The Golden State Warriors dominated the Sacramento Kings 130-104 on Thursday night at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The victory was especially memorable as Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ legendary point guard, became the first player in NBA history to make 4,000 career three-pointers.
Anticipation had been building all week over when Curry would reach this incredible milestone. Opposing teams were keen to avoid being the ones to witness history against them, and the Kings were no exception. Their defensive strategy focused intensely on containing Curry beyond the arc, often double-teaming him and denying him the ball at every opportunity.
Despite the tight defense, Curry found ways to contribute. His first field goal came over four minutes into the first quarter with a crafty reverse layup assisted by Draymond Green. Two minutes later, Jonathan Kuminga, making his return after a long absence, set a screen that freed Curry to sink his first three-pointer of the night.
In the second quarter, the Kings intensified their defense on Curry, limiting him to just two field goal attempts, both of which he missed. Meanwhile, his teammates stepped up, shooting 16-for-31 from the field, helping the Warriors build a 61-51 lead by halftime.
The historic moment finally arrived at 8:19 in the third quarter. After a near turnover, Curry received a pass from Moses Moody amidst defensive confusion. Seizing the opportunity, he sidestepped a defender and launched a shot from beyond the arc. The ball sailed through the net, securing his 4,000th career three-pointer and igniting a roaring celebration from the home crowd.
Curry’s achievement solidifies his standing as the greatest shooter in NBA history. He far outpaces the second-highest total held by James Harden, who has 3,127 three-pointers. Curry has consistently redefined the game with his shooting prowess, making at least 250 three-pointers in a season 11 times and surpassing 300 in five seasons, including a record-setting 402 in the 2015-2016 campaign.
Adding to the festivities, Curry celebrates his 37th birthday on Friday, marking another milestone in what has been a remarkable career.
