The Golden State Warriors are one of the best teams in the NBA this season. There is no debating that. Where there could be some conversations, though, is the team's ultimate place in the hoops world's hierarchy...
Warriors' Klay Thompson Says Steph Curry 'Revolutionized the Game' After 3PT Record
Dec 16, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 20: Stephen Curry #30 shares a conversation with teammate, Klay Thompson #11of the Golden State Warriors during the game against the Houston Rockets on February 20, 2020 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
When Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry broke the NBA three-point record on Tuesday against the New York Knicks, his running mate Klay Thompson was not in attendance.
Thompson didn't accompany the team on its five-game road trip as he continues to work his way back from leg injuries that have kept him sidelined for two seasons. On Wednesday, he took to Instagram to congratulate his fellow Splash Brother.
"Congrats to my bro on becoming the greatest 3 point marksmen in history (we been knowing this)," Thompson wrote. "This man @stephencurry30 has revolutionized the game and luckily for me I’ve had a front row seat to witness what it takes to do what so many thought was impossible."
Curry shot 5-of-14 from three-point land on Tuesday and now has 2,977 triples in his storied career, surpassing Ray Allen's previous record of 2,973. Thompson is currently 21st on the all-time list with 1,798 three-pointers.
Thompson's return to the floor could come soon, as he is reportedly in the final stages of his recovery. Getting him back into the lineup will make the Warriors (23-5) an even more dangerous team.
Kevin Durant Voted Best Player over LeBron James, Giannis by Retired NBA Players
Dec 15, 2021
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts against the Toronto Raptors during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, in New York. The Nets won 131-129 in overtime. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant is the best player in the NBA, according to a survey of 118 retired players.
Per The Athletic's Josh Robbins and Sam Amick, Durant received 44.2 percent of the vote to finish well ahead of runner-up LeBron James (31.6 percent).
Reigning NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (13.6 percent) was the only other player to receive at least 10 percent of support from those surveyed. Stephen Curry (3.5 percent), Joel Embiid (1.8 percent and Nikola Jokic (1.8 percent) round out the top six.
Further down the list, injured stars Kawhi Leonard and Zion Williamson both received 0.9 percent of the vote, which took place before the season started. Russell Westbrook and Jimmy Butler also garnered 0.9 percent support from the voters.
Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Marv Roberts explained why he believes Durant is the best player in the league.
"Durant is the best offensive player in the league," Roberts told Robbins and Amick. "His offensive skills—jump shooting, ball-handling, free-throw shooting, offensive rebounding, passing, posting up, movement without the ball, basketball acumen—plus his height make him almost unstoppable."
Even though James missed 27 games last year due to injuries, his support as the NBA's best player still runs strong.
"Do you even have to ask?” 1995 All-Star Cedric Ceballos said of his reasoning for putting James at No. 1.
One anonymous player told Robbins and Amick that Antetokounmpo got his vote in part because he has remained with the Milwaukee Bucks to help them win a championship.
"He is the most unstoppable force in the game, and [I choose him] because he doesn’t run and switch teams because his team doesn’t have enough talent to compete," the player said of Antetokounmpo. "And he respects his teammates. That’s what you do to be a real MVP and champion."
It is interesting that Curry, who just set a new NBA record for most career three-point field goals made on Tuesday night, is a distant fourth place behind Durant, James and Antetokounmpo.
The Golden State Warriors star appears to have the inside track on the 2021-22 NBA MVP award, which would be the third of his career.
An informal straw poll of 100 NBA insiders conducted by ESPN's Tim Bontemps had Curry as the overwhelming choice for MVP with 94 first-place votes and 978 total points. Durant was second with 610 total points, while Antetokounmpo had the second-most first-place votes (three).
Curry is averaging 26.9 points per game, though his efficiency has gone down in part due to a recent rough stretch. His 39.9 three-point percentage would be the worst of his career, excluding the 2019-20 season when he only played five games due to injuries.
The seven-time All-Star is also shooting 49.5 percent on two-pointers, which is on track to be his worst success rate in that category since 2012-13 (44.9).
As good as Curry has been this season, and James and Antetokounmpo keep playing at a remarkably high level, it's hard to argue anyone is performing better than Durant right now.
