- Curry becomes 26th NBA player to reach 25,000 career points
- Warriors guard needs 7 three-pointers to break 4,000 milestone
- 35-year-old achieves feat with 36.4% field goal accuracy in milestone game
Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry cemented his legacy Saturday night by joining basketball's most exclusive scoring club. The nine-time All-Star drilled a signature third-quarter three-pointer against Detroit, becoming just the 26th player in NBA history to surpass 25,000 career points. The Chase Center erupted as Curry, who turns 37 next week, acknowledged the roaring crowd during a timeout celebration.
Curry's landmark basket came during a crucial 115-110 victory that keeps Golden State in playoff contention. The two-time MVP finished with 32 points despite shooting challenges, demonstrating his trademark efficiency by converting all 12 free throws. This achievement places him among legends like Jerry West and Kevin Garnett, with Shaquille O'Neal's 28,596 points now in his sights.
The Bay Area icon now pursues another unprecedented milestone - becoming the first player to make 4,000 career three-pointers. With four treys against Detroit, he needs just seven more to shatter this barrier. Analysts suggest Curry could achieve this feat before March, given his average of 4.7 three-pointers per game this season.
Curry's longevity defies modern basketball trends. At 35, he maintains elite conditioning through cutting-edge recovery techniques, including cryotherapy and proprioceptive training. Warriors strength coach Mike Smith reveals: Steph's neuromuscular coordination work gives him that explosive fourth-quarter edge other veterans lose.
Northern California's economy continues benefiting from Curry's stardom. A 2023 Berkeley study showed Warriors home games generate $12.8M in local business revenue monthly. Ticket demand surges 73% when Curry plays, with Oakland-based sports bars reporting 41% revenue increases on game days.
As the Warriors strategize for another championship run, Curry's shooting mastery remains their centerpiece. Coach Steve Kerr notes: Steph's gravitational pull creates opportunities no analytics can measure.With 18.3% of Golden State's plays now designed as Curry off-ball screens, opponents face impossible choices: double-team the sharpshooter or risk lethal kick-out passes.
Beyond statistics, Curry's influence reshapes youth basketball. Bay Area youth league registrations have tripled since 2015, with 62% of players now prioritizing three-point practice. Former MVP Kevin Durant observes: Steph made the perimeter game aspirational - kids want that highlight-reel moment.
As the shot clock winds down on his legendary career, Curry continues redefining basketball excellence. With 25,017 points and counting, the Warriors phenom proves revolutionary skill and relentless work ethic can coexist at the highest level. As the NBA evolves, Curry's blueprint for perimeter dominance becomes the league's new normal.
