Basketball has seen countless legends, but few have redefined the game itself like Stephen Curry. From an overlooked college player to the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry didn’t just succeed—he changed the way basketball is played. This series dives into his journey, from his early struggles and relentless training to his record-breaking performances and the three-point revolution he sparked. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this is the story of how one player rewrote the rules, reshaped an entire league, and left a permanent mark on the game. Here's how...

Basketball has always been a game of athleticism, skill, and strategy. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to becoming a multi-billion-dollar global sport, the game has evolved in countless ways. However, few changes have impacted basketball as profoundly as the introduction of the three-point line.

For decades, basketball was played with one primary strategy—get as close to the hoop as possible and score. The closer you were, the higher the chances of making the shot. Players fought for position under the basket, driving through defenders, muscling their way into the paint, and dunking whenever possible. It was a game of power, not finesse.

But then, in the 1979-1980 NBA season, the league introduced a radical rule: shots made from beyond a designated arc would be worth three points instead of two. It was a simple yet revolutionary change, one that had the potential to redefine how basketball was played.

A Slow Adoption: Why the Three-Pointer Was Ignored

At first, the reaction to the three-pointer was lukewarm at best. Coaches and analysts dismissed it as a gimmick, a rule designed to add a bit of excitement but not meant to change the fundamental structure of the game.

Traditionalists believed that real basketball was about physicality and inside scoring. The best players dominated by driving into the paint, posting up, and scoring through sheer force. The idea of standing far from the basket and launching a long-range shot seemed impractical—if you missed, the other team could easily grab the rebound and counterattack.

For years, the numbers supported this mindset. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, teams barely attempted three-pointers. In fact, in 1980, NBA teams took an average of just 2.8 three-point shots per game. Compare that to today, where teams attempt over 30 threes per game, and it’s clear how much the game has changed.

However, change didn’t happen overnight. It took time, innovation, and one exceptional player to turn the three-pointer from an afterthought into the most powerful weapon in modern basketball.

The Turning Point: The Rise of the Three-Point Shot

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, teams started to recognize the potential of the three-pointer. Players like Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, and Dirk Nowitzki became pioneers of outside shooting, proving that three-point efficiency could be just as valuable as dominating inside the paint.

Coaches slowly started to adjust their strategies, realizing that if a player could shoot 40% from three-point range, it was just as effective as shooting 60% from two-point range. The math was simple—three points are worth more than two, so teams that could consistently hit three-pointers could outscore their opponents without needing to battle inside.

Still, the three-pointer remained a complementary weapon, not the foundation of an offense. That was about to change.

nter Stephen Curry: The Game Changer

For decades, the three-pointer was seen as a secondary option. Then came Stephen Curry, a player who completely shattered the old-school way of thinking.

Unlike most basketball superstars, Curry didn’t fit the mold of a dominant NBA player. He wasn’t the tallest, the strongest, or the most athletic. At 6’2” (188 cm) and around 185 pounds (84 kg), he was considered undersized compared to the giants who ruled the league. Scouts doubted whether he could survive in the physically demanding world of the NBA, let alone dominate it.

But what Curry had was something revolutionary—an elite shooting ability unlike anything the game had ever seen.

While others saw the three-pointer as a backup plan, Curry saw it as a primary weapon. He could shoot from anywhere—far beyond the arc, off the dribble, with defenders in his face. His quick release and near-perfect shooting mechanics made it almost impossible to guard him.

More importantly, he didn’t just shoot threes—he built his entire game around them.

The NBA’s Three-Point Explosion

Before Curry, no one had ever attempted the volume of three-pointers that he did. In the 2012-2013 season, he set a record by making 272 three-pointers in a single season, breaking the previous record held by Ray Allen. Many thought that record would stand for years. Instead, Curry broke his own record multiple times, pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

• 2012-13: 272 threes (NBA record at the time)
• 2014-15: 286 threes
• 2015-16: 402 threes (a record so insane that no one has even come close since)

His shooting ability transformed how teams played. Opponents had to defend him the moment he crossed half-court because he could shoot from 30+ feet with ease. This forced defenses to stretch out, creating space for his teammates to drive inside. Suddenly, the old-school style of play was no longer effective—teams that relied on mid-range shots and post play simply couldn’t keep up with the firepower of three-point-heavy offenses.

A New Era of Basketball

Curry’s success wasn’t just personal—it changed how the entire NBA played.

• Teams started prioritizing shooting over size when drafting players.
• Centers and power forwards, traditionally responsible for inside scoring, had to develop three-point shooting skills to stay relevant.
• The average number of three-pointers attempted per game skyrocketed from 18 in 2010 to over 35 in 2023.

In short, Stephen Curry didn’t just play basketball—he redefined it.

What’s Next?

In Part 2, we’ll dive into Curry’s journey from an overlooked college player to an NBA superstar. How did a kid, doubted by every major scout, rise to become the greatest shooter in basketball history? What obstacles did he face? And how did he turn his weaknesses into strengths?

Stay tuned—the story is just getting started.