The Nets superstar is leading the NBA in scoring with 29.6 points per game. He's averaging the second-most shots per game of his career (20.5) and is making 52.3 percent of his attempts.
Warriors' Steph Curry Reflects on Breaking NBA 3-Point Record: 'Dream Come True'
Dec 15, 2021
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry blows a kiss at the fans after scoring a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Curry hit his 2,974th career 3-pointer Tuesday night, breaking the record set by Ray Allen. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Stephen Curry thanked fans for their support in posts on Twitter and Instagram Wednesday after breaking the all-time record for most made three-pointers in a career.
Dream come true. In the Garden too 🙌🏽. Thank you everybody for reaching out and showing love. This means so much to me and my family. #dubnation been with it since Day 1. 2974 and counting………..longevity, accuracy, volume, range #CrazyFaithpic.twitter.com/NAccgAqNmZ
The Golden State Warriors star made his 2,974th career three-pointer during Tuesday's 105-96 road win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, passing Ray Allen (2,973) for the most in NBA history. He finished the night on 2,977.
"I woke up feeling really special this morning," Curry said in the video. "I know we got a lot more to do, but I gotta take a second and just appreciate what 2,974 means. History was made last night."
Curry also praised Allen and Reggie Miller for paving the way as elite shooters.
The 33-year-old has been nearly unstoppable from the perimeter during his career, making 43.1 percent of attempts over 13 seasons. The latest milestone was still important to him as he makes the case as the best shooter ever.
Steph Curry Gifts Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala Rolexes After Setting 3-Point Record
Dec 15, 2021
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 14: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate after passing Ray Allen for most three pointers made in NBA history with 2,974 during the game against the New York Knicks on December 14, 2021 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen
Curry presented longtime teammates Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala
with engraved Rolex watches for their role in helping him set the
record for the most three-pointers made in NBA history.
Curry, who moved past Hall of Fame
guard Ray Allen on the three-point list during Tuesday's game against the
New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, gifted Green and Iguodala their watches afterward:
Stephen Curry gave Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala engraved Rolexes after breaking Ray Allen's 3-point record ⌚️👏
Klay Thompson will also receive a Rolex
from Curry, but he couldn't be in attendance at the game as he
continues his recovery from a torn Achilles, per ESPN's Dominique Collins.
Kevin Durant later joked he should receive a watch from Curry given how many threes he helped set up:
The seven-time All-Star has now knocked
down 2,977 career threes, and at the age of 33, he has plenty of time to keep extending
his record.
"It was a special moment, for
sure, that I appreciate and I'll remember for the rest of my life, in
terms of what it means to me to pass Ray," Curry told reporters.
"Him and Reggie [Miller], guys I've looked up to coming into the
game. Definitely special."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hT1gUdSfxk
Curry became the foundation for the
Warriors' eventual formation of a dynasty when he was selected with
the seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft.
Thompson joined as a first-round pick
in 2011, Green arrived as a second-round selection in 2012 and
Iguodala signed as a free agent in 2013.
There were other notable additions over
the years, headlined by Kevin Durant in 2016, but those four players
were the key building blocks for a franchise that won three NBA
championships in a four-year span beginning in 2015.
Durant and Iguodala left after the
2018-19 season, and subsequent injuries to Curry and Thompson played
a key role in the Dubs' back-to-back years out of the playoffs.
The Warriors are back trending in the
right direction this season, though.
Curry is playing at an MVP level, Green
is putting himself in the conversation for Defensive Player of the
Year, Iguodala returned in free agency and Thompson is expected to
rejoin the lineup eventually to reunite the quartet.
Those are all promising signs for a
Warriors squad that owns an NBA-best 23-5 record to re-enter the
championship conversation once again.
Suns' Chris Paul Congratulates Steph Curry on 3-Point Record: 'That's History, Man'
Dec 15, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 3: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game on December, 2021 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul congratulated Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry on Tuesday after Curry broke the NBA record for career three-point field goals made.
After Paul led the Suns to a 111-107 overtime win against the Portland Trail Blazers, he addressed Curry's achievement:
"Congrats to Steph...that's history, man."
