When comparing Stephen Curry and Larry Bird as three-point shooters, several factors come into play, including era, style of play, statistics, and impact on the game. Both players are legendary in their own right, but a detailed comparison can help illuminate their strengths and differences.
Stephen Curry: The Modern Maestro
Statistics and Records:
Three-Point Makes: As of 2024, Curry holds the record for the most career three-pointers made in NBA history, surpassing 3,000 makes.
– **Three-Point Percentage:** Curry’s career three-point shooting percentage hovers around 43%, which is exceptional given the volume of shots he takes.
– **Single-Season Record:** Curry holds the record for most three-pointers made in a single season, with 402 in the 2015-2016 season.
**Style of Play:**
– **Range:** Curry is renowned for his ability to shoot accurately from well beyond the standard three-point line, often making shots from 30 feet and beyond.
– **Off the Dribble:** Curry excels at shooting off the dribble, creating his own shot with remarkable quickness and accuracy.
– **Versatility:** He can shoot in a variety of ways—catch-and-shoot, pull-up, step-back, and from deep ranges, often under heavy defensive pressure.
**Impact on the Game:**
– **Revolutionary Influence:** Curry’s shooting has fundamentally changed how the game is played, leading to an increase in the emphasis on three-point shooting across all levels of basketball.
– **Team Success:** His shooting ability has been a critical factor in the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty, resulting in multiple NBA championships.
Larry Bird: The Pioneer
**Statistics and Records:**
– **Three-Point Makes:** Bird made 649 three-pointers during his career, a modest number by today’s standards but impressive given the era he played in.
– **Three-Point Percentage:** Bird shot approximately 38% from three-point range over his career.
– **Three-Point Contests:** Bird famously won the first three three-point contests during All-Star Weekend, cementing his reputation as a clutch shooter.
**Style of Play:**
– **Clutch Shooting:** Bird was known for his ability to make critical shots in high-pressure situations, often with defenders closely guarding him.
– **Efficiency:** Although he didn’t take as many three-pointers as modern players, Bird’s efficiency and shot selection were top-notch.
– **Multi-Faceted Game:** Bird was not solely a three-point shooter; he was a versatile scorer who could hurt defenses from anywhere on the court.
**Impact on the Game:**
– **Era Context:** Bird played in an era where the three-point shot was not as central to the game as it is now. He was one of the pioneers who showed its value.
– **Legacy:** His success and shooting prowess helped pave the way for future generations of shooters and demonstrated the strategic importance of the three-point shot.
Direct Comparison
**Era and Volume:**
– **Curry:** Plays in an era where three-point shooting is a primary focus. The volume of his attempts and makes is significantly higher.
– **Bird:** Played when the three-point line was relatively new (introduced in the 1979-1980 season), and the shot was not as emphasized.
**Shooting Skills:**
– **Curry:** Known for unprecedented range, quick release, and ability to create his own shot.
– **Bird:** Renowned for clutch shooting, shot-making under pressure, and high efficiency despite fewer attempts.
**Impact and Influence:**
– **Curry:** Revolutionized the game, leading to a three-point shooting revolution in the NBA.
– **Bird:** Helped establish the three-point shot as a valuable weapon and influenced future shooters.
Conclusion
While both Stephen Curry and Larry Bird are among the greatest shooters in NBA history, Curry holds the edge as the greatest three-point shooter due to his transformative impact on the game, record-breaking statistics, and unmatched range and versatility. Bird’s contributions and pioneering efforts laid the foundation, but Curry’s ability to redefine the limits of three-point shooting places him at the pinnacle.
