis, Nelson had a penchant for using small lineups in his Nellie Ball system, and had warmed to the idea of selecting Curry.[58][59] However, Ellis announced at a media session that he and Curry were too small to play together.[60] Curry appeared in 80 games (77 starts) during the 2009–10 season, averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.90 steals in 36.2 minutes.[61] His second half of the season vaulted him into the rookie of the year race.[62] He was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for January, March, and April, finishing as the only Western Conference rookie to win the award three times.[61] He finished runner-up for the NBA Rookie of the Year behind Tyreke Evans[62] and was a unanimous NBA All-Rookie First Team selection, becoming the first Warriors player since Jason Richardson in 2001–02 to earn All-Rookie First Team honors.[61] He scored 30-plus points eight times, setting the most 30-point games by any rookie in 2009–10 and the most since LeBron James had 13 and Carmelo Anthony had 10 in 2003–04. Curry had five 30-point/10-assist games, which tied Michael Jordan for the second-most 30-point/10-assist games by a rookie (Oscar Robertson is first with 25). He became just the sixth rookie in NBA history to post a 35-point, 10-assist, 10-rebound game when he registered his first career triple-double with 36 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 10. In the Warriors' season finale against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 14, Curry recorded a then- career-high 42 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, becoming the first rookie since Robertson in February 1961 to register at least those numbers in each category in the same game. Curry finished his rookie season with 166 three-pointers, which were, at the time, the most ever by a rookie in NBA history.[61]

Curry in March 2011

In 2010–11, Curry appeared in 74 games (all starts), averaging 18.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.47 steals in 33.6 minutes per contest.[61] His free throw percentage of .934 (212–227 FT) set a new Warriors single-season record, surpassing the previous mark of .924 set by Rick Barry in 1977–78. He also became the first Warriors player to lead the NBA in free throw percentage since Mark Price in 1996–97.[61] Curry registered 20-or-more points 35 times, including seven 30-plus performances. He posted a season-high 39 points and a then- career-high 14 made field goals (on 20 attempts) against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 5. In February 2011, during All-Star Weekend, Curry won the Skills Challenge[63] and registered 13 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in 28 minutes as a member of the Sophomore squad in the Rookie Challenge.[61] In May 2011, he was named the recipient of the NBA Sportsmanship Award,[64] and underwent surgery on his right ankle.[65]

In the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, Curry appeared in 26 games (23 starts), averaging 14.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.50 steals in 28.2 minutes per contest. He missed 40 games due to right ankle and foot injuries,[61] including the last 28 games with a sprained right ankle and subsequent surgery on the ankle, which was performed on April 25.[66] In 2012, Golden State included Curry in a trade offer to the Milwaukee Bucks for Andrew Bogut, which the Bucks rejected due to Curry's history with bad ankles. Ellis was traded instead.[67][68][69] According to then- Warriors general manager Larry Riley, they offered Curry with the intention of steering the deal to Ellis.[68] The deal opened an opportunity for Curry to lead the team.[60]

First All-Star and playoff appearances (2012–2014)

[edit]

Prior to the start of the 2012–13 season, Curry signed a four-year, $44 million contract extension with the Warriors.[70][71] At the time, many basketball writers considered the move risky for Golden State because of Curry's injury history.[72] Over the course of the year, Curry and backcourt teammate Klay Thompson gained a reputation for their perimeter scoring, earning them the nickname the "Splash Brothers".[73] In 2012–13, Curry appeared in 78 games (all starts), averaging then- career-high 22.9 points (seventh in NBA), 6.9 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 38.2 minutes.[61] He set a new NBA single-season three-point record with 272 three-pointers, eclipsing the previous mark set by Ray Allen (269 in 2005–06), doing so on 53 less attempts than Allen did with Seattle.[61]

Curry earned Western Conference Player of the Month honors for the month of April. During this time he averaged 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.13 steals in eight games in the final month of the season to become the third Warrior to win the award, joining Chris Mullin (November 1990 and January 1989) and Bernard King (January 1981). On February 25, Curry recorded a then- career-high 54 points and then- franchise-record 11 made three-pointers in a 109–105 loss to the New York Knicks, becoming the first player in NBA history to register at least 50 points and 10 three-pointers in a game.[74] The game is cited as the "breakthrough" performance and one of the most notable games in Curry's career.[75] On April 12, he scored 47 points in a 118–116 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.[76]

In 2013, Curry appeared in the playoffs for the first time in his career, with the Warriors earning the sixth seed in the Western Conference. In 12 playoff games (all starts), he averaged 23.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds. He set a new franchise record with 42 playoff three-pointers, eclipsing the Warriors' career playoff mark of 29 previously held by Jason Richardson, giving him a total of 314 three-pointers for the season to become the first player in NBA history to make at least 300 three-pointers in a single season.[61]

Curry in April 2014

In 2013–14, Curry appeared in 78 games (all starts), averaging career highs of 24.0 points (seventh in the NBA) and 8.5 assists (fifth in the NBA) to go with 4.3 rebounds and 1.63 steals, becoming the first player in Warriors franchise history to average 24 points and eight assists in a single season (ninth player in NBA history). He led the league in three-pointers made for a second consecutive season with 261, becoming the first player since Ray Allen in 2001–02 and 2002–03 to lead the league in three-pointers in back-to-back seasons. He was named Western Conference Player of the Month for April and earned All-NBA Second Team honors, becoming the first Warriors player named to the First or Second Team since 1993–94.[61] On December 7 against the Memphis Grizzlies, Curry eclipsed Jason Richardson (700) as the franchise's leader in career three-pointers.[77] In February, he made his first All-Star appearance,[78] becoming the Warriors' first All-Star starter since Latrell Sprewell in 1995.[61] He scored a season-high 47 points on April 13 against the Portland Trail Blazers for his third 40-point game of the year. He finished the regular season tied for second in the NBA in triple-doubles with four, the most by a Warrior in a single season since Chamberlain had five in 1963–64.[61] Seeded sixth for the second consecutive postseason, the Warriors were defeated in seven games by the Los Angeles Clippers.[79]

NBA championship and MVP (2014–2015)

[edit]
Curry attempting a pass while being guarded by John Wall and Nenê. Curry averaged 7.7 assists per game during the 2014–15 regular season, the sixth-highest in the league.[80]

Prior to the start of the 2014–15 season, the Warriors hired former NBA player and general manager Steve Kerr as their new head coach.[81] Kerr implemented significant changes to Golden State's schemes, including playing at a faster pace and giving Curry more freedom to shoot, helping the team evolve into a title contender.[82] On February 4, Curry scored a season-high 51 points in a win over the Dallas Mavericks.[83] He was the leading vote-getter for the All-Star Game and won the Three-Point Contest on All-Star Saturday night.[84][85] On April 9, he broke his own league record for three-pointers made in a season during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.[86] The Warriors finished the year with 67 wins and Curry was voted the NBA Most Valuable Player after posting averages of 23.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 2 steals per game.[87] Over the course of the season, he sat out 17 fourth quarters due to Golden State's wide margins of victory.[88]

In Game 5 of the conference semifinals against the Memphis Grizzlies, Curry became the first player in league history to register six three-pointers and six steals in a game.[89] In Game 6, he made a playoff career-high 8 three-pointers en route to a series-clinching victory.[90] In Game 3 of the conference finals against the Houston Rockets, he broke the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a single postseason.[91][92] The Warriors went on to defeat the Rockets to earn a Finals matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where Curry struggled to start the series, converting on only 22 percent of his field goals in Game 2.[93] In Game 5, he scored 37 points,[94] and in Game 6, Golden State closed out the series to win their first championship in 40 years.[95] For the Finals, Curry averaged 26 points and 6.3 assists per game.[94] The Warriors' playoff run was the first in which an All-NBA first team selection eliminated all other first team selections en route to a championship.[96]

Unanimous MVP and historic season (2015–2016)

[edit]
Curry in February 2016

To start the 2015–16 season, Curry became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1989–90 to score 118 points in his team's first three games,[97] including a season-high 53 points against the New Orleans Pelicans in the third game.[98] The Warriors made NBA history on November 24 when they became the first team ever to start 16–0 with a win over the Los Angeles Lakers,[99] before improving to 24–0 on December 11 with a double-overtime win over the Boston Celtics.[100] Their streak was broken the following day against the Milwaukee Bucks.[101] On December 28, Curry recorded his sixth career triple-double with 23 points, a career-high 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 122–103 win over the Sacramento Kings. During the game, Curry was guarded by his brother Seth for the first time in their NBA careers.[102] On January 22, he recorded his second triple-double of the season with 39 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 122–110 win over the Indiana Pacers. He made eight three-pointers in the game to reach 200 for the season, becoming the first player in NBA history to make 200 three-pointers in four straight seasons.[103] On February 3, he made 11 three-pointers (including seven in the first quarter) and scored 51 points (including a career-high 36 points in the first half) to lead the Warriors past the Washington Wizards 134–121. His 51 points tied Gilbert Arenas and Michael Jordan for the Verizon Center record.[104]

During the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend, Curry competed in his third straight All-Star game for the West, and competed in the Three-Point Contest, where he lost in the final round to teammate Klay Thompson. At 48–4, the Warriors entered the All-Star break with the best record through 52 games in NBA history, one win better than the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls and 1966–67 Philadelphia 76ers.[105]

On February 25, Curry scored 51 points and made 10 three-pointers to lead the Warriors past the Orlando Magic 130–114, becoming the first player to record at least three 50-point games since LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in 2008–09. He also became the first player in NBA history to score at least 50 points in a game with only one free throw attempted.[96] Curry surpassed Kyle Korver's record of 127 consecutive games with a made three-pointer.[106] In the following game, two days later, Curry scored 46 points and made a 38-foot game-winning jump shot with 0.6 seconds remaining, to lead the Warriors past the Oklahoma City Thunder in overtime 121–118. He tied the then- single-game three-point scoring record (12) held by Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall and broke his own NBA record for made three-pointers in a season, setting a new mark at 288.[107] He also became the first player in NBA history with at least 10 made three-pointers in consecutive games.[108] Dubbed the "Double Bang" by play-by-play broadcaster Mike Breen, the shot is regarded among the most memorable basketball calls of all time.[109] In February 2016, Curry averaged over 35 points per game, while shooting at least 50 percent from both the field and three-point range, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve this feat in a calendar month.[110] On March 7, in a win over the Magic, Curry scored 41 points and became the first player in NBA history to make 300 regular-season three-pointers.[111] On April 1, Curry missed a three-pointer to tie the game against the Celtics with 5.3 seconds left, as the Warriors suffered their first home defeat since January 27, 2015, snapping an NBA-record 54-game winning streak in the regular season at Oracle Arena.[112] On April 7, Curry scored 27 points to help the Warriors become the second team in NBA history to win 70 games in a season with a 112–101 win over the San Antonio Spurs.[113] Three days later in a rematch against the Spurs, Curry scored 37 points in a 92–86 win, not only tying the 1996 Bulls, but snapping San Antonio's undefeated home streak and also ending a long losing streak in AT&T Center.[114]

In the Warriors' regular-season finale on April 13 against the Memphis Grizzlies, Curry scored 46 points with 10 made three-pointers, finishing with a record 402 three-pointers on the season.[115] With a 125–104 win over the Grizzlies, the Warriors became the first 73-win team in NBA history, surpassing the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls' 72–10 record to finish the 2015–16 season with just nine losses.[116] With the conclusion of the regular season, Curry became the seventh player in NBA history to join the 50–40–90 club and the first to achieve this feat while averaging over 30 points per game.[117][118] Curry led the league in scoring (30.1 points per game), steals (2.14), and free throw percentage (.908), becoming the first player to lead all three statistics in a season.[119] For his record-breaking season, Curry was named the league's first ever unanimous MVP, becoming the 11th player in history to win the award in consecutive seasons and the first guard to do so since Steve Nash in 2004–05 and 2005–06.[120] His scoring average increase of 6.3 is the largest ever by a reigning MVP.[117]

In the 2016 playoffs, the Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets in the first round despite Curry only playing in the first half of Games 1 and 4 due to injury.[121][122][123] A right MCL injury kept him out of the first three games of the second round.[124] In Game 4 of the second-round series against the Portland Trail Blazers, Curry came off the bench to score 40 points in a 132–125 overtime win;[125] 17 of those points came in the extra period, an NBA record for points scored by an individual in overtime.[126] Curry led the Warriors to a 4–1 victory over the Trail Blazers, as they moved on to the Western Conference finals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. After going down 3–1, he helped the Warriors rally to win the series 4–3 and advance to their second straight NBA Finals.[127]

In the Finals, Curry's play relative to his regular season performance remained inconsistent, as it had been since he returned from injury against Portland;[128] still, he broke Danny Green's record of 27 three-pointers made in a Finals.[129] Despite being up 3–1 in the series, the Warriors were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games and became the first team in NBA Finals history to lose a series after leading 3–1. In the game seven loss, Curry scored 17 points on 6-of-19 shooting.[130]

Back-to-back championships (2016–2018)

[edit]
Curry shooting over Marcin Gortat in February 2017

On October 28, 2016, Curry hit four three-pointers against the New Orleans Pelicans to reach 1,600 for his career, becoming the 19th player to do so, as well as the fastest to reach the mark.[131] On November 4, Curry's NBA-record streak of 157 straight games with at least one made three-pointer was snapped during the Warriors' 117–97 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers after he went 0-of-10 from three-point range. He had hit a three-pointer in every regular-season game since November 11, 2014.[132] Three days later, he hit 13 three-pointers against New Orleans, becoming the first player in NBA history to make as many three-pointers in a regular-season game.[133] Curry shot 16-of-26 overall against the Pelicans for his first 40-point game of the season, finishing with 46 in a 116–106 win.[134] On December 11, Curry hit 2 three-pointers against the Minnesota Timberwolves to pass Steve Nash for 17th on the NBA's career three-pointers list.[135]

With 14 points against the Dallas Mavericks on December 30, Curry (11,903) passed Purvis Short (11,894) for seventh place on the Warriors' all-time scoring list.[136] In a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on January 6, 2017, Curry had his second 40-point game of the season and reached the 12,000-point threshold, becoming the seventh player in Warriors franchise history to score 12,000 career points.[137] On January 19, Curry was named a starter on the Western Conference All-Star team for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game.[138] On February 2, he hit his 200th three-pointer of the season in the Warriors' 133–120 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, making him the first player in NBA history to have 200 or more three-pointers in five consecutive seasons.[139] On March 5, he scored 31 points and moved into the top 10 on the NBA's career three-point list in a 112–105 win over the New York Knicks. Curry hit 5 three-pointers, passing Chauncey Billups for 10th place.[140]

