Steph Curry’s Pursuit of Klay Thompson’s Record for Threes Made in a Single Game

The Golden State Warriors have been a cornerstone of the modern NBA, and much of their success can be attributed to two players: Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. The duo, famously known as the “Splash Brothers,” have transformed the game of basketball through their unparalleled three-point shooting. While Curry is widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, and Thompson has had his own share of shooting feats, there is one record that still stands tall between them: Klay Thompson’s 37 points in a single quarter, a game where he made an astounding 14 three-pointers. Despite Curry’s record-breaking career, Klay’s 14 threes in one game still stands as a remarkable feat, and Curry’s chase for this specific record adds an intriguing layer to their shared legacy.

The Rise of the Splash Brothers

Before diving into the specifics of Steph Curry’s pursuit of Klay Thompson’s single-game three-point record, it’s essential to understand the context and evolution of these two players’ journeys. Both players have redefined the way basketball is played, particularly when it comes to shooting.

Steph Curry’s Revolutionary Impact

Stephen Curry’s rise to superstardom in the NBA is a testament to hard work, determination, and, most importantly, revolutionizing the game. His career has reshaped how the NBA views the three-point shot, making it an essential part of an offense instead of just a supplementary tool. Curry’s mastery of shooting from deep range has made him the face of the modern NBA’s “three-point revolution.”

Before Curry, teams didn’t prioritize the three-pointer the way they do today. Although players like Ray Allen and Reggie Miller were proficient long-range shooters, they didn’t have the same volume or range that Curry brought to the table. Steph’s ability to consistently hit shots from 30 feet, with incredible accuracy, set him apart. His 2015-2016 season, where he hit a record-breaking 402 three-pointers, highlighted just how dominant his shooting could be. His shooting records and overall offensive efficiency have forever altered the NBA’s landscape.

Klay Thompson: The Silent Sharpshooter

While Curry is undoubtedly the face of the Warriors’ offense, Klay Thompson’s contribution to their shooting prowess is equally significant. Klay’s shooting style is often contrasted with Curry’s; where Curry is flashy and dynamic, Klay is calm, collected, and often silent as he rains down threes. Despite this contrast, the two form one of the most lethal backcourt pairings in NBA history.

Klay’s ability to catch and shoot without hesitation, even under pressure, is unparalleled. One of the best off-ball shooters in NBA history, Klay’s quick release and impeccable footwork allow him to get off shots in the blink of an eye. He has had multiple explosive performances, but his most iconic game came on January 23, 2015, against the Sacramento Kings. In that game, Klay set the NBA record for most three-pointers in a single game, hitting 14 shots from beyond the arc. His incredible shooting performance helped him score 37 points in the third quarter alone, a feat that many believed would be impossible to surpass.

This record still stands today, and Curry’s pursuit of it is a fascinating subplot in his illustrious career. While many expect Curry to break nearly every shooting record in the NBA, Klay’s 14 three-pointers in a game remain a target for Curry, though achieving it is easier said than done.

The Chase: Steph Curry’s Pursuit of Klay Thompson’s 14 Threes in a Single Game

Steph Curry’s career has been a series of breaking records and achieving milestones. From becoming the NBA’s all-time leading three-point shooter to shattering his own records for three-pointers made in a season, Curry has redefined what it means to be a shooter in the modern NBA. However, when it comes to Klay Thompson’s 14 three-pointers in a single game, Curry has yet to eclipse that mark.

At the time of writing, Curry has had several games in which he came close to Klay’s record, but he’s never quite hit the 14 three-point mark. While Curry has averaged a greater number of three-pointers per season over his career, and his scoring ability from beyond the arc is unmatched, the 14-three game remains a significant milestone. The question then arises: why is it so difficult for Curry to surpass this record, and what makes Klay’s achievement so unique?

Why is 14 Threes So Difficult to Achieve?

There are a number of factors that make hitting 14 three-pointers in a single game so challenging, even for a player as gifted as Curry.

1. The Nature of the Game: Klay Thompson’s 14 three-pointers came during a period of sustained offensive rhythm. He didn’t just make a couple of deep shots here and there; he was locked in, making 14 out of 24 attempts, a percentage that speaks to his extreme proficiency and the pace of the game. In today’s game, with more defenses designed to prevent players from getting easy looks, and with the game being played at a faster pace, there are fewer opportunities for such shooting performances.
2. Shooting Volume: While Curry has the range and shooting mechanics to surpass Klay’s record, shooting 14 threes in a game requires an extraordinary volume of attempts. In any game, especially against elite defenses, there are natural constraints that limit the number of three-pointers a player can attempt. Curry, who often has the defense keyed in on him, is forced to take contested shots, which decreases his shooting efficiency and thus his ability to reach 14 made threes.
3. Team Dynamics: As the focal point of the Golden State Warriors’ offense, Curry is frequently the primary player with the ball in his hands. While this gives him ample opportunity to shoot, it also often results in him being double-teamed or facing defensive strategies that aim to neutralize his impact. Klay, on the other hand, often benefits from being the secondary option in the Warriors’ offense, allowing him to catch and shoot in space with less defensive attention. This contrast in roles may be why Klay has been able to achieve such a feat while Curry has yet to do so.
4. Shooting Variability: Although Curry is often considered the more versatile shooter, Klay’s style of shooting is perfectly suited for a streaky, explosive game. Klay can get hot very quickly, and once he does, he can rattle off three-pointers in a hurry. Curry’s style, while more varied and dynamic, may not lend itself as easily to such a performance. While Curry can heat up quickly, his shooting distribution across different types of shots—whether it’s step-backs, pull-ups, or catch-and-shoot—makes a 14-three game less likely, as it takes him out of a specific rhythm that Klay is better at maintaining.

A Historic Achievement, Not Just for Curry but the Entire NBA

Regardless of whether Curry breaks the record or not, Klay’s 14 three-pointers in a single game represents something larger than any individual player. It symbolizes the evolution of the three-point shot in basketball. As the NBA has shifted its focus to the perimeter, players like Curry and Thompson have not only changed how the game is played but have also elevated the expectations for shooting excellence.

The Warriors’ Dynasty and the Legacy of the Splash Brothers

The Golden State Warriors, powered by Curry and Thompson, have built one of the most successful dynasties in NBA history. The team has won multiple championships, with the pair’s shooting ability at the center of their offensive strategy. The Splash Brothers’ impact on the NBA cannot be overstated. Their shooting, paired with the Warriors’ ball movement and fast-paced offense, has been a blueprint for success that many teams around the league have attempted to emulate.

As Curry continues to chase Klay’s single-game three-pointer record, it serves as a reminder of the shared history between the two. Their rivalry and camaraderie—competing against each other while also working in tandem to elevate each other’s game—are what make their careers so special.

Steph Curry’s pursuit of Klay Thompson’s 14 three-pointers in a single game is more than just a personal achievement—it represents the incredible impact both players have had on the game of basketball. Their unique shooting styles, work ethic, and on-court chemistry have set a new standard for shooters across the league. Whether Curry surpasses this mark or not, both he and Klay have left an indelible legacy on the sport, and their influence will be felt for generations to come. The Splash Brothers’ bond and individual greatness have not only made the Golden State Warriors a dynasty but have also made basketball fans across the world appreciate the beauty of a perfectly executed three-pointer. The chase for records continues, but one thing is clear: the legacy of Curry and Thompson is already cemented in NBA history, regardless of who holds the record for threes made in a single game.