Stephen Curry is often compared to the legends like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when it comes to their impact in the NBA. During their time, the league noticed their signature moves.

For instance, Jordan became well-known for his hard-to-block fadeaway jumper, while Kareem made the Skyhook famous. For the modern era, Curry innovated the 3-point shot, where everyone can shoot threes regardless of position.

Steph Curry is the Ultimate Shooting Pioneer

Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Golden 1 Center on February 21, 2025 in Sacramento, California. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

No player has ever changed the game of basketball like Curry. From his breakout at Davidson to his rise with the Golden State Warriors, Curry showed limitless range and a lightning-fast release that rendered traditional defensive strategies nearly obsolete. Defenders could be centimeters away, and the ball was already on its way.

Curry didn't just excel at long-range shooting. In fact, he normalized it. He made deep threes from anywhere on the court, not just acceptable, but essential. His efficiency and fearless approach forced teams and coaches across the league to rethink offensive strategy, forever altering how basketball is played.

Analytics Meets Freedom

In a recent episode of "Mind the Game" with Steve Nash and LeBron James, Curry revealed a pivotal moment that shaped his approach.

Former Warriors GM Bob Myers encouraged him to attempt up to 15 three-pointers per game, an almost unheard-of volume at the time. Curry initially hesitated, noting how hard it was to create even 12 quality looks. Myers' response was simple: the numbers justified it.

This philosophy coincided with the NBA analytics boom, where spacing, efficiency, and shot value became paramount. The Warriors didn't just let Curry shoot more; they built an offense around making those shots possible.

Steve Kerr's Motion Offense

Volume alone isn't enough. Curry credits Steve Kerr's motion-based system for turning potential into dominance. Constant player movement, ball reversals, and off-ball screens created high-quality shot opportunities.

Curry notes that not all threes are equal: a catch-and-shoot after a multi-pass sequence carries a higher success rate than the same shot taken early in a possession. Mastering shot context allowed Curry to combine unprecedented volume with elite efficiency.

Influences That Shaped the 3-Point Revolution

According to Terrence Jordan of The Sports Rush, Curry draws inspiration from Steve Nash and Reggie Miller, particularly their off-ball movement and spatial awareness. Combining these traits with his unique skill set, The Chef became a nightmare for defenders, whether he had the ball or not.

Breaking Records and Changing the Game

The results speak for themselves. In 2013–14, Curry attempted 646 three-pointers and won his first MVP award. The next season, he pushed that number to 886, yet his shooting percentage improved, defying conventional wisdom.

That season culminated in an unprecedented achievement: Curry became the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. His mastery didn't just win games; it permanently reshaped the way basketball is played at every level.

It's impressive to imagine how the Babyface Assassin rewrote the rulebook for modern basketball. His mastery of the three-point shot encouraged every NBA player to shoot and move in today's games.