Curry helped the Warriors sweep through the first two rounds of the playoffs.[141] In Game 1 of the Western Conference finals against the San Antonio Spurs, Curry scored 40 points and hit a tying three-pointer with 1:48 remaining to help the Warriors rally from a 25-point deficit to win 113–111; the Warriors overcame their largest halftime deficit ever in the postseason at 20 points.[142] This was the second time in the season that the Warriors came back from a 20-point deficit against the Spurs.[143] In a 120–108 Game 3 win, Curry scored 21 points and became the franchise leader in postseason points, passing Rick Barry. They went up 3–0 in the series, becoming the third team in NBA history to win their first 11 playoff games.[144] His 36 points in Game 4 led to a 129–115 victory that saw the Warriors advance to the NBA Finals for a third straight year while becoming the first team in league history to start the playoffs 12–0.[145] In Game 2 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Curry recorded his first career postseason triple-double with 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds to help the Warriors go up 2–0 in the series with a 132–113 win.[146] Curry helped the Warriors clinch the series and the championship in Game 5 with 34 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, as Golden State claimed its second title in three years.[147]

Curry warming up prior to a game in November 2017

On July 1, 2017, Curry agreed to a five-year, $201 million extension with the Warriors, becoming the first NBA player to sign a supermax contract worth over $200 million.[148] He officially signed the contract on July 25.[149] On December 1, he scored 23 points and passed Jason Kidd for eighth place on the career three-pointers made list in a 133–112 win over the Orlando Magic.[150] On December 4, in a 125–115 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Curry hit 5 three-pointers to become the fastest player in NBA history to eclipse 2,000 career three-pointers, achieving the mark in just 597 games, 227 less than the previous fastest player to do so, Ray Allen.[151][152] In that same game, Curry injured his right ankle and subsequently missed 11 games,[153] returning to action on December 30 and scoring 38 points with a season-high 10 three-pointers in a 141–128 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Curry shot 13 of 17 and 10 of 13 from deep in 26 minutes for his ninth 30-point game of the season. It also marked Curry's ninth career game with 10 or more 3s, the most by any player in NBA history.[154]

On January 6, in a 121–105 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, Curry scored 45 points in three quarters.[155] On January 25, he scored 25 points in a 126–113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Curry became the fifth player in Warriors franchise history to score 14,000 points, ending the game with 14,023 and joining Wilt Chamberlain (17,783), Rick Barry (16,447), Paul Arizin (16,266), and Chris Mullin (16,235) on the franchise list.[156] On January 27, he scored 49 points—with 13 of those over the final 1:42—and hit 8 three-pointers, lifting the Warriors past the Boston Celtics 109–105.[157] On February 22, he had a 44-point effort with 8 three-pointers in a 134–127 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. It was his third 40-point game of the season.[158] On March 2, in a 114–109 win over the Atlanta Hawks, Curry made his 200th three-point field goal of the season, becoming the first player in NBA history with at least 200 three-pointers in six seasons, having reached the mark in every season since 2012–13.[159] Four days later, in a 114–101 win over the Nets, Curry became the seventh player in Warriors franchise history to make 5,000 career field goals, joining Chamberlain, Barry, Mullin, Arizin, Jeff Mullins, and Nate Thurmond.[160]

On March 23, against the Hawks, Curry suffered a Grade 2 medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain to his left knee.[161] He subsequently missed nearly six weeks, returning to action in Game 2 of the Warriors' second-round playoff series against the Pelicans. He came off the bench to score 28 points in a 121–116 win.[162] In Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, Curry scored 35 points with 5 three-pointers in a 126–85 win over the Houston Rockets. The 41-point victory was the largest in franchise history during the postseason.[163] In Game 6, Curry scored 29 points with 5 three-pointers, as the Warriors rallied from an early 17-point deficit to stave off elimination with a 115–86 victory over the Rockets.[164] In Game 7, Curry recorded 27 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, as the Warriors earned a fourth straight trip to the NBA Finals by beating the Rockets 101–92.[165]

In Game 2 of the NBA Finals, Curry hit a Finals-record 9 three-pointers and scored 33 points in a 122–103 win over the Cavaliers.[166] In Game 4, Curry led all scorers with 37 points in a 108–85 win that helped the Warriors clinch their second straight championship with a series sweep over the Cavaliers.[167] Many felt that he should have won Finals MVP.[168] In response, Curry stated: "At the end of the day, I'm not going to let a [Finals] MVP trophy define my career. Three titles ... Wherever that puts us in the conversation in the history of the NBA ... I'm a three-time champ."[169] Rohan Nadkarni of Sports Illustrated argued that "the Golden State dynasty started with Stephen Curry. He, for numerous reasons stretching from his incredible talent to his previous ankle injuries, put the Warriors in place to win their third championship in four seasons."[170]

Fifth consecutive NBA Finals (2018–2019)

[edit]

On October 21, 2018, Curry had 30 points and 6 three-pointers in a 100–98 loss to the Denver Nuggets, thus moving past Paul Pierce for sixth place on the NBA's career three-point list.[171] Three days later, he scored 51 points with 11 three-pointers in only three quarters in a 144–122 win over the Washington Wizards. He scored 31 in the first half and finished with his sixth career 50-point game and made 10 or more 3s for the 10th time. Curry's third three-pointer of the night moved him past Jamal Crawford (2,153) for fifth place on the NBA's career three-point list.[172] On October 28, he made seven three-pointers and finished with 35 points in a 120–114 win over the Brooklyn Nets.[173] Over the first seven games of the season, he made at least 5 three-pointers in all seven games, breaking George McCloud's record of six games in a row during the 1995–96 season.[173] The Warriors started the season with a 10–1 record. On November 8 against the Milwaukee Bucks, Curry left the game during the third quarter with a groin injury[174] and the Warriors were unable to recover in a 134–111 loss.[175] Without Curry, the Warriors dropped to 12–7 on November 21 after enduring their first four-game losing streak since March 2013.[176] The Warriors ended November with a 15–8 record, with Curry's strained left groin sidelining him for 11 straight games.[177]

Despite Curry's 27 points in his return to the line-up on December 1, the Warriors were defeated 111–102 by the Detroit Pistons.[178] On December 17, he scored 20 points in a 110–93 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming just the fifth player in Warriors franchise history to score 15,000 points during the regular season, joining Wilt Chamberlain (17,783), Rick Barry (16,447), Paul Arizin (16,266), and Chris Mullin (16,235).[179] On December 23, he scored 42 points and made a layup with 0.5 seconds left to lift the Warriors to a 129–127 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.[180] On January 5, he had 10 three-pointers and scored 20 of his 42 points in the fourth quarter of the Warriors' 127–123 win over the Sacramento Kings.[181] On January 11, in a 146–109 win over the Chicago Bulls, Curry made 5 three-pointers to surpass Jason Terry (2,282) and move into third place all-time in NBA history behind Ray Allen (2,973) and Reggie Miller (2,560).[182] Two days later, he scored 48 points and hit a season high-tying 11 three-pointers in a 119–114 win over the Dallas Mavericks.[183] On January 16, he scored 41 points with 9 three-pointers to become the first player in NBA history to make eight or more 3s in three straight games, as the Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 147–140.[184] On January 31, he scored 41 points with 10 three-pointers in a 113–104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.[185] On February 21, he scored 36 points with 10 three-pointers in a 125–123 win over the Kings.[186] On March 16 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Curry reached 16,000 career points.[187] On March 29, he made 11 three-pointers and scored 37 points in a 131–130 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.[188] On April 2, in a 116–102 win over the Nuggets, Curry made 5 or more three-pointers in a career-best nine straight games and moved past Mullin for fourth place on the Warriors all-time points list.[189] On April 5, he scored 40 points in a 120–114 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, thus moving past Arizin for third place on the Warriors all-time points list.[190]

The Warriors entered the playoffs as the first seed in the Western Conference with a 57–25 record. In Game 1 of the Warriors' first-round playoff series against the Clippers, Curry scored 38 points and made 8 three-pointers to give him the most in postseason history, passing Ray Allen (385). He also had a postseason career-high 15 rebounds and seven assists in a 121–104 win.[191] In Game 6 of the second round, Curry bounced back from the first scoreless first half of his playoff career to score 33 points in the last two quarters to help the Warriors eliminate the Houston Rockets with a 118–113 win and advance to the Western Conference finals.[192] In Game 1 of the conference finals, Curry matched his postseason career high with 9 three-pointers to finish with 36 points in a 116–94 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.[193] Curry faced his brother Seth in that Finals series, making them the first set of brothers to face each other in an NBA playoff series.[194] He averaged a series career-high 36.5 points to help the Warriors sweep the Trail Blazers. It was the highest average by a player in a four-game sweep in NBA history.[195] Curry became the sixth player in NBA history to score 35 or more in the first four games of a series.[b] In Game 4, he had 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 119–117 overtime win,[197] as he and Draymond Green became the first teammates in league history to have a triple-double in the same playoff game.[196] In Game 3 of the 2019 Finals, Curry scored a playoff career-high 47 points to go with eight rebounds and seven assists in a 123–109 loss to the Toronto Raptors.[198] In Game 5, he helped the Warriors stave off elimination with 31 points in a 106–105 win, cutting the Raptors' series lead to 3–2.[199] In Game 6, Curry scored 21 points, but shot just 6 for 17 and went 3 of 11 on three-pointers, including missing a contested three-pointer in the waning moments, as the Warriors lost the game and the series with a 114–110 defeat.[200]

Injury and comeback (2019–2021)

[edit]

Curry was expected to take on a greater offensive load in the 2019–20 season with Thompson out injured and Kevin Durant having left the Warriors as a free agent. On October 30, 2019, against the Phoenix Suns in the fourth game of the season, Curry drove to the basket and collided with the Suns' Aron Baynes, who was trying to take a charge. Baynes fell on Curry's left hand, which required surgery to repair his broken second metacarpal. He was expected to be out at least three months.[201] On March 5, 2020, Curry returned against the Toronto Raptors and recorded 23 points, six rebounds and seven assists in a 121–113 Warriors' loss.[202]

On December 27, 2020, Curry put up 36 points in a 129–128 win over the Chicago Bulls, becoming the fastest player in NBA history to reach 2,500 career three-pointers.[203] On January 3, 2021, Curry scored a career-high 62 points on 18-of-31 shooting in a 137–122 win against the Portland Trail Blazers.[204] On January 4, he was named the Player of the Week for the Western Conference.[205] On January 23, in a game against the Utah Jazz, Curry hit 5 three-pointers, moving his career total up to 2,562, passing Miller to move up to second in the NBA's career three-pointers list, trailing only Allen.[206] At the 2021 All-Star Game, he won his second Three-Point Contest after making his last shot in the final round to edge Mike Conley Jr. 28–27.[207] On March 15, against the Los Angeles Lakers, Curry passed Guy Rodgers (4,855) as the franchise's leader in career assists.[208]

On April 12, Curry scored 53 points in a 116–107 win against the Denver Nuggets, and he surpassed Wilt Chamberlain (17,783) to become the franchise's all-time scoring leader.[209][210][211] It was part of an 11-game stretch in April in which Curry scored at least 30 points in each game, surpassing Kobe Bryant's previous record (10) for a player age 33 or older. He also made 78 three-pointers during that span, the most in NBA history over 11 regular season games.[212] Curry's play sparked media discussions about his candidacy for the league MVP award, and went on to become a finalist for the award for the third time in his career.[212][213] He was named the Western Conference Player of the Month for April after averaging 37.3 points on .518 shooting and scoring 30 or more points in 13 of his 15 games played. He became the first NBA player to average at least 35 points per game and shoot 50–45–90 in a calendar month and set an NBA record for made three-pointers in a month with 96, breaking James Harden's mark of 82 set in November 2019.[110] Curry made .466 of his three-pointers in that span, including four games in which he made 10 or more three-pointers.[214] He scored 46 points in the regular-season finale against the Memphis Grizzlies, finishing the season with a scoring average of 32.0 and holding off Bradley Beal to secure his second scoring title.[215] He joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain as the fourth player in NBA history to win multiple championships, league MVP awards, and scoring titles in a career.[216]

All-time 3-point scoring record, fourth championship and Finals MVP (2021–2022)

[edit]
Curry attempting a 3-pointer during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.

On August 6, 2021, Curry signed a four-year, $215 million extension which would keep him under contract through the 2025–26 season and made him the first player to earn $50 million in a single season as well the first to sign multiple contracts of over $200 million.[217]

On October 19, in the Warriors' season-opener, Curry recorded his eighth career triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 121–114 win against the Los Angeles Lakers.[218] On November 8, Curry scored 50 points, with 10 assists on nine three-pointers made, in a 127–113 win over the Atlanta Hawks.[219] Curry recorded 50 points and 10 assists in the same game for the first time in his career and surpassed Chamberlain as the oldest player in history to achieve this feat.[220] On November 12 against the Chicago Bulls, Curry became the NBA's career leader for three-pointers in both regular season and playoffs with 3,366, passing Ray Allen (3,358).[221] On December 14 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, Curry made his 2,974th career three-pointer to pass Ray Allen and become the NBA's all-time three-point scoring leader.[6] On January 21, 2022, Curry hit his first career buzzer-beating game-winner in a 105–103 win over the Houston Rockets, on a night where he put up 22 points and 12 assists.[222] On January 31, Curry scored 40 points, 21 of which in the fourth quarter, behind seven three-pointers and dished out nine assists to lead Golden State to a 122–108 victory over the Houston Rockets. His 21 fourth-quarter points were the highest of his career until February 2024.[223]

In the 2022 NBA All-Star Game held on February 20, Curry's Team LeBron defeated Team Durant 163–160. Curry scored 50 points (just 2 points shy of the All-Star Game record set by Anthony Davis in 2017);[224] he also set the record for most three-pointers made in an All-Star quarter (6), half (8), and game (16),[225] and was named the All-Star Game MVP.[226] On February 24, Curry had a season-high 14 assists with 18 points in a 132–95 blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers.[227] On March 10, Curry scored 34 points in a 113–102 win over the Denver Nuggets. He became the 49th player in NBA history to rack up 20,000 points.[228] On March 14, his 34th birthday, Curry scored 47 points in a 126–112 win over the Washington Wizards.[229] On March 16, in a 110–88 loss to the Boston Celtics, Curry suffered a sprained ligament in his left foot after having it rolled over by a diving Marcus Smart and was ruled out indefinitely.[230] On April 1, he was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season.[231]

On May 9, in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Memphis Grizzlies, Curry became the first player in NBA history to make 500 career playoff three-pointers.[232] During the Western Conference finals against the Dallas Mavericks, he averaged 23.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 7.4 assists per game. After the Warriors won the series in five games, Curry was named the unanimous and inaugural winner of the Western Conference finals MVP award.[233] On June 10, in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Curry logged 43 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists in a 107–97 victory over the Boston Celtics to even the series at 2–2. He became the first player in Finals history to make 5+ three-pointers in four consecutive games.[234] Curry (at age 34 years, 88 days) also became the second-oldest player in NBA Finals history to record a 40-point, 10-rebound game behind only LeBron James in 2020 (at age 35 years, 284 days).[235] In Game 5 of the Finals, Curry passed Boston Celtics legend John Havlicek for 10th on the all-time Finals assists list.[236] In Game 6 of the Finals, Curry scored 34 points along with seven rebounds, seven assists, and led the Warriors to a 103–90 victory over the Celtics. He was named the Finals MVP unanimously after averaging 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game.[237] He became the first player in Finals history to average at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 made three-pointers per game in a series.[238]

