There’s a new 3point king in NBA history. Anyone who’s watched Steph Curry rain threes on opponents over the last decade figured it wasn’t a matter of “if” but “when” Curry would pass Ray Allen on the all time made 3 pointers list. That moment came with 7:33 remaining in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night.
After draining the record breaking 28 footer, the Warriors fouled in transition and called a timeout so that Steph, his father Dell, and his teammates could take in the moment. Ray Allen was also on hand to witness history, as was MSG’s courtside staple Spike Lee.
Following the game, Reggie Miller, who was calling the game, and Ray Allen presented Curry with a special 2,974 Warriors jersey to commemorate the night. Afterwards Steph told reporters “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…Him and Reggie, guys I’ve looked up to coming into the game. Definitely special.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement saying “It was thrilling to see Steph break the NBA’s all-time record for three-pointers…He has revolutionized the way the game is played and continues to leave fans in awe with his amazing artistry and extraordinary shooting ability. We congratulate him on this historic achievement.”
Curry would finish the night 5/14 from 3pt range, good for a 22pts/3reb/3ast statline in the Warriors 105-96 win over New York. Adding to Curry’s legacy is the fact that he eclipsed Allen’s career total in only 789 games, whereas Allen took 1300 games to establish the mark.
When all was said and done, Curry reportedly gifted Draymond, Klay, and Iguodala (his longest tenured teammates) with custom engraved Rolex watches to mark the occasion. The 33 year old will hit another 3pt milestone later this year as he’s a virtual lock to become the first player in NBA history to score 3,000 baskets from beyond the 3pt arc. Though he may not hold that distinction by himself for long as James Harden (2509 made 3’s) and Damian Lillard (2114 made 3’s) have outside chances of eclipsing the 3,000 plateau if they’re able to stay healthy and continue performing at a high level.
For now though, Curry holds the distinction of being the unquestioned greatest shooter in NBA history. The Warriors are next in action Friday against the Boston Celtics.