SAN FRANCISCO – Stephen Curry became the all-time leader in Golden State Warriors history Monday night, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s previous record of 17,783. It’s a feat that even Curry himself still finds hard to wrap around his head over Chamberlain’s historical importance to the game.
“It’s crazy,” Curry said after adding 53 points in Monday’s 116-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets. “Every time you hear their name, it’s discouraging because you know their records are so hard to make; some of them are even impossible to overshadow, I think. You understand how great a player he was.
“I don’t remember how many games I played as a warrior and how many I’ve played, but being anywhere near him on any record book or now being on top is surreal and wild. Because if you grow up playing basketball and scouting his name, you know, is something extremely special, no matter what. “
Curry’s record basket came in a driving position with 1:40 left in the first quarter. Needing just 19 points to beat Chamberlain, Curry finished 21st in the first quarter, receiving congratulations from teammates and coaches at the end of the quarter, including a long hug with teammate Draymond Green.
“We all thought he would find a way to get 19 points tonight,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said with a laugh. “But maybe not in the first quarter.”
Greatness. pic.twitter.com/Pb8nqWZtFR
– Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 13, 2021
Curry finished the night 14-for-24 from the field, 10-for-18 from outside the arc and 15-for-16 from the free-throw line, delivering the kind of dominant offensive performance that has defined his career. Curry became the seventh player in NBA history to record several seasons with three or more 50-point games: the ninth time in his career he has scored 50 or more points.
Monday also marked the 18th time in Curry’s career that he made 10 or more triples in a game. His teammate Klay Thompson has the second most games of its kind, with five.
Before Curry’s video conference began, the famous Warriors Hall Chris Mullin sent an exciting message to Curry about what it has meant to the organization and thanked Curry for his way of behaving himself.
“I’ve seen you since day one, and it’s been a pleasure and a joy to see you. So congratulations, of course, but more importantly, I want to thank you for the way you’ve done it. … you bring so much joy and happiness to the world, and it’s much appreciated, ”Mullin said. “So I just want to thank you for that … your way of taking you in and out of the field, just a real role model for young and old. So I really just want to congratulate and thank you to be you, Steph Curry. “
Curry, who was sitting in front of a video screen showing “17,818” for the number of points he has earned as a warrior, was clearly touched.
“You don’t know how much that means, man,” Curry told Mullin. “That respect means a lot to me, my family, and I’m grateful. I’m happy to be able to represent everyone who wears this uniform. Guys who are on the beams like you, it’s crazy. It’s crazy to know what this meant. night “.
Curry, who was selected with the No. 7 pick in the 2009 draft, has been setting records during his 12-year stint at Golden State. In addition to his performance on the court, what has always stuck with members of the organization and the league is the way Curry’s shooting ability has changed the game. Curry, who came in Monday night with a 43.3% professional shooting rate beyond the arc, has inspired a wave of younger players of all levels who are shooting at longer distances than ever before.
He was asked Monday night if he thought much about the impact it continues to have on the game.
“A little bit,” Curry acknowledged. “But I think, for me, it’s always been one of those situations where it’s much more productive to look ahead, to stay in the moment, but I hope what I want to achieve the most. I understand that the game has changed a lot. I I understand that I’ve had a big part in that. It’s not up to me to come here and try to articulate it. It’s just playing basketball and enjoying what I have to do every day, and that’s why I think good things keep happening, because who I go with every day and the challenges of each season. “
In an era defined by player movement, Curry’s latest achievement is even more impressive for many within the game, as he has stayed with Golden State while repeatedly saying he only wants to wear a shirt during his career.
Kerr noted that a recent trip to play for the Dallas Mavericks underscored the impact Curry has had on the Warriors organization.
“When you play Dallas now, when you look at the ground, there’s a Dirk silhouette [Nowitzki] firing his signature at each end of the floor, “Kerr said.” And I love that, I thought it was a really great idea from the Mavericks. It’s such a great way to honor Dirk and remember his legacy. I imagine there will be something like this here. Maybe a picture of Steph like grabbing his mouthpiece or something. “