Back-to-back chase (2022–2023)

[edit]

On November 2, 2022, Curry logged his 10th career triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists in a 116–109 loss against the Miami Heat.[239] On November 7, Curry recorded 47 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and zero turnovers as the Golden State Warriors beat the Sacramento Kings 116–113 to snap a five-game losing streak.[240] On November 11, Curry scored 40 points on 15–23 shooting from the field in a 106–101 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He became the first player in NBA history to record at least 40 points, 5 made three-pointers, and shoot over .650 from the field in consecutive games.[241] On November 20, Curry posted a season-high 15 assists along with 33 points on 7-of-14 shooting from three-point range in a 127–120 win over the Houston Rockets.[242] Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins combined for 23 made three-pointers, the most three-pointers made in a game by a trio in NBA history.[243] On December 10, in a rematch of the 2022 NBA Finals, Curry recorded 32 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in a 123–107 win over the Boston Celtics.[244]

On January 25, 2023, in a 122–120 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, Curry was ejected with 1:14 remaining in the fourth quarter for throwing a mouthpiece on the ground, marking the third time that Curry was ejected during his career.[245][246] Curry left the game with a game-high 34 points.[247] The next day, Curry was named a Western Conference starter for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, marking his ninth overall selection.[248] On January 30, Curry put up 38 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the field, alongside eight rebounds and 12 assists in a 128–120 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also surpassed Wilt Chamberlain (7,216) for the most field goals made in Warriors franchise history with 7,222.[249] On March 15, Curry scored 50 points on 8-of-14 shooting from three-point range in a 134–126 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He became the first player in NBA history to score at least 10,000 career points off of three-pointers.[250] Curry also surpassed Michael Jordan for the most 50-point games at age 30 or older, tying Chamberlain's then-record of 7 games.[251]

In Game 7 of the Warriors' first round playoff series against the Sacramento Kings, Curry scored a playoff career-high 50 points in a 120–100 win.[252] He became the first player to score 50 points in a Game 7 and tied Karl Malone for the most points in a playoff game at age 35 or older.[253][254] He also became the first player in playoff history to score at least 20 points from behind the arc and in the paint in the same game.[255] Following the series' completion, Curry joined Jordan as the only players in playoff history to record at least 200 points in a series at age 35 or older.[256] In Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers, Curry logged his third postseason career triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds, 14 assists, and three steals in a 104–101 loss.[257][258] The Warriors were eliminated in six games, despite Curry's 32-point outing in a 122–101 closeout loss in Game 6.[259]

Clutch Player of the Year (2023–2024)

[edit]

Following the retirement of Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat, Curry became the longest tenured NBA player with their current team. On November 1, 2023, Curry became the first player in NBA history to make a three-pointer in 250 consecutive regular season games.[260] On November 3, he scored a game-winning layup in a 141–139 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.[261] On December 16, Curry scored 37 points on 14-of-22 shooting, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc in a 124–120 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, becoming the first player in NBA history to eclipse 3,500 career three-pointers.[262]

On January 27, 2024, Curry recorded 46 points and nine made three-pointers, in a 145–144 double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.[263] On February 1, Curry was named to his tenth All-Star Game and his first as a reserve.[264] On February 3, Curry scored a season-high 60 points on 22-of-38 shooting from the field with 10 three-pointers made in a 141–134 overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks, setting several NBA records; he joined Kobe Bryant as the only players in history to record a 60-point game at age 35 or older; he became the second player after Rick Barry to score at least 60 points with at most six free throws attempted; he joined Damian Lillard and Karl-Anthony Towns as the only players to record at least 60 points and 10 made three-pointers in a regular season game; he became the first player in history to average over 40 points per game on 50–40–100 splits in a four-game span.[265] On February 8, Curry scored 42 points on 15-of-22 shooting from the field, including a season-high 11-of-16 shooting from three, in a 131–109 win over the Indiana Pacers.[266] On February 10, Curry recorded 30 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and 9-of-16 shooting from beyond the arc, including a game-winning three-pointer, in a 113–112 win over the Phoenix Suns.[267]

On April 25, Curry was named the NBA Clutch Player of the Year after leading the league in clutch points (189), made field goals (59), and made three-pointers (32) during the regular season.[268]

Second All-Star Game MVP and 4K 3-point club (2024–2025)

[edit]

On August 30, 2024, Curry signed a one-year, $62.6 million contract extension with the Warriors throughout the 2026–27 season, becoming the first NBA player to earn $60 million in a single season.[269] He also joined LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the only players in history to amass $500 million in career earnings.[270]

On November 11, Curry dropped 36 points and seven assists in a 127–116 road victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.[271] Two days later, he recorded 37 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and the Warriors' final 12 points to secure a 120–117 win over the Dallas Mavericks. The game marked Klay Thompson's first return to the Bay Area after leaving for Dallas in a sign-and-trade during the off-season.[272] On December 25, 2024, Curry dropped 38 points and six assists in a 115–113 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. He shot 8-of-15 from three-point range, tying a Christmas day game record for the most in history.[273] On January 2, 2025, Curry dropped 30 points, 10 assists, and a career-first 8-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc in a 139–105 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve this stat line.[274] He also surpassed Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games by a guard at age 35 or older.[275] On January 25, Curry was named a Western Conference starter for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking his eleventh overall selection and his tenth selection as a starter.[276]

On February 8, Curry recorded 34 points, six assists, and eight made three-pointers in a 132–111 road win over the Chicago Bulls. He scored 24 points in the third quarter, marking his 41st career 20-point quarter—the most by any player since the NBA began tracking play-by-play data in 1997–98.[277] Two days later, in his 1,000th regular season game, Curry tied his season-high of 38 points and grabbed six rebounds in a 125–111 road win over the Milwaukee Bucks. He joined LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Karl Malone as the only players in history to record four consecutive 30-point games at age 36 or older.[278] On February 16, Curry won his second All-Star MVP award after scoring 20 points and six three-pointers combined in the two games of the exhibition's revamped mini-tournament format.[279] He joined LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan as the only players in history to win at least two league MVP awards, two All-Star MVP awards, and a Finals MVP award in a career.[280] On February 27, Curry put up 56 points on 16-of-25 shooting, including 12 made three-pointers, in a 121–115 road win over the Orlando Magic.[281] He outscored the Magic 22–21 in the third quarter and notched his third 50-point game after turning 35 years old, the most in NBA history.[282] He also tied Thompson's then-record for the most career games (3) with at least 12 made three-pointers.[283]

On March 6, Curry recorded 40 points and seven made three-pointers, including a fadeaway buzzer-beater from the half court logo, in a 121–119 road win over the Brooklyn Nets.[284] Two days later, he scored 32 points in a 115–110 win over the Detroit Pistons and eclipsed 25,000 career points, becoming the 26th player in NBA history to do so.[285] On March 13, Curry eclipsed 4,000 career three-pointers in a 130–104 win over the Sacramento Kings, becoming the first player in NBA history to start the 4K club.[286] On April 1, Curry put up 52 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and 12 made three-pointers in a 134–125 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He became the first player in NBA history to register at least 50 points, 10 made three-pointers, and five steals in a single game and passed Jerry West on the all-time scoring list.[287] On April 3, Curry recorded 37 points and six assists in a 123–116 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers.[288] The next day, he scored 36 points, five assists, and seven made three-pointers in a 118–104 win over the Denver Nuggets, securing the Warriors' first victory over the Nuggets since March 2022.[289] On April 13, Curry recorded 36 points, six assists, and seven made three-pointers in a 124–119 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers in the regular-season finale. He finished the season as the league leader in free throw percentage for the fifth time in his career, tying Reggie Miller for the third-most in NBA history.[290] On April 29, Curry was named the Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year for his commitment to team excellence and leadership as a mentor to other NBA players.[291]

In Game 3 of the Warriors' first round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, Curry recorded 36 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in a 104–93 win and passed Tony Parker for 10th on the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list.[292] In Game 7 of the first round, Curry scored 22 points, along with a team-leading 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks, to help the Warriors eliminate the Rockets with a 103–89 road win and advance to the Western Conference semifinals.[293] In Game 1 of the conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Curry suffered a strained hamstring in the second quarter and was sidelined for the rest of the game, which the Warriors went on to win—their only victory in the series.[294] In his absence, the Warriors were eliminated in five games.[295]

National team career

[edit]
Curry at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Curry's first experience with the United States national team came at the 2007 FIBA Under-19 World Championship, where he helped Team USA capture the silver medal.[296] He averaged 9.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.8 steals per game.[297]

In 2010, Curry was selected to the senior squad,[297] playing limited minutes at the 2010 FIBA World Championship (later known as the FIBA Basketball World Cup) as the United States won the gold medal in an undefeated tournament.[298] In 2012, Curry was excluded from the list of 20 finalists selected for consideration for the 2012 U.S. Olympic team in London, which reportedly left him "very disappointed" but motivated to improve his game for future opportunities.[299][300] In 2014, he took on a larger role with the team, helping them to another undefeated tournament at the 2014 World Cup and scoring 10 points in the final game.[301] On June 6, 2016, Curry withdrew from consideration for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, citing ankle and knee ailments as the major reason behind the decision.[302]

Curry made his Olympic debut with the 2024 U.S. Olympic team in Paris, alongside his longtime head coach Steve Kerr.[303] He initially struggled from the field. In a tightly contested semifinal game against Serbia, Curry led a 17-point comeback in a 95–91 win, finishing with a tournament-high 36 points, eight rebounds, and 9-of-14 shooting from three-point range.[304] In the final two minutes, Curry made a successful steal, layup, and two clutch free throws to maintain a lead of four points.[305] His 36 points are the second-most ever scored in a game by an American, behind Carmelo Anthony's 37-point performance against Nigeria in 2012.[306] He also set an Olympic record for most three-pointers made in a knockout game.[307] In a post-game interview, teammate Kevin Durant called Curry's performance "one of the greatest games I've ever seen him play".[305] Curry followed up his performance with another successful outing in the final game against France, tallying 24 points, five assists, and 8-of-12 shooting from three-point range.[308] He made four consecutive three-pointers in the final three minutes, including a double-contested fadeaway jump shot, to secure the United States' fifth-straight Olympic gold medal and his career-first.[309] Curry's final game-clinching three-pointer, dubbed the "Golden Dagger", was named one of the greatest moments in Olympic basketball history.[310] He finished the tournament as the team's leading scorer, averaging 14.8 points per game, and set an Olympic record for most three-pointers made in a final.[311] For his performances, Curry was selected to the Olympics All-Star Five team and named the 2024 USA Basketball 5-on-5 Male Athlete of the Year.[312] He joined LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan as the fourth player in NBA history to win at least four championships, two league MVP awards, a Finals MVP award, and an Olympic gold medal in a career.[313]

Player profile

[edit]

Listed at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and 185 pounds (86 kg), Curry plays almost exclusively at the point guard position combined with the signature play style of an elite shooting guard. He has career averages of 24.7 points, 6.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game (through the end of the 2024–25 season),[87] His career free throw percentage of .911 is the highest in NBA history, and he has led the league in annual free-throw percentage five times.[314][315] He has been named league MVP twice, including the first unanimous selection in league history (2015–16).[87]

Known for his three-point shooting, athleticism, and play-making, Curry is an offensive threat from underneath the rim to near half-court.[316][317] Using an unorthodox jump shot, he is capable of releasing the ball in under half a second upon jumping, adding greater arc to his shots and making them difficult to block.[318] Therefore, Curry is able to adjust his release and balance to make shots from virtually anywhere on the court. For his high shooting proficiency and ball-handling, he has been referred to as the "Baby-Faced Assassin" since a young age and "Chef Curry" while playing in the NBA.[87][319] For their shooting abilities, Curry and former teammate Klay Thompson are often referred to as the Splash Brothers. In the 2013–14 season, they set the record for combined three-pointers made in a season with 484, a record they broke the following season (525), and again in the 2015–16 season (678).[320] Curry is also known for putting pressure on defenses with his long range and led the league in field goals made from beyond 28 feet in the 2015–16 season.[321] A clutch scorer, he often shoots at his best in high-pressure moments and takes game-winning shots.[322][323] Curry has made 10 game-winning shots[c] in his career, the most by any player since the 2012–13 season.[325] He was named the 2023–24 NBA Clutch Player of the Year after leading the league in clutch points, made clutch field goals, and made clutch three-pointers.[324]

His career three-point field goal percentage (3P%) of .423 ranks as the 13th highest in NBA history.[326] In 2015–16, Curry posted the highest eFG% (.630) and 3P% (.454) ever recorded in a season while averaging over 30 points per game.[327] He holds four of the top-five seasons with most three-pointers made, led by his NBA record 402 three-pointers from the 2015–16 season, and has served as the annual leader a record eight times.[328][329] He is also the fastest player in league history to make 2,000 career three-pointers, doing so in 227 fewer games than the previous record-holder, Ray Allen.[151] Additionally, Curry is the fastest player to make 100 three-pointers in a season, doing so in just 19 games, breaking his own previous record of 20 games.[330]

Owing to his offensive presence, Curry's scoring creates a "gravity" effect that forces opposing defenders to frequently double-team him during both on-ball and off-ball movement, creating mismatches that his teammates exploit.[331][332] With Curry, the Warriors average 10.8 isolations per game; without Curry, they average 15.3 isolations per game. His absence slows the Warriors offense and leads to less passing and ball movement. With Curry, the Warriors average 1.05 points every shot that comes after an off-ball screen; without Curry, it drops to 0.95 points per game. His absence makes it much easier for defenders to switch on screens. Of Curry's success with or without other elite teammates, NBC Sports' Tom Haberstroh said, "You can pluck All-Star after All-Star off the court like flower petals, and the Steph-led Warriors will still dominate like a champion. He's that transcendent of a player."[333]

Curry's short stature relative to the rest of the league impeded his defensive abilities for the majority of his career.[334] Some analysts, including Ethan Sherwood Strauss of ESPN, have complimented his defensive play or called it underrated.[334][335] Strauss said in 2015 that Curry became "one of the NBA's most effective defenders – ranking fifth among point guards in defensive real plus-minus."[335] Curry led the league in total steals in the 2014–15 season and steals per game in the following season.[336]

Legacy

[edit]
Curry in February 2022

Curry is often considered the greatest shooter[337][338] and one of the greatest players in NBA history.[5][339][340] He is credited with revolutionizing the game of basketball by inspiring teams, from high school to the NBA, to regularly use the three-point shot.[5] Analysts have referred to him as "the Michael Jordan of the three-point era", saying that he did for the three-point shot what Jordan did for the slam dunk.[341][342][343] The Guardian's Robert O'Connell cites Curry's February 27, 2013, game against the New York Knicks, in which he made 11-of-13 shots from behind the arc en route to a 54-point performance, as the start of the three-point era.[344] The era has been referred to as "the Steph Effect"[345] or "the NBA's Three-Point Revolution".[346] Curry is also often compared to Magic Johnson in debates over the greatest point guard of all time, owing to their generational impact, winningness, and diverse skill-sets.[347][348][349]