After dropping 24 points and 14 assists in the Suns win, Chris Paul shows respect to his fellow #NBA75 Anniversary Team member's historic achievement earlier in the night! pic.twitter.com/PejOwldhCM
Curry set the new mark in a 105-96 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, finishing the game with 22 points, five trifectas made, three assists and three rebounds.
The crowning moment occurred in the first quarter when Curry drilled a trey to put the Warriors on top 12-10:
Curry passed Ray Allen for first place on the all-time three-pointers made list with his 2,974th career make, and the game was stopped to recognize his achievement. Allen was in the building as well to give Curry a hand, with Reggie Miller (third all time) calling the game.
Among those who congratulated Curry on social media were Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, who was formerly Curry's teammate with the Warriors:
Just landed in Dallas to see @StephenCurry30 broke the record and to make it even doper he did it in the GARDEN!! WOW CONGRATS BROTHER!! INCREDIBLE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
By the end of the night, Curry had 2,977 career three-pointers made, putting him four clear of Allen.
The closest active player on the list behind Curry is James Harden of the Nets, who is fourth all time and nearly 300 makes behind Steph at 2,509.
Curry's achievement is impressive for many reasons, including the fact that he did it in 13 seasons and 789 career regular-season games.
By comparison, Allen played 18 seasons and 1,300 regular-season games to get to the top of the list before Curry passed him. Of course, the three-point shot has also become more in vogue with each passing year.
Curry, 33, is also a highly efficient shooter, having made 43.1 percent of his three-point attempts during his career, which is seventh on the all-time list.
While Curry was already a surefire Hall of Famer with three NBA championships and two MVP awards to his credit, owning the three-point record is another huge accomplishment to add to his resume.
Stephen Curry Ends All-Time Shooter Debate, but What About His GOAT Argument?
Dec 15, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a foul shot against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on December 06, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Stephen Curry breaking Ray Allen's record for threes made in a career has felt like an inevitability for several years. On Tuesday, it happened.
With a 5-of-14 performance from three in the Golden State Warriors' 105-96 win over the New York Knicks, Curry is officially the NBA's all-time three-point king.
He now has 2,977 threes, four ahead of Allen's 2,973. But mere totals don't even begin to do Curry's mark justice (more on that in a moment).
And with the "greatest shooter of all time" debate dead and buried, it's time to spend a little more energy on where Curry will end up on the all-time ladder.
With this record, two MVPs (and the only unanimous MVP) and three championships, Curry has graduated to conversations typically reserved for the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Yes, arguing that the 6'2" Curry is on the level of those two is tough. Jordan and James have six and four titles, respectively. They fill the top two spots on the leaderboards for MVP shares, wins over replacement player and playoff wins over replacement player. And no one could suggest with a straight face that Curry is on their level defensively (at least, when they were at their peaks).
But if we can mention Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird in the same breath as 1A and 1B, we can do the same for Curry.
All of the above also had an aesthetic impact on the game. And though that isn't easily measured, Curry's obviously done the same.
Bird's sensational passing and head-fake game helped to mainstream the idea of point forwards. Magic's wizardry in transition was the engine of the Showtime Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe scored with a swagger eerily reminiscent of MJ.
Curry, meanwhile, is on the short list of NBA players who truly changed basketball. There may not be anyone in league history who's definitively better than him at off-ball movement.
There are countless examples that look like the following. From the first second of the possession to the last, the only times Curry stops moving are seemingly setups or attempts to lull the defense to sleep.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-Zjf8_pgJ4
Because Curry has demonstrated an ability to hit shots from as far out as the logo, that kind of off-ball movement is especially manipulative from him. "Know where Curry is" has seemingly been drilled into the subconscious of every NBA defender. If you lose him, you're likely getting burned for three points. And you're likely getting burned quickly.
In a 36-minute YouTube breakdown in which he argues Stephen Curry might be the greatest offensive player of all time, Thinking Basketball's Ben Taylor noted the sub-half-second release time of Curry (starting at the 2:57 mark).
