Stephen Curry: The Best Pure Scorer of All Time

When it comes to the discussion of the greatest pure scorers in the history of basketball, many names come to mind: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, to name a few. However, one player’s name stands out in recent years as a revolutionary force in the game: Stephen Curry. While there is a compelling argument to be made for other players, Curry’s skillset, his transformation of the game, and his ability to score in a myriad of ways make him, in my opinion, the best pure scorer of all time. This is not to diminish the incredible talents of other great scorers, but rather to highlight how Curry has transcended scoring in ways that no one else has.

Revolutionizing the Three-Point Shot

To truly understand why Curry is the best pure scorer of all time, it’s essential to look at the most notable element of his game: his three-point shooting. Stephen Curry didn’t just excel at the three-point shot—he redefined it. Before Curry, the three-point shot was considered a supplementary part of a team’s offense. It was a tool for spacing, but it was rarely the focal point of an offense. Curry’s mastery of the three-point shot changed this mindset, making the long-range shot an essential weapon for teams in the NBA.

Curry’s ability to shoot from virtually anywhere on the court with consistency is unprecedented. He regularly pulls up from deep beyond the arc, creating space that was never thought possible, often under immense pressure from defenders. This ability to stretch the defense has forced a fundamental shift in how teams approach offense and defense in the modern era of basketball.

Curry’s success from three-point range is not just a result of volume but also efficiency. In the 2015-2016 season, he shattered the record for most three-pointers made in a season with 402. In the same year, he shot 45.4% from beyond the arc on over 10 attempts per game. His skill and consistency from three-point range are unparalleled, and it has made him the most dangerous scoring threat in the game today.

But it’s not just the volume or the range—it’s also the degree of difficulty. Curry has the uncanny ability to shoot off the dribble, while moving, or under pressure. He is often able to create his own shot from impossible situations, hitting threes over defenders with a quick release and remarkable accuracy. His shooting is a blend of artistry and skill, and his influence has trickled down to every level of basketball, from the NBA to youth leagues.

Scoring Variety and Offensive Mastery

One of the key attributes of a great pure scorer is the ability to score in a variety of ways. While Curry’s three-point shooting often dominates the narrative, his scoring arsenal extends far beyond just the long ball. Curry’s ability to attack the basket, hit mid-range shots, and utilize an array of floaters and finishes around the rim is also worth noting.

Curry’s handles are second to none, allowing him to navigate through defenses and create space for both his shot and his teammates. His ball-handling ability is so refined that defenders often struggle to stay in front of him, regardless of how hard they try. His shiftiness, combined with his quick first step, allows him to penetrate the lane with ease. Once inside the paint, Curry has developed a versatile scoring package that includes floaters, reverse layups, and contested finishes that often defy logic. He’s able to finish in traffic despite being undersized by NBA standards, consistently using creativity and touch to put the ball in the basket.

Moreover, Curry is an exceptional free-throw shooter. His career free-throw percentage hovers around 90%, and this efficiency from the line adds another layer to his scoring game. Curry’s ability to get to the free-throw line and convert at such a high rate further amplifies his offensive value. In clutch moments, when the game is on the line, Curry is nearly automatic at the free-throw line, solidifying his scoring profile as one of the most well-rounded in NBA history.

While Curry’s shooting range, ball-handling, and finishing ability are remarkable, it is his ability to do all of this in high-pressure situations that further distinguishes him as the best pure scorer of all time. His performances in clutch moments, particularly in playoff games, showcase his ability to thrive under the most intense scrutiny. Whether it’s knocking down a game-winning three-pointer or creating a high-percentage look for himself in the dying seconds of a game, Curry’s poise and confidence set him apart from his peers.

Impact on the Game and Scoring Evolution

Curry’s impact on the game is undeniable. His scoring ability has transformed not just the Golden State Warriors but the entire NBA. Teams now emphasize the importance of the three-point shot more than ever before, with some teams even building their rosters to be more three-point heavy in hopes of mimicking Curry’s success. The pace and space style of play that Curry and the Warriors popularized has revolutionized the modern game, making it more perimeter-oriented and fast-paced.

The rise of analytics has also coincided with Curry’s ascent to superstardom. Advanced statistics, like effective field goal percentage and true shooting percentage, demonstrate just how efficient Curry’s scoring is, especially considering his shot volume and range. Curry’s shot selection is impeccable, and his efficiency in scoring from all areas of the court continues to improve as he ages. This ability to maintain, if not improve, his efficiency while taking more difficult shots is another testament to his elite scoring prowess.

Curry’s influence on younger generations of basketball players is profound. He has made the three-point shot cool, leading countless young players to emulate his style of play. Aspiring players now view deep three-point shooting as a fundamental skill, and many players coming into the NBA now possess the deep range that was once reserved for the likes of Curry. The Golden State Warriors have redefined the blueprint for championship basketball, and this blueprint hinges on Curry’s ability to score from all areas of the court.

Championships and Legacy

When it comes to measuring a player’s scoring ability, championships are often a factor that is taken into account. While many will argue that the likes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant hold the edge in terms of titles, Curry’s championships with the Golden State Warriors cannot be overlooked. Curry has won four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022), and his scoring has been at the heart of each of those title runs.

During these championship runs, Curry’s scoring ability was a constant weapon for the Warriors. In the 2015 Finals, despite not being awarded Finals MVP (a slight many still debate), Curry carried the Warriors offensively, helping them secure the title. In 2017 and 2018, he was a key factor in one of the most dominant stretches of basketball in NBA history, with the Warriors going 16-1 in the playoffs in 2017. His scoring ability in these Finals, particularly in clutch moments, cemented his place among the greatest players to ever play the game.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Curry’s legacy is how his offensive skillset has aged. As he continues to grow older, Curry’s scoring ability remains as potent as ever. His fitness, work ethic, and the evolution of his game have allowed him to maintain his elite status as one of the top scorers in the league. Even in his mid-30s, Curry continues to push the boundaries of what is possible as a scorer, keeping defenders on edge and creating new opportunities for himself and his team.