Regarded as the face of the Warriors dynasty,[350][351] Curry helped redefine three-point scoring as a central element of modern-day basketball strategy rather than a mere novelty.[340][352] His influence has inspired the league to transition from physical play around the basket to a "pace and space" approach that emphasizes three-point shooting.[352] This transformation can be attributed, in part, to teams attempting to counter the Warriors' dominance and young players aspiring to emulate Curry's range.[345][344] Curry regularly attempts shots from 30 to 35 feet at an efficiency of 54 percent compared to the league average of under 22 percent from this range and 35 percent for made three-pointers overall.[340] As Curry himself noted, "I'm sure coaches tell their high school players that shooting the way I do takes work and time;" Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post stated that "coaches have to explain that while Curry's skill set is something to aspire to, his game is built on fundamentals."[345] His ability to make these shots is complemented by a high degree of ball-handling skills, release, and capacity to shoot effectively with one or more defenders contesting his attempts.[340] Sally Jenkins, also of The Washington Post, highlighted the degree of difficulty of Curry's shooting, citing a period in which he achieved a 67 percent success rate on shots taken from 28 to 50 feet.[317] Jeff Austin of Octagon noted that Curry "had to develop tremendous strength in his wrists to shoot and maintain that form from 40 and 50 feet."[317] Goldsberry concludes that "no player in the history of the NBA has combined range, volume, and efficiency from downtown as well as Curry," making him "the most efficient volume scorer on the planet."[340] The developers of the NBA 2K video game series have even expressed concerns about accurately replicating Curry's unique abilities.[352]

Where Curry ranks as one of the greatest NBA players has been more subject to debate.[353] Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, said that Curry's "willingness to sacrifice" for Durant is "one of the great stories in history." Crediting Curry as "one of the greatest guards the game has ever seen", he said: "If you have a mind for the game, you know that it takes sacrifice to be great. All the greats have to sacrifice something. Otherwise you can't win."[353] In a 2019 feature, Sports Illustrated stated that "Curry and the Warriors are a great match of player and system" and that "the entire ecosystem is predicated on the idea that a player doesn't need to dominate the ball to dominate a game. Curry took that noble idea and elevated it beyond any reasonable expectation."[354] In October 2021, Curry was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.[355] After winning his fourth NBA championship and first Finals MVP award in 2022, Complex ranked Curry as the 10th greatest player in NBA history the following year. Angel Diaz of Complex cited his generational impact with "nothing left (for Curry) to accomplish" as reasons for his place among the sport's greats.[356]

Off the court

[edit]

Personal life

[edit]
Curry at the White House in January 2023

On July 30, 2011, Curry married longtime girlfriend and Toronto-area native Ayesha Alexander in Charlotte.[13][14][357] Curry and Alexander met at their church in Charlotte when they were 15 and 14 years old, respectively.[358] Together, they have two daughters who were born in 2012 and 2015,[359][360] and two sons who were born in 2018 and 2024, respectively.[361][362]

In July 2019, Curry paid $31 million for a home in Atherton, California.[363] Curry's younger brother, Seth, is also a professional basketball player,[364] and his younger sister, Sydel, played volleyball at Elon University.[365] His god-sister is Cameron Brink, women's basketball player in the Women's National Basketball Association for the Los Angeles Sparks. Curry's mother and Brinks' mother were college roommates at Virginia Tech.[366]

Curry is a Pentecostal Christian and has been outspoken about his faith.[367][368] He spoke about his faith during his MVP speech by saying: "People should know who I represent and why I am who I am, and that's because of my Lord and Savior." He also said the reason that he pounds his chest and points up is that he has a "heart for God" and as a reminder that he plays for God.[369] On some of his "Curry One" basketball shoes, there is a lace loop scripted "4:13". It is a reference to the Bible verse Philippians 4:13, which reads: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."[370][371] Curry has a tattoo of First Corinthians 13:8 in Hebrew on his wrist ("Love never fails...").[372] Curry is also an investor in Active Faith, a Christian sports apparel brand.[373][374]

During the 1992 NBA All-Star Game weekend, Curry's father entrusted him to Biserka Petrović, mother of future Hall of Fame player Dražen Petrović, while Dell competed in the Three-Point Contest. Following the 2015 NBA Finals, Curry gave Biserka one of his Finals-worn jerseys, which will reportedly be added to the collection of the Dražen Petrović Memorial Center, a museum to the late player in the Croatian capital of Zagreb.[375]

Curry is diagnosed with keratoconus and wears contact lenses to correct his vision.[376] He is also an avid golfer; he started playing golf at the age of 10, played golf in high school, and frequently plays golf with former teammate Andre Iguodala.[377][378] Curry participates in celebrity golf tournaments and has played golf alongside Barack Obama.[379][380] In August 2017, Curry competed in the Ellie Mae Classic on an unrestricted sponsor exemption.[381] Although he missed the first cut, he scored 4-over-74 for both days he participated, surpassing most expectations for an amateur competing in the pro event.[382] In July 2023, Curry won the American Century Championship, an annual celebrity golf tournament held at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Stateline, Nevada. He shot a hole-in-one during the second round and won the tournament on the final hole with a walk-off eagle putt.[383]

In August 2019, Curry and Howard University, a historically black institution in Washington, D.C., jointly announced that the school would add NCAA Division I teams in men's and women's golf starting in the 2020–21 school year, with Curry guaranteeing full funding of both teams for six years.[384]

Public image

[edit]

"No NBA athlete has a larger contingent of fans at every arena, lining up 20- and 30-deep hoping for a glimpse, if not an autograph. This crazy popularity is why his jersey sales consistently rank No. 1, why he was voted to be the captain of the [2018] Western Conference All-Star team and why 9-year-old girls feel comfortable enough to write letters asking for his help – and actually get it."

—Monte Poole of NBC Sports on Curry's popularity[385]

Curry is one of the most successful players in the NBA, and has also become an international celebrity, on par with four-time MVP LeBron James.[386][387] Like James, he has been considered the face of the NBA, but has said that he is not motivated by that and is not looking "to take LeBron's throne or whatever. You know, I'm trying to chase rings, and that's all I'm about. So that's where the conversation stops for me."[388] His flashy play and penchant for coming up big in the clutch have made him a fan favorite, and his smaller physique is said to have made his success seem more attainable for younger fans of the NBA.[389][390] Memorabilia associated with Curry is highly sought after; his 2009 rookie card ranks among the most expensive sports cards of all-time and is the most expensive basketball card ever sold, purchased by Alt Fund II for a record $5.9 million in July 2021.[391][392] Curry has led the NBA in jersey sales for five cumulative years; three consecutive times from the 2015–16 to 2017–18 seasons and two consecutive times from the 2022–23 to 2023–24 seasons, respectively.[393][394]

ESPN has ranked Curry among the most famous international athletes. He is the highest paid NBA player of all-time by season and has been ranked in Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid celebrities for his endorsements six times.[395][396] Forbes listed him among the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world every year between 2018 and 2025, and ranked him second in 2025 (estimated income $156 million; only behind Cristiano Ronaldo).[397][398][399][400][401][402][403][404] He has also been included in every annual ranking of the highest-paid athletes by Sportico since its induction in 2021, and was rated the second highest-paid athlete of 2024 with estimated earnings $153.8 million.[405][406][407][408]

ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry reasoned that one reason for Curry's popularity is that while most people are not tall enough to dunk, everyone can attempt a shot, which is something Curry inspires.[340] Owen Davis of Sky Sports echoed this sentiment, stating: "After all, not everyone is blessed with supreme height and athleticism, but everyone can learn to pass, dribble and shoot. Curry is proof that if you work hard enough, you can still find ways to dominate, no matter your size."[352] Monte Poole of NBC Sports found Curry to be "the most human of superstars", with a childlike aura to him when he plays with success. His fanbase ranges from very young children to the elderly, and casual or committed fans enjoy his style of play. Poole stated that "the joy factor exponentially increases" when Curry is on the court and that "the sight of this relatively ordinary specimen sending much bigger players into silent surrender is an intoxicant for the Warriors and their fans."[385]

Business interests

[edit]
Curry speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2019

Curry is widely known for his partnership with Under Armour, serving as the "face of their footwear line" and the President of his signature shoe and apparel line called the "Curry Brand".[409] Originally signed to Nike, Curry began a partnership with Under Armour in the 2013 off-season.[410] After becoming the NBA MVP and one of the most popular athletes in the world, sales of Curry's shoe line became an influential factor for the brand, with stock prices pivoting based on its success.[411][412]

In October 2018, Curry announced his involvement with the relaunch of Palm, a mobile companion device that pairs with a primary smartphone.[413] Curry is an investor and the leading brand ambassador for Palm, a small startup based in San Francisco which licenses the Palm name from TCL Corporation. He is also involved with designing and testing accessories and even helped to name the device.[414]

In 2021, Curry, among other high-profile athletes and celebrities, was a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange. In November 2022, FTX filed for bankruptcy, erasing billions of dollars in customer funds, with Curry, alongside other spokespeople, being sued for promoting unregistered securities through a class-action lawsuit.[415][416][417] In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.[418]

Since 2018, Curry has served as the chief executive officer of Thirty Ink, a San Francisco-based company that works to provide equitable opportunities to people through brand, media, experiences, and philanthropy, as the four major verticals. Since 2019, Curry has been the Global Brand Ambassador for Rakuten. The company partnered with Curry on a one-day shopping spree at the Warriors Shop in Chase Center for 20 Bay Area children. Curry posed as a team shop employee during the event and helped find sports gear around the store.[419] In August 2025 it was announced that Curry would be opening a bar called The Eighth Rule in San Francisco's Union Square with celebrity chef Michael Mina.[420]

Philanthropy

[edit]
President Barack Obama joined by Curry in 2015 to launch the president's initiative on malaria.

In 2012, Curry started donating three insecticide-treated mosquito nets for every three-pointer he made to the United Nations Foundation's Nothing But Nets campaign to combat malaria. He was first introduced to the malaria cause by Davidson teammate Bryant Barr when they were both in school. Curry visited the White House in 2015 and delivered a five-minute speech to dignitaries as part of President Barack Obama's launch of his President's Malaria Initiative.[421]

In 2015, Curry wore sneakers that bore the name "Deah Shaddy Barakat"—a victim of the 2015 Chapel Hill shooting. According to his sister Suzanne, Deah was known for his "love for basketball and anything Steph Curry."[422] Deah donned Curry's No. 30 as his jersey number for his intramural basketball team at North Carolina State University, and recreated Curry's pose from his GQ photo-shoot.[422] Curry said that Deah's family "did a great job of reaching out to me and making me aware of the details of his life and personality ... It was really kind of a cool deal to be able to use the platform yesterday to honor Deah and his family ... I'm going to send them the shoes I wore yesterday. And hopefully, they know that I've been thinking about them."[423][424] Following his MVP award win and historic 2015–16 season, Curry donated his prize vehicle—a 2016 Kia Sorento—to the East Oakland Youth Development Center, a local non-profit organization located in the backyard of Oracle Arena.[425]

In December 2018, while on a podcast, Curry jokingly questioned whether the Apollo program's Moon landing actually took place, which received substantial media attention and criticism. NASA went on to offer Curry a tour of the Johnson Space Center and discuss further. He partnered with Under Armour in creating signature shoes inspired by the comment and subsequent discussion. After wearing them to a game, he signed and auctioned them off on eBay. The shoes sold for $58,100 after 113 bids, with the money being donated for STEM education initiatives.[426][427]

In July 2019, Curry and his wife launched the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation in Oakland, California.[428] By 2023, the Foundation had provided 25 million meals, renovated 12 play areas and invested $6 million in literacy programs.[429] Since its inception, the foundation has raised and invested over $75 million to narrow the literacy gap in the city's underserved communities, provide access to nutritious meals, and remodel physical education spaces to improve children's well-being.[430] In May 2025, Curry and his wife were named in Time's inaugural list of the most influential people in philanthropy.[431]

Production company

[edit]
Steph Curry at a WNBA game wearing an shirt and hat for "Underrated," with Ellie the Elephant and Devin Booker in the background at a New York Liberty/Las Vegas Aces game.
Curry at a New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces WNBA game (speaking to Devin Booker), donning his Underrated-themed merchandise, in 2024.

In April 2018, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced a wide-ranging, multiyear multimedia deal with Curry's newly formed production company Unanimous Media (named for Curry becoming the first NBA player in history to be elected the league's MVP by a unanimous vote), located on the Sony Pictures studio lot in Culver City. The film and TV deal included electronics, gaming and virtual reality and is focused on faith and family-friendly content.[432] In October 2018, Curry signed on as executive producer of the film Breakthrough, scheduled for release in April 2019.[433] Curry was also executive producer of the film Emanuel, scheduled for US theatrical release in select theaters on June 17, 2019.[434] The film focused on the responses by family members of victims of the 2015 Charleston church shooting. Curry remarked, "In the face of adversity, in the face of tragedy, how can I get through it?"[434] Beginning in 2019, Curry became both the executive producer and resident golf pro on the American sports reality competition television series Holey Moley.[435] On June 24, 2020, Curry released a trailer for his new show on his YouTube channel called Ultimate Home Championships, a show featuring people such as DeAndre Jordan, Ronda Rousey, and Kristopher London, where contestants competed in wacky at-home challenges using things in their home. In 2020, Unanimous Media signed a deal with Amazon's Audible.[436] The same year, Curry served as the executive producer of an animated revival of the 1970s sitcom Good Times along with the series' original executive producer, Norman Lear, and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane. The series was green-lit by Netflix in 2020.[437] In 2021, Curry signed on as executive producer of The Queen of Basketball, a documentary short film about basketball legend Lusia Harris. The same year, Unanimous Media signed a deal with NBCUniversal.[438] In 2023, Unanimous Media and Ryan Coogler co-produced Stephen Curry: Underrated, a sports documentary film chronicling Curry's path to NBA stardom. Apple TV+ secured the streaming rights and a release date of July 21, 2023.[439]

Political views

[edit]

Curry and his wife endorsed Joe Biden for President of the United States during the 2020 Democratic National Convention.[440]

In December 2021, Curry voiced his support for the For the People Act, an election reform bill aimed at expanding voting rights.[441]

In 2023, Curry opposed the development of multi-family housing in the wealthy enclave of Atherton, California, where he and his family live,[442] citing safety and privacy for themselves and their children as the development would have been directly behind his home.[443]

Curry endorsed Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee and an avid Warriors fan, for the 2024 United States presidential election.[444]

Awards and honors

[edit]
Curry during his first MVP season in 2014–15

NBA[87]

USA Basketball[296]

NCAA

Halls of Fame

Golf

Media

Records

[edit]

