Ranking The 10 Greatest Shots Of Stephen Curry’s Career

Few shots in NBA history have left as much impact as Curry's deep three-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016. With the game tied at 118 and just a few seconds left in overtime, Curry dribbled up the court and launched a 37-foot bomb from way beyond the arc. The shot easily sailed through the net, stunning the crowd and sealing a 121-118 win for the Warriors.

The relevance of this shot goes beyond the game itself; it became a defining moment in Curry's career and the Warriors' 73-win season. It also cemented Curry's reputation as a clutch performer, capable of knocking down shots from anywhere on the floor. This was not just a lucky heave; it was a calculated risk that only Curry could make look “Stephortless”.

2. A Dagger In The 2024 Olympics

In the 2024 Olympic gold medal game against the host nation France, Curry hit one of the most significant shots of his international career. The point guard had an iconic Olympics debut and when Team USA needed him most, he delivered. Curry scored 24 points in the gold medal game on eight three-pointers, the last being the most significant. 

Curry drew two defenders, passed the ball up, and received it before attempting a nearly impossible step-back three-pointer over two defenders. The ball swished through the net and guaranteed the Americans receiving their fourth-straight gold medal in the Olympics. Curry himself has to admit this shot is one of his all-time best, and who are we to argue with him?

3. Breaking The Record At Madison Square Garden

On December 14, 2021, Curry broke the NBA's all-time three-point record at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of basketball, against the New York Knicks. Needing just two threes to surpass Ray Allen's record, Curry delivered in the first quarter with a classic pull-up three from the wing. The crowd erupted, and the game was halted to honor the new record-holder.

Breaking the record at Madison Square Garden added even more weight to the accomplishment. MSG is known for its bright lights and storied history, and doing it in such an iconic arena made it feel like a scene from a Hollywood movie. We got to see more from the point guard because when it comes to shooting, Curry loves making history. 

4. Corner Three Sends The Game To Overtime

In a thrilling 2015 playoff matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Curry hit a miraculous corner three to send the game to overtime. Down by three points with only a few seconds left on the clock, Curry sprinted to the corner, caught a pass while being tightly guarded, and launched a high-arcing three. The shot splashed in, tying the game and sending it to overtime, where the Warriors ultimately prevailed. 

It was a classic Curry moment, blending confidence, precision, and flair. This shot was a pivotal moment in the Warriors’ journey to their first NBA Championship in 40 years because it became a part of the Warriors' lore as they rode the momentum all the way until the end.

5. Breaking The Finals Record Against LeBron James

During Game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Curry broke the NBA Finals record for most three-pointers made in a game, sinking nine shots from beyond the arc. The record-breaking ninth three came on a deep, contested heave that seemed to defy the laws of physics. It was a defining moment in the Warriors' dominant Finals run and a symbolic dagger against LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

Breaking a record in the Finals is a rare feat, and doing so against a rival like LeBron James added another layer of significance. The game was a testament to Curry's shooting prowess when his team needed him the most, especially when locked in battle against one of the all-time great players and opponents.

6. Impossible Circus Shot Against The Clippers

In a regular-season game against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2015, Curry made an unbelievable circus shot that defied all logic. With defenders swarming him, Curry lost his dribble, recovered, and spun around, only to launch an off-balance three-pointer that banked in. The shot left everyone in the arena stunned, including the commentators who were at a loss for words.

This moment became one of the most replayed highlights of Curry’s career. It is hard to find a similar play in NBA history but to be fair, there might not be a better player in history who can combine dribbling with shooting like Curry can from the perimeter. 

7. Highest-Arcing Buzzer-Beating Three-Pointer Ever

This shot needs to be replayed more often than it does. With the Warriors up by 11 in the fourth quarter in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, the point guard had to find a way to get a shot up or risk a shot-vlock violation. Taking a few steps back from the three-point line, Curry drains the highest-arcing three you will ever see over the outstretched arms of Kevin Love.

Even if Curry had plenty of help alongside him including that of Kevin Durant, the point guard knew when to stamp his mark in the Finals. That shot put the Warriors up by 14 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers had no way to come back which makes this shot one of Curry's greatest (and prettiest to watch).

8. Unbelievable One-Handed Three-Pointer

Stephen Curry should have had a foul called here, but regardless, he made a one-handed falling down three-pointer look as crazy as it is. Curry has a few of these one-armed shots but this one has to be the most difficult to pull off. The point guard had lost control of his momentum before half-court but still generated three points.

To make it even more impressive was that he could not even get a semblance of his shooting form because it was more of a hook-shot than anything else. The crowd's reaction was that of silence and confusion because we still do not know how he even got the shot off. 

9. Ridiculous Heave From Almost End Of The Court

In 2018, Curry delivered one of the longest shots of his career against the San Antonio Spurs—a heave from nearly three-quarters of the court that banked in as the halftime buzzer sounded. The shot left the crowd in awe and proved once again that Curry's range knows no bounds. His expression after the shot, a mix of confidence and nonchalance, only added to the legend.

This moment was a reminder of Curry's impact on the game and his ability to change the complexion of a contest in an instant. Make no mistake, that shot was not a fluke—it was a calculated attempt by a player who has consistently proven he can score from anywhere on the court and at any time.

10. Welcome To Superstardom: Right In Kobe Bryant’s Face

In a 2013 game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Curry announced his arrival as a superstar by nailing a deep three-pointer right in Kobe Bryant’s face. It was a moment that marked Curry’s evolution from a promising young player to a bona fide star. The crowd erupted, and even Bryant, known for his own ridiculous shot-making, could only nod in respect.

The significance of this shot went beyond the scoreboard; it was symbolic of the passing of the torch. Kobe was one of the greatest to ever play, and here was Curry, challenging him and rising to the occasion. The shot became a defining moment in Curry’s career, signaling the dawn of a new era where long-range snipers like him would dominate the game.