Stephen Curry's career, now spanning 15 remarkable years, has been punctuated by a litany of unforgettable moments and record-breaking milestones. Most notably, Curry is the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers made, a testament to his unparalleled skill and precision from beyond the arc. His prowess was on full display at the recent Olympic Games, where he led Team USA to a gold medal in a nail-biting match against France.
The Golden Dagger
In the crucial final moments of the gold medal game, Curry demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. With Team USA trailing, he made four consecutive three-pointers in the last two minutes. His final shot, a majestic and improbable basket now famously referred to as the "golden dagger," sealed the game and the gold medal for his team. Reflecting on this defining moment, Curry remarked, "It's so memorable because of the build up to that moment. My first Olympic experience, four 3s in a row to close out the gold medal game, and then that last one which was kind of a ridiculous shot even by my standards. So all that to say, it's like top 2 for sure."
Curry's Clutch Performances
Curry's clutch performances are not confined to the international stage. Back in the NBA, he has delivered countless unforgettable moments. In a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Curry wowed the crowd with a circus-like three-pointer while being defended by three players, further cementing his reputation for making the seemingly impossible look routine.
Perhaps one of his most iconic NBA moments occurred in February 2016, when Curry hit a buzzer-beater three against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This electrifying shot tied the record for three-pointers made in a single game, and the emotional intensity of the moment was elevated by the memorable call from commentator Mike Breen, who exclaimed, "Bang! Bang!" in recognition of the gravity of Curry's feat. "I think the OKC game [is No. 1]," Curry noted. "Even though it wasn't a championship game, it's still one of the -- the Mike Breen double bang, just a loud shot and [it was] our rise as a team."
Record-Breaking Season
Curry's excellence has been a driving force behind the success of the Golden State Warriors. During the 2015-2016 NBA season, the Warriors set the league record for the most regular-season wins with 73 victories, a historic achievement that underscored the dominance and cohesion of Curry and his teammates. His ability to perform under pressure, deliver clutch shots, and lead his team has made Curry a central figure in the Warriors' narrative and in NBA history.
The "Night Night" Celebration
Adding to his legacy of memorable moments, Curry debuted the "night night" celebration after sinking his final three-pointer in the gold medal match against France. This gesture, now iconic, symbolizes the closing of the game by a virtuoso performer, putting to rest any opposition with his incredible shooting prowess.
Through his career, Stephen Curry has not only redefined the role of the three-point shot in professional basketball but has also provided fans with countless moments of joy and astonishment. From his dazzling plays and buzzer-beaters to his record-setting achievements, Curry's contributions to the sport have set a high bar for future generations. Indeed, as the golden dagger in the Olympics and the double-bang buzzer-beater in Oklahoma City show, Curry's career moments are the stuff of legends, each one adding a brilliant thread to the rich tapestry of his illustrious career.