The question of whether Stephen Curry is the greatest shooter in basketball history is a debate centered on his combination of volume, accuracy, and strategic influence. His performance has redefined the modern standard for shooting, making the three-point shot a primary offensive weapon for teams across the league. Analyzing this claim requires a close look at the statistical records he has set, the technical details of his shooting form, and the strategic effect he has on opposing defenses.
Statistical Records and Volume
Curry is the all-time leader in career three-point field goals made, a record he claimed in December 2021, and he continues to extend that lead with over 4,000 career threes. He has led the NBA in three-pointers made for eight seasons, setting the record for most seasons leading the league in this category.
His efficiency remains elite despite his high volume. Curry’s career three-point field goal percentage is around 42.3%, a figure that remains high even as he attempts significantly more difficult shots from a greater distance than his peers. His True Shooting Percentage (TS%), which accounts for two-point, three-point, and free-throw efficiency, places his career mark around 62.5%. This efficiency is high for a player who takes such a high percentage of shots from beyond the arc and often off the dribble.
Mechanics and Shot Diversity
Curry’s technique allows him to generate both speed and power, contributing to his ability to shoot in diverse situations. His release time is often timed at approximately 0.4 seconds. This speed is achieved by integrating the dip and set point of the ball low in his shooting motion, ensuring the ball never pauses to slow the kinetic chain.
His shooting range extends well beyond the standard three-point line, allowing him to launch shots effectively from 28 to 30 feet, which forces defenses to guard him much higher up the court. He is equally proficient shooting off the catch, off screens, and off the dribble with complex step-backs and hesitation moves. This mastery of shooting while moving or creating his own shot separates him from many past specialists who primarily thrived as spot-up shooters.
Strategic Impact and Gravity
The strategic effect Curry has on a basketball game is often referred to as “Curry Gravity,” a concept that describes the defensive attention he commands. As soon as he crosses half-court, his threat forces opponents to commit defensive resources they would not dedicate to any other player. This gravitational pull bends the opposing defense out of shape, creating open space for his teammates on offense.
The presence of Curry on the court fundamentally alters the geometry of the game, even when he does not have the ball. Defenders are forced to chase him over screens or “face guard” him high on the court. This pulls a defender far from the basket and opens up driving lanes and post-up opportunities. This effect can be quantified by observing how his teammates’ efficiency and shot quality improve when he is on the floor, an impact that often does not appear in his personal assist total.
Historical Context and Comparison
Placing Curry in historical context requires comparing his profile with other shooters like Ray Allen and Reggie Miller, who previously held the career three-point record. Allen and Miller were known for their high-volume accuracy and mastery of movement off the ball, setting the standard for perimeter shooting in their respective eras. However, Curry’s statistical profile combines their efficiency with a much higher volume and a significantly deeper range.
His ability to consistently shoot from 30 feet while maintaining a high percentage separates him from his predecessors. Curry’s skill as a primary ball-handler and shot creator means he generates a high percentage of his own three-point attempts. In contrast, Allen and Miller were more reliant on off-ball movement and plays designed to set them up. This combination of volume, efficiency, range, and on-ball creation solidifies his standing in the historical debate.