Defenders know if they give Curry mere tenths of a second, the assignment may be blown. This is why he's so often grabbed, clipped, shoved and sometimes straight-up hugged off the ball. That level of over-commitment has led to countless wide-open looks for Warriors teammates over the years.
When two or three (or sometimes more) guys scramble to find Curry, someone else is available. And Curry will either find him or the intermediary who will. That's why Curry is an annual staple near the top of the league's secondary assist leaderboard.
And the way that he bends defenses has far more than a theoretical impact. Over the last 10 seasons, Golden State has scored 116.7 points per 100 possessions with Curry on the floor, compared to 104.4 with him off. The team's two-point percentage climbs by over four points, while the three-point percentage jumps by 6.1, when Curry's on the floor.
Play-by-play data like that isn't available for Bird, Magic and Jordan's eras, but we can look at Curry's overall on-off impact in comparison to players more contemporary to him. Over the course of his career, Curry's teams' net ratings (net points per 100 possessions) are 11.7 points better with Curry on the floor. LeBron's career net rating swing is plus-11.2. Kobe's was plus-4.6.
But even without numbers like those, a basic comparison between Curry and other consensus top-10 players is instructive.
During the same 10 seasons referenced above, Curry has averaged 26.3 points, 6.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 4.3 threes and 1.7 steals, with a plus-8.4 relative true shooting percentage (rTS% is the difference in a player's true shooting percentage and the league average) and an 8.0 box plus/minus.
(BPM is a "...basketball box score-based metric that estimates a basketball player’s contribution to the team when that player is on the court," according toBasketball Reference).
Let's adjust for pace and playing time, and compare those marks to the 10-year peaks of Bird, Bryant and Johnson.
Curry: 27.9 points, 7.2 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 4.5 threes and 1.8 steals per 75 possessions, plus-8.4 rTS%, 8.0 BPM
Bird: 23.5 points, 6.2 assists, 9.2 rebounds, 0.7 threes and 1.6 steals per 75 possessions, plus-3.4 rTS%, 7.6 BPM
Bryant: 27.7 points, 5.2 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 threes and 1.6 steals per 75 possessions, plus-3.0 rTS%, 5.8 BPM
Johnson: 19.1 points, 11.5 assists, 6.9 rebounds, 0.4 threes and 1.8 steals per 75 possessions, plus-7.4 rTS%, 7.8 BPM
The legends may have Curry on an individual number here or there, but it's tough to look at that comparison and come away with any conclusion other than Curry having the biggest impact, at least statistically (and several of Curry's margins grow if you shrink the sample size down a couple years).
Even if detractors (assuming there are any left) are hesitant to say Curry is among the 5-10 greatest players of all time, they have to concede he's among the most impactful.
Beyond his franchise-altering effect on the Warriors, Curry changed the way basketball is played all over the globe. In 2008-09, the league's last pre-Curry season, teams averaged 6.6 threes per game. Just 22.4 percent of all attempts were triples, and six squads were below Curry's individual average of 5.5 this season.
In 2021-22, teams are making 12.3 threes per game, with 40.2 percent of all shots coming from deep.
In trying to keep up with the greatest shooter of all time, the league has essentially doubled its output from three-point range.
And yet, Curry always seems to be at least one step ahead of his peers (and predecessors).
Most of the impact and advanced stats detailed above are heavily reliant on Curry's shooting. One way to detail just how far beyond everyone else he is in that area is comparing production to the league average.
If you take a player's points per shot on three-point attempts and subtract the league-average points per three-pointer during the relevant time period, then, multiply by the number of attempts, you get a good measure of both volume and efficiency.
We'll call the resulting number "points over average from three," and the top four all-time in that mark isn't surprising.
Stephen Curry (plus-1,536.7)
Kyle Korver (plus-1,230.6)
Ray Allen (plus-993.1)
Reggie Miller (plus-909.5)
The gap between Curry and the rest of the field is already impressive enough, but it starts to look truly outrageous when you compare his mark to where the next three were at the same point in their careers.
Curry has played 789 NBA games. Through the same number of contests, Kyle Korver had generated679.4points over average from three. Allen was at 638.3, while Miller was up to 591.6.
