Stephen Curry surpasses Iverson and Bryant in historic NBA milestones

At 36 years old, Stephen Curry continues to prove that age is no barrier to excellence in the NBA. During the Golden State Warriors’ narrow 104-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors, Curry etched his name deeper into the league’s history books. With 26 points and seven assists, he surpassed Allen Iverson on the all-time scoring list and overtook Kobe Bryant in total career assists. These accomplishments further cement Curry’s legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Curry’s career scoring total now stands at 24,371 points, surpassing Iverson’s 24,368. Additionally, his 6,308 assists place him ahead of Bryant’s 6,306. These figures highlight the versatility of the Warriors’ star, who is not only celebrated for his unmatched three-point shooting but also for his ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

After the game, Curry reflected on the significance of surpassing legends like Iverson and Bryant. He recalled iconic moments from his basketball journey, including childhood memories and the influence of these players on his development as an athlete. For Curry, achieving such milestones is a profound honor, especially given the NBA’s tradition of celebrating its storied history.

Curry’s evolution throughout his career

Since making his NBA debut in 2009, Curry has consistently shattered records and redefined modern basketball. His unparalleled ability to score from long range revolutionized the game and influenced an entire generation of players. Throughout his career, Curry has amassed impressive statistics and played a pivotal role in securing four championship titles for the Warriors.

This season, Curry continues to deliver with averages of 22.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. His shooting efficiency—44.8% from the field and 41.0% from three-point range—showcases his consistency and effectiveness despite challenges such as injuries and roster changes.

Key milestones in Curry’s career

1. All-time three-point leader: Curry surpassed Ray Allen’s record in 2021, becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.
2. Four-time NBA champion: He was instrumental in the Warriors’ championship victories in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022.
3. Two-time MVP: Curry earned the league’s Most Valuable Player award in 2015 and 2016, becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history.
4. Multiple All-Star selections: His numerous All-Star appearances solidify his status among the league’s elite players.

Curry’s impact on basketball culture

Curry’s influence extends beyond the court. He is credited with popularizing the three-point shot as a dominant strategy in modern basketball. His style of play has inspired teams and players to rethink tactical approaches, leading to a significant increase in three-point attempts across the NBA.

Moreover, Curry’s work ethic and humility have made him a role model for young athletes. His journey, from being underestimated during the NBA draft to becoming a global superstar, serves as an inspiration to many aspiring players.

Climbing the ranks of all-time greats

Curry is now one of five active players in the top 28 of the NBA’s all-time scoring list, alongside LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook. The next target ahead of him is Ray Allen, who finished his career with 24,505 points. Notably, Allen was also the player Curry surpassed when he broke the all-time three-point record.

Reaching the top 25 on the scoring list by the end of the 2024-25 season is a realistic goal for Curry, given his current performance. Additionally, his sustained presence among the league’s assist leaders reflects his critical role in orchestrating the Warriors’ offense.

Allen Iverson’s praise for Curry

Allen Iverson recently included Curry in his all-time NBA starting five, highlighting the revolutionary impact Curry has had on the game. According to Iverson, Curry deserves to stand alongside legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal for his transformative contributions to basketball.

Interesting facts about Curry’s achievements

• Curry has surpassed legends like Reggie Miller and Ray Allen at various points in his career, solidifying his status as the greatest shooter in NBA history.
• He is the only player in NBA history to combine over 20,000 career points with more than 3,000 three-pointers made.
• Despite his individual accolades, Curry continues to prioritize team success, serving as a vocal leader and motivator in the Warriors’ locker room.

Recent timeline of Curry’s milestones

1. December 2021: Breaks Ray Allen’s all-time three-point record.
2. April 2023: Enters the top 30 of the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
3. January 2024: Surpasses Allen Iverson in scoring and Kobe Bryant in assists.

Season highlights for Curry

In the 2024-25 season, Curry has maintained impressive numbers:

• 22.7 points per game.
• 6.1 assists per game.
• 5.1 rebounds per game.
• 44.8% field goal shooting.
• 41.0% three-point shooting.

Future prospects and enduring impact

Curry continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the basketball court. His legacy is not just measured in numbers but also in the profound impact he has had on the game and its culture. By inspiring a generation of players and fans, Curry secures his place in history as one of the greatest athletes of all time.