NBA

Golden State Warriors

Career leader
Category Statistics Ref.
SP 16 [472]
GP 1,000+ [472]
MP 34,500+ [472]
PTS 25,000+ [472]
AST 6,500+ [472]
STL 1,500+ [472]
FGM 8,500+ [472]
FGA 18,000+ [472]
TO 3,000+ [472]
3PM 4,000+ [472]
3PA 9,500+ [472]
FT% .90+ [472]
Career playoffs leader
Category Statistics Ref.
PTS 4,000+ [473]
FGM 1,300+ [473]
FGA 3,000+ [473]
TO 500+ [473]
3PM 600+ [473]
3PA 1,600+ [473]
FTM 700+ [473]
FTA 800+ [473]

USA Basketball

  • Olympic record for most three-point field goals made in an elimination game (9)[307]
  • Olympic record for most three-point field goals made in a final (8)[476]
  • National record for most points scored in an Olympic elimination game (36)[306]

NCAA

  • NCAA record for most three-point field goals made in a season (162 in 2007–08, tied with Darius McGhee)[477]
  • NCAA record for most three-point field goals made per game in a sophomore season (4.5 in 2007–08)[478]

Davidson College

Career leader
Category Statistics Ref.
PTS 2,635 [479]
3PM 414 [479]
3P% .412 [479]
SPG 2.1 [479]
30PTG 30 [480]
40PTG 6 [480]
Season leader
Category Statistics Season Ref.
PTS 974 2008–09 [481]
PPG 28.6 [481]
FTM 220 [481]
STL 86 [481]
FGM 317 2007–08 [481]
PTS (Fr.) 730 2006–07 [482]
3PM (Fr.) 122 [482]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship  *  Led the league  ‡  NBA record

NBA

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2009–10 Golden State 80 77 36.2 .462 .437 .885 4.5 5.9 1.9 .2 17.5
2010–11 Golden State 74 74 33.6 .480 .442 .934* 3.9 5.8 1.5 .3 18.6
2011–12 Golden State 26 23 28.1 .490 .455 .809 3.4 5.3 1.5 .3 14.7
2012–13 Golden State 78 78 38.2 .451 .453 .900 4.0 6.9 1.6 .2 22.9
2013–14 Golden State 78 78 36.5 .471 .424 .885 4.3 8.5 1.6 .2 24.0
2014–15 Golden State 80 80 32.7 .487 .443 .914* 4.3 7.7 2.0 .2 23.8
2015–16 Golden State 79 79 34.2 .504 .454 .908* 5.4 6.7 2.1* .2 30.1*
2016–17 Golden State 79 79 33.4 .468 .411 .898 4.5 6.6 1.8 .2 25.3
2017–18 Golden State 51 51 32.0 .495 .423 .921* 5.1 6.1 1.6 .2 26.4
2018–19 Golden State 69 69 33.8 .472 .437 .916 5.3 5.2 1.3 .4 27.3
2019–20 Golden State 5 5 27.9 .402 .245 1.000[f] 5.2 6.6 1.0 .4 20.8
2020–21 Golden State 63 63 34.2 .482 .421 .916 5.5 5.8 1.2 .1 32.0*
2021–22 Golden State 64 64 34.5 .437 .380 .923 5.2 6.3 1.3 .4 25.5
2022–23 Golden State 56 56 34.7 .493 .427 .915 6.1 6.3 .9 .4 29.4
2023–24 Golden State 74 74 32.7 .450 .408 .923 4.5 5.1 .7 .4 26.4
2024–25 Golden State 70 70 32.2 .448 .397 .933* 4.4 6.0 1.1 .4 24.5
Career 1,026 1,020 34.1 .471 .423 .911 4.7 6.4 1.5 .3 24.7
All-Star 10 9 26.5 .424 .393 1.000 6.0 5.6 1.4 .3 21.6

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2013 Golden State 12 12 41.4 .434 .396 .921 3.8 8.1 1.7 .2 23.4
2014 Golden State 7 7 42.3 .440 .386 .881 3.6 8.4 1.7 .1 23.0
2015 Golden State 21 21 39.3 .456 .422 .835 5.0 6.4 1.9 .1 28.3
2016 Golden State 18 17 34.3 .438 .404 .916 5.5 5.2 1.4 .3 25.1
2017 Golden State 17 17 35.3 .484 .419 .904 6.2 6.7 2.0 .2 28.1
2018 Golden State 15 14 37.0 .451 .395 .957 6.1 5.4 1.7 .7 25.5
2019 Golden State 22 22 38.5 .441 .377 .943 6.0 5.7 1.1 .2 28.2
2022 Golden State 22 18 34.7 .459 .397 .829 5.2 5.9 1.3 .4 27.4
2023 Golden State 13 13 37.9 .466 .363 .845 5.2 6.1 1.0 .5 30.5
2025 Golden State 8 8 35.1 .477 .400 .893 5.3 5.1 1.0 .8 22.6
Career 155 149 37.2 .454 .397 .889 5.3 6.1 1.5 .3 26.8

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2006–07 Davidson 34 33 30.9 .463 .408 .855 4.6 2.8 1.8 .2 21.5
2007–08 Davidson 36 36 33.1 .483 .439 .894 4.6 2.9 2.0 .4 25.9
2008–09 Davidson 34 34 33.7 .454 .387 .876 4.4 5.6 2.5 .2 28.6*
Career 104 103 32.6 .467 .412 .876 4.5 3.7 2.1 .3 25.3

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Wardell Stephen Curry II (born March 14, 1988), commonly known as Steph Curry, is an American professional basketball player who stands 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) and serves as the point guard for the of the (NBA). Drafted seventh overall by the Warriors in the out of , Curry has spent his entire professional career with the franchise, emerging as one of the league's transformative figures through his unprecedented long-range shooting accuracy and volume. Curry's career highlights include four NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, two regular-season awards in 2015 and 2016 (the latter being the first unanimous selection in NBA history), and the Finals MVP award in 2022. He has been selected to 11 games, earned 11 All-NBA honors, and holds the NBA record for career three-point field goals made, surpassing 4,000 with a career average exceeding 24 points per game across over 1,000 regular-season appearances. Internationally, Curry contributed to the ' gold medal at the , where he led scoring efforts in key victories. Curry's playing style, characterized by off-ball movement, quick release, and elite ball-handling, has empirically shifted NBA strategies toward greater emphasis on three-point shooting, with league-wide attempts rising sharply during his prime years due to the causal influence of his efficiency and success. Despite early career challenges with ankle injuries that tested his durability, his sustained performance into his late 30s underscores a combination of skill, conditioning, and tactical adaptation.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Stephen Curry was born on March 14, 1988, in Akron, Ohio, to Dell Curry, a professional basketball player known for his sharpshooting, and Sonya Curry, a former athlete and educator. Dell Curry enjoyed a 16-season NBA career, primarily as a sixth man renowned for three-point accuracy, which provided the family with direct exposure to professional basketball environments and likely contributed to a genetic predisposition for elite shooting mechanics in his sons. The Currys raised three children—Stephen, younger brother Seth (also an NBA player), and sister Sydel—in a household emphasizing athletic discipline, with Sonya handling much of the child-rearing amid Dell's demanding schedule. Due to Dell's NBA career, which spanned teams including the (where was born during a brief stint), Charlotte Hornets, , and , the family experienced multiple relocations, primarily settling in , for Dell's longest tenure from 1988 to 1998. This mobility exposed young to varied scenes from an early age, as he attended his father's games starting at age four and received personalized training focused on fundamentals like form rather than physical dominance. Dell, leveraging his own expertise as a league leader in three-point percentage on multiple occasions, coached through repetitive drills that prioritized precision and quick release, laying the groundwork for skill-based resilience over reliance on size or strength. As a child, Curry was notably undersized and scrawny compared to peers, often the smallest player on his youth teams, which compelled him to develop an emphasis on intelligence, ball-handling, and shooting accuracy to compensate for physical limitations. This early adversity, combined with parental guidance stressing technique over athleticism, fostered a developmental path rooted in repeatable skills, as evidenced by Curry's self-description of being "scrawny, skinny, short" yet confident in his shooting ability from youth.

High School Basketball

Curry played varsity basketball for three years at in , emerging as the team's primary scorer despite measuring just 6 feet 2 inches and 165 pounds, dimensions that fueled skepticism among scouts favoring taller prospects. His slight build and lack of elite athleticism led major college programs to overlook him, prioritizing physical attributes over his developing shooting range and quick release, which hinted at an unconventional reliance on skill and precision rather than size or power. As a junior, Curry averaged 21 points per game, contributing to the Knights' success in play amid persistent doubts about his pro potential due to his frame. In his senior year of –2006, he elevated his production to 22.3 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game, finishing as Charlotte Christian's all-time leading scorer while guiding the team to another title and state playoff appearance. These metrics underscored his scoring efficiency from distance, yet his recruitment remained limited to offers, reflecting evaluators' bias toward prototypical builds over empirical on-court impact.

College Recruitment and Decision

Curry faced limited interest from major programs during his recruitment, primarily due to doubts about his physical attributes. Standing at approximately 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 160 pounds as a high school senior in 2006, he was viewed as undersized for a Division I guard, despite demonstrating elite shooting prowess by averaging 18 points per game and converting over 48% of his three-point attempts at . His national recruiting ranking reflected this skepticism, placing him outside the top prospects on major scouting services like , with a composite rating around the 150th mark. No (ACC) schools extended offers, despite Curry's expressed desire to follow his father Dell Curry's path at . The Hokies, coached by , evaluated him but proposed only a walk-on role with potential to earn a after redshirting, citing concerns over his readiness to compete immediately in a power conference. This rejection, along with disinterest from other ACC programs like those influenced by legacy connections, highlighted evaluators' emphasis on prototypical size over skill metrics, a common in high-major recruiting that Curry's later success empirically challenged. Scholarship opportunities emerged from mid-major programs, including Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Winthrop University, and Davidson College. Davidson head coach Bob McKillop initiated recruitment as early as Curry's sophomore year, prioritizing his competitive intangibles and shooting form observed in high school games over physical limitations. After persistent outreach—overcoming initial communication lapses where Curry nearly missed responding—McKillop secured a commitment from Curry on November 13, 2006. Curry selected Davidson over the alternatives, valuing the coach's relational investment and the prospect of substantial playing time at a smaller program, which aligned with realistic pathways for development absent from larger schools' depth charts. This choice underscored how mid-major environments could provide causal opportunities for skill validation that power conferences often withheld based on incomplete physical projections.

College Career

Freshman Season at Davidson

Stephen Curry debuted for the in the 2007–08 season, averaging 25.9 over 36 contests, ranking fourth nationally in scoring. He also contributed 4.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, shooting 48.3% from the field, 43.9% from three-point range, and 89.4% from the free-throw line. These figures demonstrated Curry's immediate offensive dominance, leveraging exceptional and ball-handling skills that compensated for his 6-foot-3 frame against taller defenders. Under coach , Davidson compiled a 29–7 record, going undefeated at 20–0 in play. Curry's scoring prowess fueled the team's high-powered offense, averaging 77.9 points per game nationally. His ability to stretch defenses with long-range accuracy—making threes at a rate second nationally at 4.5 per game—created mismatches, enabling efficient team play despite physical disadvantages in size. In the NCAA Tournament as a No. 10 seed, Davidson advanced to the , defeating Gonzaga 82–76 in the first round where Curry erupted for 40 points, including 30 in the second half. The run highlighted Curry's performance under pressure, underscoring skill-based adaptation over athletic size norms in . Davidson fell to in the regional final, but the tournament exposure validated Curry's impact.

Sophomore Year Breakthrough

In the 2007–08 season, Stephen Curry's sophomore year at marked a substantial statistical advancement from his freshman campaign, as he averaged 25.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game across 35 appearances, ranking fourth nationally in scoring average. Curry attempted 8.8 three-pointers per game—among the highest volumes in Division I—converting at a 34.3% clip while making 4.5 per contest, which established an NCAA single-season record of 162 successful attempts. This elite perimeter volume compelled opposing defenses to extend coverage outward, disrupting traditional packing strategies and generating easier interior opportunities for Davidson's supporting cast, directly contributing to the team's improved offensive flow and reduced turnover rates under pressure. Davidson compiled a 29–7 overall record, including an undefeated 20–0 mark in regular-season play, securing the league championship. In the 2008 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, the No. 10-seeded Wildcats in the Midwest Region progressed to the —the program's deepest run since 1969—prevailing over No. 7 Gonzaga (74–70 on March 21), No. 2 Georgetown (74–70 in overtime on March 23 after trailing by 17), and No. 6 (73–56 on March 28), before falling 59–57 to top-seeded and eventual national champion on March 29. Curry averaged 32 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.2 steals per game, shooting 44% from three-point range, which amplified Davidson's national visibility as a powerhouse capable of sustained upsets through disciplined execution and Curry's scoring gravity. Curry's empirical command of scoring efficiency, steals (national leader at 3.7 per game), and playmaking earned him unanimous Player of the Year honors from both coaches and media, underscoring his multifaceted dominance relative to conference peers. He further received the SoCon Male Athlete of the Year distinction for his pivotal role in elevating the program's profile.

Junior Season and NCAA Tournament Run

During the 2008–09 season, Curry transitioned to and led the nation in scoring with an average of 28.6 points per game across 34 contests, while also recording 4.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. He shot 45.4% from the field, 38.7% from three-point range on 130 makes out of 336 attempts, and 87.6% from the free-throw line. Under his leadership, the compiled a 27–8 overall record, including an 18–2 mark in play that clinched the regular-season title. In the tournament, Davidson, as the top seed, defeated Appalachian State 84–68 in the quarterfinals, where Curry scored 43 points. However, they fell in the semifinals to the 68–80, with Curry contributing 30 points despite the loss. Despite the strong resume, including Curry's dominant individual stats and the team's high-efficiency offense averaging 77.8 , Davidson was omitted from the 2009 NCAA tournament field, a controversial decision attributed to their conference tournament exit. The Wildcats instead accepted an NIT bid, advancing past 90–79 in the first round behind Curry's 32 points before an 74–80 defeat to Saint Mary's in the second round. This earlier postseason conclusion contrasted with the prior year's deep NCAA run and underscored the challenges for programs in selection committees. Curry's junior-year exploits, building on his established shooting prowess and playmaking, demonstrated professional-level skills, prompting him to declare for the on April 20, 2009, forgoing his senior eligibility. Over three seasons, he amassed 2,635 points, elevating Davidson's national profile through consistent high-level performance, though the program's visibility spike was most notably tied to the 2008 tournament upsets.

NBA Draft and Professional Beginnings

2009 NBA Draft Selection

The selected Stephen Curry, a guard from , with the seventh overall pick in the , held on June 25, 2009, in . Pre-draft evaluations highlighted Curry's exceptional shooting range and college performance, where he averaged 25.9 points per game as a sophomore, leading Davidson to the . Scouting reports praised Curry's elite perimeter and ball-handling skills but raised significant concerns about his 6-foot-3 frame, which lacked the length, strength, and lateral quickness needed to defend NBA guards effectively. Analysts noted his slight build as a potential liability in physical matchups and questioned his positional versatility, projecting him more as a than a primary . Additionally, Curry's history of ankle sprains during his and junior seasons at Davidson fueled durability worries, with some evaluators fearing chronic issues could limit his professional longevity. The Warriors viewed Curry as a fit for their fast-paced, offense-oriented system under coach , expecting his shooting to complement backcourt options like and based on his college tape demonstrating quick release and off-ball movement. Internal prospect rankings placed him seventh overall, aligning with the selection despite external skepticism about his defensive capabilities and frame. Curry signed a four-year rookie contract shortly after the draft, positioning him for an immediate role as a perimeter threat.