When you account for volume and efficiency, as this exercise does, and narrow the sample down to the same point in everyone's career, Curry has more than doubled the output of those near him on the traditional leaderboard.
All this to say that Curry, already the greatest shooter of all time, still has plenty of years in which he can lengthen the distance between himself and the field.
And when he's this much better than everyone who's ever played at the game's most important skill, and has all the other other accolades (seven All-Star appearances, seven All-NBA nods, two MVPs, two scoring titles and three championships) it gets pretty difficult to understand how you keep Curry out of the top 10.
The no-brainers for that exclusive group are Jordan and LeBron, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic and Bird. Then, we start to get into the philosophical discussion of how to compare drastically different eras, but most would likely include Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.
After that, there's a group with Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Oscar Robinson, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. You can probably think of a name or two you'd take out, as well as a few you might put in. Considering how favorably Curry compares to the likes of Magic and Bird, he has to at least be in that group. And there's a fairly straightforward argument that he may have already jumped it.
That would leave the GOAT tier as Curry's final frontier.
He'll turn 34 in March. And with the amount of talent currently in the league, there's simply no way to guarantee more championships. Catching the top two or three may be out of reach. But another title, a few more All-NBA and All-Star nods and Finals MVP could, at the very least, put Curry on his own level ahead of Bird and Magic.
Suggesting the possibility really shouldn't be all that controversial, though some still seem wary of doing so.
Is it his size, as NBC's Grant Liffman wondered on Twitter? Is it the uniqueness of his game? Is it the fact that two of his titles came alongside Kevin Durant?
Whatever the reasons may be, they're getting flimsier with each season and corresponding wave of threes.
Nets' Kevin Durant Congratulates 'The God' Stephen Curry on 3-Point Record
Dec 15, 2021
SHENZHEN, CHINA - OCTOBER 5: Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors speaks to the media after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the 2017 Global Games - China on October 5, 2017 at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre Sports Centre in Shenzhen, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant led his own team to a victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday and then congratulated a former teammate for making history:
Stephen Curry entered Tuesday's game between his Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks needing two three-pointers to break Ray Allen's career record of 2,973 made shots from beyond the arc.
He wasted no time doing just that with multiple three-pointers in the first quarter.
Durant wasn't the only notable player to congratulate Curry, as many across the league, including LeBron James and Chris Paul, reacted to the moment:
Just landed in Dallas to see @StephenCurry30 broke the record and to make it even doper he did it in the GARDEN!! WOW CONGRATS BROTHER!! INCREDIBLE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Allen was also in attendance at Madison Square Garden and congratulated Curry during a ceremony honoring the sharpshooter's accomplishment.
Durant and Curry were teammates on the Warriors for three seasons from 2016-17 through 2018-19 and helped the team reach the NBA Finals in each of those campaigns. Golden State won two championships during that time and may have won all three if Durant didn't suffer an Achilles injury in the 2019 Finals against the Raptors.
Stephen Curry Willing to Call Himself the Greatest Shooter Ever with 3-Point Record
Dec 15, 2021
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry reacts after scoring a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Curry hit his 2,974th 3-pointer Tuesday night in the first quarter, breaking the record set by Ray Allen. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry broke Ray Allen's all-time three-point field-goal mark on Tuesday as his team beat the host New York Knicks 105-96 in Madison Square Garden.
Two other great shooters were in attendance. Allen was in the stands, and Reggie Miller was providing color commentary for TNT. Each of those players could make a case for being the greatest shooter ever, but it's hard to deny Curry's resume for that honor.
At this juncture, Curry believes he's earned that title.
"The balance of volume and efficiency for me is the standard that I wanted to set," Curry said in part. "I never wanted to call myself the greatest shooter until I got this record, so I'm comfortable saying that now."
Curry also gave credit to the Garden, which erupted after the new record holder hit a three from the wing in the first quarter to give him 2,974 made regular-season shots from beyond the arc.
"I knew The Garden would deliver"
Stephen Curry talks about setting the NBA 3-point record at Madison Square Garden tonight pic.twitter.com/wrjvY2vo6k
"I can't say it enough: I appreciate so much the way the fans embraced the moment with me and let me just kind of get lost in it," Curry said in part.
