Stephen Curry: A Milestone of 25,000 Career Points

Stephen Curry’s legacy in the NBA is already firmly established as one of the most transformative and exciting careers in basketball history. On February 25, 2023, Curry achieved a significant milestone, surpassing the 25,000-point mark for his career. This achievement is not just a testament to his incredible skill, but also to his resilience, work ethic, and ability to change the way the game of basketball is played.

The Rise of a Superstar

Stephen Curry’s journey to becoming the NBA’s all-time greatest shooter is a story of perseverance, development, and breaking down barriers. Born on March 14, 1988, in Akron, Ohio, to former NBA player Dell Curry, Stephen’s early exposure to basketball suggested that he was destined for something special. However, unlike many other basketball prodigies, Curry was often overlooked by major college programs due to his relatively slight frame and unorthodox style of play.

He eventually landed at Davidson College, where he took the basketball world by storm. Curry’s 2008 NCAA Tournament run was legendary, where he led the underdog Wildcats to the Elite Eight, defeating powerhouse teams like Gonzaga and Georgetown. That tournament performance, where he averaged 32 points per game, turned Curry from a relatively unknown player into one of the most sought-after prospects in college basketball.

Despite his college success, the NBA Draft was not a smooth ride for Curry. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the 7th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Early in his career, there were questions about his durability, particularly concerning his ankle injuries, which plagued him throughout his first few years in the league. However, Curry’s determination, work ethic, and dedication to his craft allowed him to overcome these challenges and eventually change the trajectory of the NBA itself.

Breaking the Mold: Revolutionizing the Game

The achievement of 25,000 career points is particularly significant considering the style of play that Curry helped usher into the modern NBA. Before Curry’s arrival on the scene, the game was dominated by big men in the paint, with the three-point shot seen as more of a supplementary tool than a central element of offensive strategy. However, Curry’s incredible shooting range—from beyond the arc and in a variety of game situations—would go on to reshape how the game is played.

Curry’s shooting range is simply unparalleled. His ability to make contested shots from well beyond the three-point line became a game-changer, forcing defenses to rethink how they approach perimeter defense. His consistent ability to hit deep three-pointers, even from well beyond the NBA’s already lengthy three-point arc, became a defining characteristic of his game. Moreover, Curry’s ball-handling, creativity, and movement off the ball have allowed him to create shots in virtually every situation, whether it’s a quick pull-up three, a step-back, or a contested shot in transition.

Curry’s shooting revolution took the Golden State Warriors to unprecedented heights. Under his leadership, the Warriors became a perennial contender, winning multiple championships, including in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. His impact on the Warriors’ success was immense, transforming them into the most feared team in the NBA during the 2010s. Curry’s offensive genius allowed the Warriors to dominate the league with their small-ball “Death Lineup,” where Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green redefined how the game could be played.

The Road to 25,000 Points

Curry’s path to 25,000 career points came after years of consistent excellence. When he entered the NBA, many thought of him as a promising shooter but not necessarily as someone who would accumulate massive point totals over the course of his career. After all, he was a smaller guard, and the NBA is often known for favoring big men. But Curry’s work ethic, his ability to stretch the floor, and his continual improvement turned him into an offensive juggernaut.

By the time Curry surpassed the 25,000-point milestone, he had already established himself as the league’s most dominant scorer in a number of ways. Not only was he an excellent three-point shooter, but he also became adept at finishing at the rim, improving his mid-range game, and making plays for his teammates. In fact, his career averages of 24.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game showcase his multifaceted approach to scoring.

Reaching 25,000 career points in such a short span of time is particularly impressive considering how Curry’s style of play focuses on finesse and movement rather than the traditional power-based approach that is often associated with high point totals. Curry’s efficiency, particularly from three-point range, has been a key factor in helping him reach this incredible achievement. As of 2023, Curry holds the record for the most career three-pointers made in NBA history, with over 3,000 three-pointers and counting.

Legacy and Comparison to Other NBA Legends

Stephen Curry’s accomplishment of surpassing 25,000 career points is not just a personal triumph, but also places him in the company of some of the greatest players to ever play the game. In achieving this milestone, Curry joined an elite group of players, many of whom are widely considered the best to ever play the sport.

Curry’s career point total places him alongside NBA legends such as Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. However, what makes Curry’s achievement particularly unique is the way in which he achieved it. While players like Bryant and Jordan relied heavily on their scoring ability in mid-range and at the rim, Curry’s three-point shooting has allowed him to achieve remarkable point totals while playing in a style that is fundamentally different from his predecessors.

Additionally, Curry’s ability to break records while playing an unorthodox, high-paced style of basketball highlights the level of adaptability required to be great in the modern NBA. Whereas traditional centers and power forwards would dominate in scoring from the paint, Curry’s shooting range and movement have changed how basketball is coached, played, and viewed by the public.

Curry’s 25,000 points also show how he has consistently evolved as a player. His basketball IQ and leadership have made him not only a scoring threat but also a catalyst for his teammates’ success. His ability to make those around him better is evident in the success of the Warriors’ offense, which has been centered around his dynamic playmaking and scoring.

The Golden State Warriors and Championships

The Warriors’ success over the past decade has been largely driven by Curry’s leadership on the court. Since his arrival in Golden State, the Warriors have become one of the NBA’s most successful franchises, winning multiple championships. Curry’s 25,000-point achievement is not only a testament to his scoring ability but also to the Warriors’ style of play, which has emphasized ball movement, spacing, and the three-point shot as central elements of their offensive philosophy.

Under Curry’s leadership, the Warriors have been able to maintain a high level of excellence in an era marked by competitive parity in the NBA. Curry’s ability to stay healthy, adapt his game, and continue to improve his shooting efficiency has allowed the Warriors to stay at the top of the NBA standings, making them perennial contenders for championships.

The 2015 NBA Championship was a defining moment in Curry’s career, as it marked the first time in 40 years that the Warriors had won the NBA title. Curry’s role in the Warriors’ dominance over the following years cannot be overstated. He would go on to win two MVP awards (one unanimously in 2016), a first for any player in NBA history, further solidifying his place among the all-time greats. With his leadership and scoring prowess, Curry helped the Warriors win four championships in just eight years (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022).

The Future of Stephen Curry

As of 2025, Stephen Curry continues to play at a high level, defying expectations with his scoring, leadership, and ability to impact games in ways that few other players can. The 25,000-point milestone is just another feather in his cap, as Curry’s legacy continues to grow with each passing season.

What’s remarkable about Curry’s career is that even as he surpasses 25,000 points, there’s still a sense that he’s only scratching the surface of what he can accomplish. With his work ethic, dedication to improvement, and ability to adapt his game, Curry is a player who seems capable of continuing to break records for years to come. Whether it’s more championships, more individual accolades, or more records, Curry’s future in the NBA is as bright as ever.

A Lasting Impact on Basketball

Stephen Curry’s achievement of surpassing 25,000 career points is not just an individual milestone but a testament to the evolution of basketball itself. His ability to transcend traditional expectations and redefine what it means to be a scorer in the NBA has had a lasting impact on the game. Curry’s place in the pantheon of NBA greats is secure, and as he continues to rack up points and break records, his legacy will continue to shape the future of basketball for years to come.

Through his perseverance, unmatched skill, and revolutionary style of play, Curry has become an iconic figure, and his career is a testament to the power of talent, determination, and innovation in sports.