Rookie Season (2009-2010)

Curry made his NBA debut on October 28, 2009, against the , recording 14 points (7-of-12 field goals, 0-of-1 from three-point range), 7 assists, 2 rebounds, and 4 steals in a 107-108 loss, with his first NBA basket not being a three-pointer. His first career three-pointers came two days later, on October 30, 2009, against the , where he made 2. Over the 2009-2010 regular season, he appeared in 80 of 82 games for the , averaging 17.5 points, 5.9 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 43.7% from three-point range. His 166 made three-pointers set a record and ranked him among the league's top volume shooters from deep, highlighting his immediate perimeter threat despite the physical demands of NBA defense. For his performance, Curry earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors, joining guards and on the squad selected by the league's head coaches. Under head coach , whose "" system prioritized fast breaks, small lineups, and three-point attempts to exploit pace, Curry fit seamlessly as a primary ball-handler and shooter, aiding the Warriors' high-octane offense that ranked ninth in the league in scoring at 110.4 . This style amplified Curry's quick release and off-ball movement, allowing him to stretch defenses and create space, though he faced adjustment hurdles like turnovers (averaging 3.0 per game) amid increased physicality and decision-making speed compared to college. Key performances underscored his scoring potential, including a season-high 42 points on 15-of-26 shooting against the on April 14, 2010. However, minor ankle tweaks emerged as early challenges, with a left ankle sidelining him for the final two games of the season after he had played consistently through physical wear. These issues, echoing a prior college in the same ankle, hinted at vulnerability but did not derail his rookie impact or the Warriors' reliance on his shooting to fuel their transition-heavy attack.

Early Challenges and Ankle Injuries (2010-2012)

Curry experienced recurrent right ankle sprains during the , beginning with an injury on October 29, 2010, just two games into the campaign, which initially required him to miss only two contests but contributed to ongoing instability. These issues resulted in five sprains overall that year, forcing him to sit out eight games and prompting offseason in May 2011 to repair torn ligaments and address chronic instability. The problems persisted into the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season, where Curry re-aggravated the surgically repaired ankle, notably on December 26, 2011, against the . He appeared in just 26 of the league's 66 games, missing 40 due to the injury, which limited his scoring to an average of 14.7 . Despite the reduced volume, his shooting efficiency remained strong at 45.5 percent from three-point range, underscoring how his precise, quick-release technique—relying on and balance rather than raw athleticism—preserved effectiveness even amid physical setbacks. On April 25, 2012, Curry underwent a second arthroscopic procedure on the right ankle to remove loose bodies and scar tissue, revealing no further structural damage and confirming stability. He received full medical clearance by September 20, 2012. The Golden State Warriors, aware of the injury risks, nonetheless committed to a four-year, $44 million contract extension signed on October 31, 2012—below the maximum possible—effectively wagering on the durability of Curry's finesse-oriented game over concerns about his lower-body fragility.

Rise to Prominence with Golden State Warriors

First All-Star Selections (2012-2014)

In the 2012–13 NBA season, Stephen Curry averaged 22.9 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game across 78 appearances for the , who finished with a 47–35 record under first-year head coach . Curry set the league's single-season record by making 272 three-pointers at a 45.3 percent clip on 11.2 attempts per game, reflecting Jackson's implementation of a faster-paced, spacing-oriented offense that prioritized perimeter shooting for Curry and teammate . This approach marked an empirical shift toward higher three-point volume, with Curry attempting and converting more from deep than in prior seasons despite prior ankle injuries limiting his consistency. The Warriors earned the Western Conference's sixth seed and achieved their first playoff series victory since 2007 by defeating the third-seeded 4–2 in the opening round. excelled in the series, averaging 24.3 points, 9.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from three, including a pivotal third-quarter outburst of 22 points in Game 4 to secure a 3–1 lead. The team advanced to the conference semifinals but lost to the in six games, highlighting 's growing role as the offensive focal point amid Jackson's defensive emphasis and pick-and-roll heavy schemes. Building momentum into the 2013–14 season, Curry improved to 24.0 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game over 78 contests, leading the Warriors to a 51–31 mark and the fifth seed. His performance earned him the first of ten selections, as he was voted a Western Conference starting guard for the in New Orleans. In the , Golden State faced the in another first-round matchup, extending the series to a decisive Game 7 despite Curry averaging 23.0 points and 8.4 assists per game; the Warriors fell 4–3, but the competitive showing underscored Curry's elevated scoring volume and playmaking under Jackson's system.

2015 NBA Championship and MVP Award

In the , Stephen Curry averaged 23.8 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game over 80 appearances, shooting 47.7% from the field and 44.3% from three-point range while setting a league record with 286 made three-pointers. These figures propelled the to a franchise-best 67–15 regular-season record, the highest win total in the Western Conference. Curry's elite perimeter stretched opposing defenses, creating driving lanes and kick-out opportunities that elevated the efficiency of teammates like , who benefited from simplified catch-and-shoot roles, and , whose playmaking in the amplified with added spacing. Under first-year , the Warriors' system emphasized ball movement and off-ball screens, synergizing with Curry's gravity to generate a league-leading of 110.4 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor. Curry's individual dominance culminated in him winning the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, as announced by the league on May 4, 2015, marking the first such honor for a Warriors player since 1994. He received 119 of 130 first-place votes from the media panel, edging out teammate and Oklahoma City forward , with voters citing his scoring volume, shooting efficiency, and causal impact on Golden State's historic turnaround from 51 wins the prior season. Advanced metrics underscored this, including a plus-25.1 on-court net rating that reflected the Warriors' 14.3-point per-100-possession swing with Curry playing, far exceeding peers and highlighting his role in transforming the team's offense from middling to elite. The Warriors advanced through the playoffs by defeating the New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies, with Curry averaging 28.3 points per game across 21 contests. In the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State prevailed in six games (4–2 series win), clinching the franchise's first championship since 1975 on June 16, 2015, with a 105–97 victory in Game 6. Curry contributed 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game in the series, including 25 points in the clincher, though his pick-and-roll execution and floor-spacing were pivotal in exploiting Cleveland's rotations despite LeBron James' 35.8-point average. Andre Iguodala earned Finals MVP honors for his small-ball versatility and defense on James, but Curry's offensive orchestration remained central to the Warriors' success in Kerr's pace-and-space scheme.

2016 Unanimous MVP and Record-Breaking Season

In the 2015–16 NBA , Stephen Curry averaged 30.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 50.4% from the field, 45.4% from three-point range, and 90.8% from the free-throw line. He led in scoring and total three-pointers made with a record 402. Curry also topped the NBA in steals with 2.1 per game. His advanced metrics included a (PER) of 31.4 and a (TS%) of 66.9%, the latter leading among players averaging over 20 points per game. The compiled a 73–9 regular-season record under Curry's leadership, surpassing the previous NBA best of 72–10 set by the 1995–96 . This performance earned Curry the NBA Most Valuable Player Award unanimously, as all 131 voters ranked him first—the first such occurrence in league history. In the playoffs, the Warriors advanced to the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, taking a 3–1 series lead before losing the final three games, including a 93–89 defeat in Game 7 on June 19, 2016. Curry averaged 22.6 points per game in the series, below his regular-season mark, amid increased defensive attention and team execution lapses in the latter games.

Dynasty Era and Sustained Success

Back-to-Back Titles (2017-2018)

The addition of to the roster in July 2016, following his departure from the , created a formidable superteam alongside Stephen Curry, , and , enhancing offensive spacing and defensive switchability. This lineup propelled the Warriors to a league-best 67-15 regular season record in 2016-17, setting the stage for dominant playoff performances where Curry's off-ball movement and shooting gravity continued to draw defensive attention, opening driving lanes and kick-out opportunities for teammates. In the 2017 playoffs, the Warriors compiled a 16-1 record, defeating the 4-0, 4-0, and 4-0 before overcoming the 4-1 in the on June 12, 2017. Curry averaged 25.3 points, 8.0 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game across 17 playoff contests, shooting 45.5% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range, while his presence forced opponents to extend defenses, contributing to the team's league-leading playoff offensive rating of 116.3. In the Finals specifically, he posted 26.8 points, 9.4 assists, and 8.0 rebounds per game over five matchups, though earned Finals MVP honors with 35.2 points per game on superior efficiency. The 2017-18 season saw the Warriors secure another Western Conference title with a 58-24 regular season mark, advancing through the playoffs by defeating the 4-1, 4-1, 4-3, and sweeping the Cavaliers 4-0 in concluding on June 8, 2018. Curry's role emphasized playmaking and spacing in this superteam context, where his career-high 45.4% three-point shooting in the regular season amplified floor spacing, enabling Durant and others to exploit mismatches; empirically, the Warriors' playoff defensive rating of 105.5 ranked second league-wide, bolstered by Durant's length and the group's versatility in switching schemes. However, Curry faced criticism for inconsistent output, averaging 27.5 points on 40.2% and 30.2% three-point shooting, including a 3-for-16 in Game 3, which some attributed to heavy defensive pressure rather than diminished efficiency overall, though Durant again claimed MVP with steady 28.8 points per game.

Fifth Straight Finals Appearance (2019)

The achieved their fifth consecutive appearance in 2019 after finishing the 2018–19 regular season with a 57–25 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference. Stephen Curry averaged 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game across 69 appearances, maintaining offensive efficiency despite missing time due to a pelvic contusion. The team's playoff path included a first-round sweep of the (4–0), a seven-game victory over the highlighted by Curry's 33.5 points per game average, and a six-game defeat of the , where Curry scored 36.9 points per game including a 37-point outburst in Game 6 to clinch the series. In the Finals against the Toronto Raptors, the Warriors lost in six games (2–4 series outcome), marking their first Finals defeat since 2016 and the conclusion of their dynasty era amid key injuries. Curry led the Warriors with 30.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, shooting 42.4% from three on 10.3 attempts, including a 47-point performance on 17-of-24 shooting in Game 3—a loss where Golden State managed only 109 points. The Raptors, paced by Kawhi Leonard's 28.5 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, employed targeted defensive adjustments such as box-and-one schemes to crowd Curry and Klay Thompson, forcing 19.2 turnovers per game for Golden State across the series. Toronto slowed the Warriors' typical high-pace offense—averaging 99.5 possessions per game in the Finals compared to Golden State's regular-season mark of 100.8—by emphasizing set defense that limited transition opportunities and contested 38.5% of three-point attempts. Injuries compounded the Warriors' challenges: Kevin Durant missed Games 1–4 due to a right calf strain and ruptured his in Game 5 after scoring 11 points in 12 minutes upon return; Thompson strained his hamstring in Game 2 (missing Game 3), then tore his ACL in while contributing 30 points on 6-of-9 three-point shooting before exiting. Despite these setbacks, the Warriors stole Game 5 on the road (106–105) with Curry's 31 points, but closed out at Oracle Arena (114–110), where Curry added 21 points in a depleted lineup. This series exposed vulnerabilities in Golden State's reliance on star health, as Raptors' perimeter defenders like and disrupted off-ball movement, holding Curry to 40.7% overall shooting in losses. The defeat, without prior Finals losses to cite as precedent, underscored 's execution in clutch moments, though causal factors like Durant's extended absence (projected 106 potential playoff games missed across injuries) shifted matchup dynamics unfavorably.

Injury Setbacks and Recovery (2019-2021)

During the 2019-20 NBA season, Stephen Curry sustained a significant injury on October 30, 2019, fracturing the second metacarpal in his left hand while attempting a in a game against the . He underwent surgery on November 1, 2019, to repair the bone, with a projected absence of at least three months, followed by a second procedure in early December to remove surgical pins. The injury, occurring early in the season after Curry had played only five games, exacerbated the ' challenges following the departure of key players and other ailments, leading to a league-worst 15-50 record and exclusion from the NBA bubble playoffs. Curry returned briefly on March 5, 2020, appearing in four more games before the season's suspension due to the , but his limited participation underscored the physical demands of regaining hand strength and dexterity critical for his shooting mechanics. Hand specialists noted the injury's complexity for a player reliant on precise grip and release, potentially complicating recovery as it affected his non-dominant hand used for balance and follow-through. Throughout rehabilitation, Curry emphasized preserving his form through non-contact drills and conditioning, avoiding rushed timelines to prevent re-injury, which delayed his full competitive readiness into the next season. In the 2020-21 season, Curry mounted a robust recovery, debuting on and playing 63 games while averaging 32.0 , leading the NBA in scoring for the first time in his career. At age 32, he sustained elite three-point , converting 42.1% of his league-high 12.7 attempts per game, demonstrating resilience in his core skill despite the prior hand trauma and increased offensive load on a rebuilding Warriors roster. This statistical rebound reflected effective physical rehabilitation and mental fortitude, as Curry adapted by elevating his volume and accuracy under heightened defensive scrutiny, contributing to the team's play-in tournament qualification despite overall inconsistencies.

Later Career Milestones

Fourth Championship and All-Time 3-Point Record (2021-2022)

On December 14, 2021, Curry surpassed Ray Allen's NBA career record for most three-pointers made, draining his 2,974th trey against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. This milestone, achieved in his 12th season, underscored Curry's unparalleled shooting volume and efficiency, having attempted over 6,000 threes lifetime by that point while maintaining a career 42.6% accuracy from beyond the arc. During the 2021-22 regular season, Curry led the to a 53-29 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference despite Klay Thompson's return from a two-year Achilles and ACL injury absence. Averaging 25.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game across 64 appearances—limited partly by a tailbone —Curry topped the league with 285 made threes at 38.0% clip, earning All-NBA Second Team honors. His scoring efficiency, including a 50-point outburst against on November 8, propelled the team amid roster adjustments post-Kevin Durant's 2019 departure. In the playoffs, the Warriors dispatched the , , and , with Curry averaging 27.4 points per game en route to against the . Facing a Celtics squad led by and featuring elite defense, Golden State rallied from a 2-1 deficit, winning the series 4-2 capped by a 103-90 Game 6 victory on June 16, 2022. Curry's 43-point explosion in Game 4 (7-of-14 from three) shifted momentum, validating the core trio of himself, Thompson, and as sufficient for contention without superteam augmentation. Curry earned Finals MVP honors, posting series averages of 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists on 47.3% and 43.7% three-point shooting across six games. In the clincher, he scored 34 points with six threes, seven rebounds, and seven assists, silencing critiques of prior Finals shortcomings and affirming his leadership in securing the franchise's fourth title in eight years. This achievement highlighted Curry's evolution into a clutch playoff performer, relying on off-ball movement and gravity to dismantle Boston's perimeter defense.