The 13-year NBA veteran also said that it felt like the Warriors were "at home" after he hit the record-breaking shot.
The game paused as the Warriors took a foul and a timeout was called. Curry embraced Allen and members of his family afterward as cheering fans congratulated him.
As for the game, Curry finished with a team-high 22 points en route to leading the Warriors to an NBA-best 23-5 record. He should also become the first-ever player to hit 3,000 regular-season threes with just 23 more to go after hitting five Tuesday.
Steph Curry Breaks NBA 3-Point Record as Warriors Take Down Knicks at MSG
Dec 15, 2021
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 14: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after passing Ray Allen for most three pointers made in NBA history with 2,974 during the game against the New York Knicks on December 14, 2021 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors star point guard Stephen Curry etched his name in history in Tuesday's 105-96 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, becoming the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers made.
Curry, who entered the game two triples away from breaking Ray Allen's record of 2,973, finished with 22 points and shot 5-of-14 from beyond the arc, upping his career total to 2,977.
The Warriors improved to 23-5 after their fourth win in their last five games. Jordan Poole added 19 points and nine rebounds.
The Knicks fell to 12-16 and have now lost five straight games at home. Julius Randle led New York with 31 points and seven rebounds. The Knicks were without key rotation players RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin, who are both in the NBA's health and safety protocols.
Notable Player Stats
G Stephen Curry, GSW: 22 points
G Jordan Poole, GSW: 19 points, 9 rebounds
F Andrew Wiggins, GSW: 18 points
F Julius Randle, NYK: 31 points, 7 rebounds
Warriors Overcome Emotion, Ugly Shooting to Earn Victory
Golden State was uncharacteristically off throughout the majority of Tuesday's game. The emotion of Curry breaking the three-point record may have caused an adrenaline dump for the Warriors, as they weren't as efficient as we've grown accustomed to seeing.
But it seemed like an inevitability that Golden State would eventually wake up and put the game away, and that happened in the third quarter. After an ugly stretch that saw both teams struggle to make shots, the Warriors were able to get back on track by scoring in transition.
The Warriors ended the third quarter on a 15-5 run to take a seven-point lead heading into the fourth, and they never looked back. New York was unable to take a lead in the final frame.
Golden State's supporting cast helped put the game away in the fourth quarter. Poole finished 13-of-13 from the free-throw line. Andrew Wiggins had 18 points and came up with timely shots to help secure the win. Nemanja Bjelica added 14 off the bench on 4-of-4 three-point shooting. Even Damion Lee got in on the action and ended his shooting slump.
The Warriors were able to use their defense and a late offensive burst to overcome a 35-of-77 (45.5 percent) shooting night. They also finished 15-of-40 (37.5 percent) from beyond the arc. It wasn't pretty, but Golden State showed its ability to grind out wins even when its offense isn't clicking.
Knicks Fail to Take Advantage of Warriors' Slow Start
Making the game ugly could have been exactly what a short-handed Knicks team needed to do to steal a win. But New York couldn't take advantage of an off night by one of the best offenses in the league.
After shooting 45.5 percent from the floor in the first quarter, the Knicks made just six of their 18 field goals in the second quarter. Golden State wasn't much better, shooting 40.5 percent in the first half as the Knicks took a one-point lead into halftime. Derrick Rose was a lone early bright spot, scoring 12 of his 15 points in the first half.
Both teams struggled to start the third quarter but eventually woke up. Randle did his best to spark New York with 25 of his 31 points in the second half.
In last year's surprisingly successful season, the Knicks were known for being able to use their gritty offense and defense to grind out wins. That hasn't been the case this year, as New York just lacks the offensive firepower to keep up with most of the top teams in the league. The Knicks shot 30-of-83 for a shooting percentage of 36.1.
When the Knicks watch film of Tuesday's game, they will be kicking themselves for letting the Warriors off the hook. New York had the chance to upset a title contender, but it was let down by struggles on offense that have plagued the team throughout this season.
What's Next?
The Warriors will play the fourth contest of a five-game road trip on Friday against the Boston Celtics. The Knicks will look to bounce back on Thursday in a road matchup against the Houston Rockets.