Pursuit of Repeat Success (2022-2023)

The entered the 2022–23 season aiming to defend their NBA championship, but faced early hurdles with Stephen Curry sidelined for the first 11 games due to a left lower sustained in a preseason workout on October 1, 2022. Upon returning on November 7, Curry elevated his scoring to a league-leading average of 29.4 over 56 regular-season appearances, alongside 6.3 assists and 6.1 rebounds, while shooting 42.7% from three-point range on high volume. The team, hampered by inconsistent play from supporting players like and a midseason punching incident involving and that disrupted team chemistry, finished 44–38 and clinched the Western Conference's sixth seed. In the playoffs, Curry shouldered a heavy offensive load as the Warriors upset the third-seeded 4–3 in the first round, highlighted by his franchise-record 50 points on 20-of-39 shooting, including seven three-pointers, in Game 7 on May 16, 2023. Advancing to the Western Conference semifinals against the seventh-seeded , Golden State led 3–2 before dropping the final two games, losing the series 4–2 on May 26, 2023. Curry averaged 30.5 points across 13 playoff games, demonstrating individual dominance amid defensive schemes designed to limit him, though his three-point efficiency dipped to 38.0% on increased attempts as the team's aging core—featuring (34), (33 post-ACL recovery), and (33)—struggled with depth and physical wear against younger opponents. The Lakers' and exploited Golden State's vulnerabilities, outrebounding them and capitalizing on transition opportunities in a series that underscored the challenges of repeating success with a veteran-heavy roster averaging higher ages in key rotations.

Clutch Performances and Recent Accolades (2023-2025)

In the 2023-24 NBA season, Stephen Curry earned the NBA Clutch Player of the Year award, leading in clutch-time points (189), made field goals (59), and three-pointers (32) while shooting 49.6% from the field in defined clutch situations (final five minutes of fourth quarter or , score within five points). Key performances included a game-winning three-pointer over on February 10, 2024, securing a 120-117 victory after scoring 30 points, and 20 points in the fourth quarter plus against the on December 19, 2023, capped by a dagger three for a 132-126 win. Curry contributed to the ' gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, averaging 15.8 points per game across six contests, including a tournament-high 36 points against in the semifinals and 24 in the final versus . His 22 three-pointers made set an Olympic single-tournament record, with clutch shooting pivotal in high-stakes moments like the game. In the 2025 NBA All-Star Game held February 16 in San Francisco, Curry captured his second All-Star MVP award, leading Team Shaq to victory in the inaugural All-Star tournament format with standout scoring and playmaking in front of the home crowd. Entering the 2025-26 season at age 37, Curry showed no diminished form, scoring 42 points—including 35 after halftime and 13 consecutive to force overtime—in the Warriors' 137-131 home opener win over the Denver Nuggets on October 23, 2025, outscoring Denver 18-15 single-handedly from the 2:42 mark of the fourth quarter. By late October 2025, his career three-pointers total stood at over 4,000, continuing his record-holding pace without indications of retirement. On January 11, 2026, Curry scored 31 points on 11-of-21 field goals and 6-of-6 free throws to go with 5 assists and 3 rebounds in a 124-111 home loss to the Atlanta Hawks, passing Michael Jordan for the most 30-point games by a guard after turning 30. During the game, he and his father Dell surpassed Kobe Bryant and Joe Bryant's combined 38,895 points to reach 38,896 for the second-most by a father-son duo in NBA history, behind only LeBron and Bronny James. Jimmy Butler added 30 points for the Warriors in the defeat.

International and National Team Career

FIBA World Cup Participations

Curry was selected to the for the held in , marking his debut in senior international competition shortly after his NBA rookie season. As a reserve guard behind established players like , he appeared in all eight games without starting, averaging 10.6 minutes, 4.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. The U.S. team captured the gold medal, defeating host nation 81–64 in the final after advancing undefeated through the preliminary rounds. In 2014, Curry returned for the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain, where he earned a starting role amid a roster emphasizing perimeter shooting. He started all nine contests, posting averages of 10.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, while shooting efficiently from three-point range despite the shorter FIBA arc requiring adjustments to shot selection and spacing compared to NBA play. The Americans went undefeated at 9–0, securing gold with a 129–92 victory over Serbia in the final. Curry's early limited minutes in 2010 reflected the depth of the U.S. roster and his relative inexperience, with priority given to NBA development and avoiding overexertion for club demands; by 2014, his established status as an elite shooter allowed greater integration into the team's motion offense.
YearTournamentGames PlayedMinutes per GamePoints per GameRebounds per GameAssists per Game
2010FIBA World Championship810.64.62.11.4
2014FIBA Basketball World Cup9N/A10.72.82.9

Olympic Gold Medal (2024)

Stephen Curry participated in the Olympics for the first time at the 2024 Games, representing the men's national team. As a key perimeter shooter on a roster featuring multiple NBA stars, Curry averaged 14.8 points per game, leading Team USA in scoring while contributing 3.2 assists and shooting efficiently from three-point range across six contests. His ability to stretch defenses with long-range accuracy proved instrumental against international competition, where physicality and perimeter defense often challenge NBA-caliber shooters; Curry's 22 made three-pointers in the tournament underscored his elevated performance relative to global talent, forcing opponents to adjust coverages and creating driving lanes for teammates. In the knockout stages, Curry's output surged, averaging approximately 20.7 points per game and 5.7 three-pointers made across the quarterfinal against Brazil (2 points, 0/3 from three), semifinal versus Serbia (36 points, 9/9 from three), and gold medal final against France. His semifinal explosion against Serbia, where he went perfect from beyond the arc, helped secure a 95-91 quarterfinal berth wait no, semifinal win, demonstrating clutch shooting under pressure. This offensive versatility complemented Team USA's interior dominance and transition play, contributing to their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal. The final against host nation on August 10, 2024, highlighted Curry's decisive role, as he scored 24 points on 8-of-12 three-point shooting, including four makes in the fourth quarter to repel a late rally and secure a 98-87 victory. Facing a raucous home crowd and 's athletic defenders, Curry's barrage—part of a 14-0 run—prevented an upset, affirming his capacity to deliver in high-stakes international settings despite earlier tournament inconsistencies like a 1-of-9 night against . Team USA's triumph, their 17th overall, relied on Curry's perimeter threat to maintain offensive fluidity against varied global schemes, empirically validating his selection over prior declinations due to club priorities.

Playing Style and Technical Analysis

Revolutionary Shooting Mechanics

Stephen Curry's shooting emphasize a rapid release and efficient energy transfer, characterized by a low set point followed by an explosive upward motion. This one-motion technique, where the ball rises from hip level in a fluid dip before release on the jump's ascent, minimizes dwell time and enables shots from extreme distances. The wrist snap, or flick, at release imparts optimal backspin—typically 2-3 revolutions per second—enhancing stability and forgiveness on off-target launches. Curry's form incorporates subtle rotational elements in the and wrist, allowing the shooting hand to guide under the ball for precise control, distinct from traditional overhead pushes. Under the guidance of his father, , a former NBA known for his own quick release, Stephen refined his technique through relentless repetition rather than . In high school, Dell mandated a key adjustment: elevating the release point from waist height to above the head, addressing limitations against taller defenders and improving arc for deeper range. This summer-long overhaul focused on via thousands of makes, prioritizing form consistency over power, which enabled Curry's proficiency in off-balance scenarios—data shows he attempts a higher proportion of such shots than peers while maintaining superior accuracy. Biometrically, Curry's shots achieve high entry angles—around 49 degrees for free throws, extending to —facilitating entry from long range by reducing rim contact variance. His quick release, clocked under 0.4 seconds from catch to release, stems from minimized dip and synchronized leg push, providing a causal edge in evading contests. NBA tracking data from Second Spectrum and NBA.com shows that Curry excels at making contested three-pointers, consistently ranking among league leaders in contested 3-point attempts and makes, often leading the NBA in contested 3PA volume with a contested 3P% typically in the 35-40% range despite high volume and tight defense. These mechanics underpin his career 42.3% three-point success rate on 9.3 attempts per game through the 2024-25 season, the highest efficiency for such volume in NBA history, surpassing contemporaries by leveraging skill-derived consistency over raw athleticism.

Offensive Versatility and Weaknesses

Stephen Curry demonstrates exceptional ball-handling skills, enabling him to create scoring opportunities through quick crossovers, hesitations, and behind-the-back moves that exploit defenders' overcommitment to his shooting threat. His handles facilitate drives and kick-outs, contributing to a career average of 6.37 assists per game. Complementing this, Curry's off-ball movement—characterized by relentless cuts, flares, and backdoor slips—disrupts defensive rotations and opens passing lanes for teammates, enhancing team offensive flow without relying on primary ball possession. This versatility allows him to operate effectively as both a primary creator and secondary option, averaging high usage rates while distributing the ball efficiently. Despite these strengths, Curry's smaller frame at 6 feet 2 inches limits his finishing efficiency on drives, where contests from taller defenders reduce conversion rates. His career in the stands at 47.1%, reflecting lower effective field goal percentage in close-range areas compared to his overall marks, as drives often face rim protection and physicality that bigger guards avoid. Turnover issues arise from aggressive playmaking under pressure, with occasional seasons seeing rates climb to 3.8 per game amid high usage exceeding 28%. These flaws, tied to his reliance on speed and craft over size or power, underscore vulnerabilities in half-court isolation scenarios where finishing demands overpowering defenders.

Defensive Contributions and Physical Limitations

Stephen Curry has averaged 1.6 steals per game across his NBA career, showcasing quick hands, anticipation, and defensive effort that contribute to turnovers. His on-ball defense emphasizes tenacity, employing precise footwork and positioning to contest drives from comparable-sized guards. However, these contributions are tempered by physical constraints, as Curry's 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame proves inadequate against larger opponents who back him down or overpower him in isolation matchups. Advanced metrics reveal below-average defensive impact during Curry's offensive peaks, with Defensive Box Plus-Minus often neutral or negative amid high usage, reflecting vulnerabilities that require schematic hides from teammates. Curry compensates for limited athleticism through high IQ, reading plays and leveraging effort over raw physicality, but this approach has diminished with age, as evidenced by negative defensive Estimated Plus-Minus in recent seasons. His career defensive rating of 108.6 indicates serviceable but not perimeter stopping power, constrained by size-driven liabilities.

Legacy and Influence on Basketball

Revolutionizing the Three-Point Era

Prior to the 2015-16 NBA season, league-wide three-point attempts averaged approximately 22.4 per team per game during the 2014-15 season. By the 2023-24 season, this figure had risen to over 35 attempts per team per game, reflecting a profound strategic shift toward perimeter-oriented offenses. The , led by Stephen Curry, exemplified this transformation in 2015-16, attempting around 30 three-pointers per game while achieving the league's best record of 73-9. Curry's popularization of high-volume long-range shooting popularized deep attempts beyond traditional lines, compelling teams to adopt spacing-heavy offenses inspired by the Warriors' system of motion, off-ball screens, and perimeter emphasis. NBA have empirically demonstrated that three-point shots, when made at rates above 33%, yield higher points per attempt (approximately 1.1) compared to mid-range jumpers, which average around 0.8 to 1.0 points per attempt due to lower shooting percentages (typically 40-45%). This efficiency edge has debunked the prior emphasis on scoring, as data shows teams prioritizing over shots correlate with improved offensive ratings and win percentages. The Warriors' high-volume three-point model influenced downstream adoption, with youth levels showing marked increases: three-point attempts rose 55% since 2010, paralleling Curry's rise and emphasizing perimeter shooting in player development. Similarly, AAU and international youth have seen elevated three-point volumes since the mid-2010s, driven by the proven between three-point efficiency and team success in professional play. This shift underscores a causal link from elite demonstration to widespread emulation, prioritizing empirical shot value over traditional inside-out play. Curry is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, based on all-time records in three-pointers made, efficiency under volume, and extended range. His overall influence has sparked subjective debate over his status as potentially the greatest point guard ever.

Cultural and Generational Impact

Stephen Curry's ascent has reshaped youth basketball culture by promoting skill-based play accessible to players of varying physical builds, particularly inspiring those deemed undersized. His own trajectory from an overlooked, scrawny prospect at to NBA dominance exemplifies how relentless practice in shooting and handling can overcome height disadvantages, a narrative highlighted in his 2023 documentary Underrated. This has motivated young athletes to prioritize perimeter skills, fostering a generation that views as democratized through technique rather than solely athleticism. The proliferation of "Curry range" shooting—deep three-pointers beyond standard lines—has become a staple in youth training and games, with children replicating his long-distance attempts in pickup and organized settings. High school programs have adapted, incorporating more three-point volume and extended-range drills, altering offensive schemes to emphasize spacing and volume akin to professional trends post-Curry's 2015 MVP season. This evolution extends defenses, compelling coaches to teach contesting shots from deeper positions. Curry's highlight-driven style has amplified his global appeal among children, who emulate his fluid, video game-like movements more readily than prior eras' stars. Warriors coach noted in 2017 that Curry's popularity with kids surpassed even Michael Jordan's, driven by relatable flair over imposing physiques. This cultural resonance boosted Under Armour's segment, with the brand's shares surging 23% on January 28, 2016, fueled by Curry-endorsed products amid his rising fame.

Criticisms of Game Style and Team Dynamics

Critics, particularly from older generations of players and fans, have argued that Curry's emphasis on long-range three-point shooting has diminished the physicality and fundamental aspects of , encouraging isolation three-point attempts over traditional inside play and movement. and others have claimed this shift, epitomized by Curry's record-breaking volumes—such as his 402 three-pointers in the 2015–16 season—has led to a league-wide obsession with perimeter shooting, making games less engaging and street unplayable due to overreliance on "chucking" from deep. This perspective holds that while isolation ball has declined overall, Curry's style has paradoxically increased iso-three at the expense of defensive intensity and post play, with empirical data showing NBA three-point attempt rates rising from 22.4 per game in 2014–15 to 35.0 by 2023–24, correlating with Curry's peak influence. Opinions on Curry's hypothetical performance against the physical defense of earlier eras, such as the 1990s NBA with hand-checking and aggressive enforcers, remain divided. Some former players, including Cedric Ceballos, argue that the era's increased physicality would impede Curry's off-ball movement, reduce his shooting efficiency, expose his defensive limitations, and invite targeting by enforcers, potentially frustrating teammates reliant on his long-range style over traditional play. Others counter that Curry's elite quick release, extended range, and basketball IQ would enable him to adapt and excel, dominating defenses unprepared for high-volume accuracy from deep distances. Regarding team dynamics, the ' acquisition of in July 2016 has drawn scrutiny for transforming an already elite core—Curry, , and —into a "superteam" via free agency recruitment rather than organic draft development, undermining competitive balance. contended that the Warriors bore responsibility for soliciting Durant after their 73-win season and playoff collapse, framing it as aggressive talent stacking that prioritized championships over meritocratic building. This move, following the Warriors' 3–1 deficit to in 2016, where Curry fouled out and was ejected in for throwing his mouthpiece into the crowd after protesting a call, highlighted perceived fragility in high-pressure dynamics, with detractors citing the incident as evidence of Curry's frustration under duress contributing to the series loss. Post-Durant, the Warriors' performance has fueled questions about the dynasty's sustainability without supplemental superstar talent, with admitting in 2025 that the team was "awful" and in "ruins" after Durant's 2019 departure, reflecting motivational lapses and inefficiency. Empirically, Golden State's playoff record without Durant stands at 75–48 all-time, but their drops to 100.8 without either Curry or Durant on the floor, and recent exits—such as the 2023 play-in tournament elimination and 2024 first-round sweep by Sacramento—underscore reliance on the Durant era for dominance, with only one title (2022) secured afterward amid roster decline. Load management practices have also faced backlash, with attributing declining NBA ratings partly to stars like Curry resting during regular-season games, prioritizing playoff preservation over fan engagement despite Curry's stated preference to play every night.

Off-Court Life and Business

Family and Personal Relationships

Stephen Curry married Ayesha Alexander on July 30, 2011, in a ceremony at Charlotte's Ballantyne Resort following their engagement the previous year. The couple first met as teenagers in 2002 at a church youth group in Charlotte, North Carolina, where their shared Christian faith began to shape their bond; they began dating in 2008. Curry has described recommitting to Christianity in eighth grade as pivotal to his personal life, influencing family decisions. The Currys have four children: daughter Riley Elizabeth, born July 19, 2012; daughter Ryan Carson, born July 2015; son Canon W. Jack, born July 2018; and son Caius Chai, born May 11, 2024. Curry has emphasized reading the Bible to his children as part of instilling family values rooted in faith, crediting it for providing emotional grounding amid his professional demands. Following Curry's selection by the in the , the family established roots in the Bay Area, relocating to the affluent community of Atherton in 2019 to support his career while prioritizing a stable home environment for their growing family. This setup has enabled Curry to balance intense training schedules with active parenting, including attending his children's events, which he credits for sustaining his longevity in the NBA. Ayesha Curry has complemented their family dynamic through independent business pursuits, including co-founding the restaurant chain International Smoke in 2015, authoring cookbooks, launching the Sweet July in 2021 with its and skincare line, and developing the wine label Domaine Curry. The Currys' personal life has avoided high-profile scandals, with Curry maintaining a reputation for and family focus that contrasts with turbulence seen in other athletes' relationships.

Endorsement Deals and Brand Building

Stephen Curry's endorsement portfolio expanded significantly following his breakthrough NBA seasons, leveraging his on-court success in revolutionizing three-point shooting to secure lucrative partnerships. In 2013, Curry rejected a Nike offer and signed with for an initial annual value of approximately $4 million, a decision influenced by Under Armour's personalized pitch emphasizing his unique playing style. This marked a pivotal shift, as Under Armour positioned Curry as central to its basketball ambitions, aiming to build a billion-dollar franchise around him. By September 2015, following his first NBA championship and MVP award, Curry extended the deal through 2024, incorporating an equity stake in the company, which enhanced his financial alignment with Under Armour's growth. In 2020, Curry elevated his brand autonomy within by launching the Curry Brand on December 1, featuring performance footwear, apparel, and accessories tailored to and categories. This sub-brand initiative, backed by 's innovation resources, debuted with products like the Curry Flow 8 sneaker, reflecting Curry's input on design and market positioning to appeal beyond elite athletes to broader consumers. The move underscored his business foresight, transforming signature endorsements into a scalable enterprise that generated substantial revenue streams independent of his playing salary. Curry's off-court earnings have consistently ranked him among the NBA's top financial beneficiaries, with reporting $100 million in 2025 from endorsements and business ventures, surpassing his $56 million on-court salary and positioning him as the second-highest-paid athlete globally. This influx stems directly from his marketable persona as a transformative shooter, enabling deals that yield over $50 million annually in prior years through diversified partnerships. Demonstrating acumen beyond apparel, Curry co-anchors Penny Jar Capital, an early-stage firm focusing on tech innovators, with investments spanning AI-driven supply chain solutions and applications. Through this and his Thirty Ink, which reported $173.5 million in 2024 revenue, Curry has cultivated a post-career financial infrastructure rooted in his basketball-built equity and influence.

Philanthropic Efforts and Foundation Work

In 2019, Stephen Curry and his wife established the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, targeting underserved children and families in , through three pillars: providing nutritious meals (Eat), enhancing literacy and education (Learn), and expanding access to sports and play facilities (Play). The initiative addresses local challenges, including food insecurity affecting 37% of Oakland children and limited recreational opportunities, by partnering with community organizations and schools. By 2023, the foundation had raised over $47 million, with commitments to invest an additional $50 million over three years specifically for programs. Quantifiable outcomes include the distribution of more than 25 million meals and 2.1 million pounds of produce to Oakland families since inception, particularly during the when school closures exacerbated hunger. The foundation has reached 150,000 youth through initiatives, investing $3.4 million to distribute 500,000 books and support classroom programs, alongside $6 million in direct donations. In the Play domain, it has upgraded 17 school playgrounds and funded programming, including $3.6 million since 2021 for free activities via partnerships like Under Armour's Curry Brand. These efforts prioritize measurable delivery in high-need areas, though independent evaluations of long-term efficacy, such as sustained gains or improvements, remain limited in public data. Critics have questioned the foundation's scope relative to Curry's estimated net worth exceeding $200 million, arguing that its Oakland-centric focus—while impactful locally—represents a fraction of potential broader interventions for and alleviation. Separately, Curry faced public backlash in 2023 for co-signing a letter opposing rezoning for multifamily and near the couple's Atherton residence, citing privacy concerns amid the site's proximity to their ; this drew accusations of NIMBYism inconsistent with philanthropic for underserved communities, though it did not directly involve foundation funds.

Public Image, Media, and Controversies

Media Presence and Production Ventures

In , Stephen Curry co-founded Unanimous Media with Erick Peyton, establishing a dedicated to creating television, film, and centered on inspirational, stories. The venture enables Curry to exercise creative autonomy by developing narratives aligned with his personal values, distinct from traditional media outlets, while capitalizing on his celebrity status to secure distribution partnerships and revenue opportunities. A flagship project is the 2023 documentary Stephen Curry: Underrated, produced in collaboration with Apple Original Films and , which details Curry's journey from to NBA stardom, emphasizing perseverance and overlooked talent. Released on Apple TV+ on July 21, 2023, the film received positive reception for its authentic portrayal, grossing viewership through streaming metrics tied to Curry's fanbase. Unanimous Media has forged key partnerships to expand its reach, including a 2021 multi-year global talent deal with for scripted and unscripted television projects, facilitating content like the 2023 series Mr. Throwback, in which Curry portrays a fictionalized version of himself. These alliances provide production resources and broad audience access, underscoring Curry's strategic use of his influence to build a sustainable media portfolio independent of athletic performance.

Political Endorsements and Social Activism

Stephen Curry publicly endorsed Democratic vice presidential candidate for president via a pre-recorded video message at the on August 22, 2024, describing the choice as "easy" due to alignment with his family's values of equality and opportunity. Curry has maintained a longstanding affinity for Democratic figures, including multiple meetings with former President , such as White House visits following NBA championships in 2015 and 2017. In 2017, he distanced himself from CEO Kevin Plank's praise of then-President , stating he did not endorse the remarks. Following Harris's electoral defeat to Trump on November 5, 2024, , who confirmed voting for her, expressed no "ill will" toward the outcome, emphasizing acceptance of the democratic process and a focus on his professional responsibilities. has indicated openness to political involvement after retiring from the NBA, stating in March 2024 an interest in "leveraging every part of my influence for good," without ruling out a presidential run or other office. Curry's social activism includes advocacy for , highlighted by his participation in a 2016 ESPYs speech alongside and others calling for an end to a "shoot-to-kill mentality" in policing under the framework. He wore -branded shoes at the 2020 golf tournament to draw attention to social issues and joined a Palo Alto BLM protest that year, discussing 's role in addressing systemic . These efforts earned him the 2023 Social Justice Champion Award from the NBA for advancing equity and justice. Critics have noted selectivity in such , as BLM's emphasis on police violence overlooks FBI data showing that over 90% of black homicide victims from 2019–2023 were killed by black perpetrators, primarily in urban settings with high intra-community crime rates rather than officer-involved incidents, which constitute less than 1% of total s. On , Curry featured in a 2015 urging action against it and joined Warriors teammates, including coach , in a 2023 White House meeting with President Biden to discuss prevention strategies amid rising mass shootings. In an August 2018 essay for , Curry advocated closing the gender pay and opportunity gaps, framing it personally as a father of daughters and rejecting notions that equality efforts are mere politics. Economic analyses, however, attribute much of the observed pay gap—around 18% unadjusted in U.S. data—to factors like occupational choices, work hours, and experience rather than widespread , with adjusted gaps narrowing to 4–7% in controlled studies.

Key Controversies and Public Backlash

Critics have accused Stephen Curry of fundamentally altering in a detrimental way by popularizing an overreliance on three-point shooting, which some argue has diminished the game's physicality and traditional post play. This narrative gained traction during the ' dynasty years, with figures like former coach stating in 2014 that Curry's style "ruined the game" by prioritizing perimeter shooting over interior dominance. Curry dismissed such claims in 2018 as "the dumbest phrase," emphasizing that his approach simply elevated skill levels rather than degrading the sport, and reiterated in 2022 that the evolution reflects players adapting to new efficiencies. Curry faced public scrutiny in 2022-2023 over his role as a global ambassador for the , for which he reportedly earned $35 million for limited promotional work, including appearing in ads and events. The platform's collapse amid founder Sam Bankman-Fried's conviction for massive fraud left investors with billions in losses, prompting lawsuits against endorsers like Curry alleging misleading promotion of an unregistered . No linked Curry to the fraudulent operations, and a 2025 court ruling dismissed most investor claims against celebrity promoters, though the association drew backlash for amplifying hype around a risky venture without disclosed risks. In September 2025, rapper sparked a by endorsing a skit mocking Ayesha Curry's recent comments on marriage, accusing her of exploiting Curry's fame while implying marital dissatisfaction. Curry publicly defended his wife on , prompting Mike to apologize on October 1, 2025, admitting he was "stoned" and out of line during the reaction. This incident amplified existing online backlash against Ayesha's October 2025 "" podcast remarks, where she revealed initially resisting marriage and motherhood before meeting Curry, leading to accusations of ingratitude and disrespect toward her husband's success. Amid a broader 2025 NBA involving FBI arrests of players and personnel for illegal betting and information sharing, Curry addressed concerns on October 24, 2025, post-game, affirming the league's integrity and stating players bear responsibility to uphold standards without implicating himself or teammates. No evidence tied Curry to the probe, which focused on figures like a assistant coach. Curry has faced minimal performance-enhancing drug suspicions throughout his career, undergoing random testing including after his 5-for-5 three-point Olympic final performance on August 10, 2024, with no violations reported.

Awards, Honors, and Records

Major NBA Awards

Stephen Curry has won two NBA (MVP) awards, for the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons, becoming the second player to achieve consecutive MVPs after back-to-back wins in those campaigns. In the 2015–16 season, Curry received unanimous support from the 131-member media voting panel, marking the first such occurrence in NBA history and reflecting his league-leading scoring average and the ' record-tying 73 regular-season victories. Curry earned the Bill Russell Most Valuable Player award in 2022, after averaging 31.2 across the six-game series against the , securing his fourth championship while validating his postseason leadership amid prior criticisms of his Finals performances. He has contributed to four NBA championships with the Warriors, in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022, each series decided by the team's playoff success under his primary ball-handling role. In recognition of his performance in clutch situations—defined by the NBA as the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime with the score within five points—Curry won the inaugural NBA Clutch Player of the Year award for the 2023–24 season, topping voting ahead of based on points scored and efficiency in those moments. Curry has been selected to 11 All-NBA teams through the 2024–25 season, including four First Team nods (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021), five Second Team selections, and two Third Team honors, with these placements determined by a global media panel evaluating overall impact. He has also made 11 NBA appearances (2014–2019, 2021–2025), winning MVP twice (2015, 2022), awards voted on by fans, players, and media for contributions.

All-Time Records and Milestones

Stephen Curry holds the NBA record for most three-point field goals made in a career, with 4,199 as of early 2026. He has achieved the milestone of making more career three-pointers (4,199) than free throws (4,189). He surpassed 's previous mark of 2,973 on December 14, 2021, and continued to extend the lead through high-volume seasons, including 311 makes in 2024–25. Curry reached the 4,000 three-pointer milestone during the 2024–25 season, a feat documented in comprehensive compilations of his career shots. In the 2015–16 season, Curry set the single-season record for three-pointers made with 402, achieved on 5.1 attempts per game while leading the Golden State Warriors to a league-best 73–9 record. This performance revolutionized offensive strategies league-wide by demonstrating the viability of high-volume, long-range shooting efficiency. Curry owns multiple NBA Finals three-point records, including the most in a single game (9, against the Cleveland Cavaliers on June 3, 2018) and the most in a Finals series (32, in 2016). His career total of 152 threes across Finals appearances further underscores his postseason dominance from beyond the arc. Curry is one of few players to join the —shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line in a season—accomplishing it in 2015–16 with .504/.454/.908 splits while averaging 30.1 , the only such performance above 30 PPG. He has approached the club in other seasons but met the criteria only once. Along with his father Dell Curry, Stephen Curry holds the second-most combined career points by a father-son duo in NBA history, totaling 38,896 points and surpassing Joe "Jellybean" Bryant and Kobe Bryant's mark of 38,895. This milestone was reached on January 11, 2026, when Curry made a three-pointer during a Golden State Warriors game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Statistical Career Overview

Stephen Curry's collegiate career at spanned three seasons from 2006 to 2009, during which he averaged 25.3 across 104 appearances, showcasing early scoring prowess with increasing efficiency each year, culminating in a senior average of 28.6 points. In his NBA tenure with the through the early 2025-26 season, Curry has played 1,058 regular-season games, averaging 24.8 on 42.6% three-point shooting, highlighting his revolutionary emphasis on long-range efficiency that has redefined offensive metrics league-wide. His career exceeds 62%, underscoring sustained scoring efficiency driven by volume three-point attempts converted at historic rates. Advanced metrics further illustrate Curry's impact, with a career win shares per 48 minutes (WS/48) of .194, placing him among the most productive players per minute played, reflecting contributions beyond raw scoring through playmaking and spacing. In , spanning 155 games, he has averaged 26.8 , often elevating in high-stakes scenarios with elevated three-point volume and accuracy.
MetricRegular Season CareerPlayoff Career
PPG24.826.8
3P%42.640.3
WS/48.194.186
Post-35, Curry has defied typical age-related decline, recording 42 points in a 2025 game at age 37 and surpassing for the most 40-point games by a guard after turning 35, maintaining top-5 scoring ranks through elite shooting mechanics and off-ball movement that preserve efficiency. This sustained output, with over 1,900 points scored in his age-35 season alone, demonstrates causal factors like refined conditioning and skill specialization mitigating physical wear.

References

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