Steph Curry vs Larry Bird – Who Is The…See more

The debate over who is the greatest three-point shooter in basketball history, Steph Curry or Larry Bird, brings into focus two different eras of the NBA and two distinct styles of play. While both players have made significant impacts on the game, several key factors need to be considered: shooting efficiency, volume, impact on the game, and the evolution of the three-point shot.

**Shooting Efficiency and Volume**

Stephen Curry’s shooting efficiency and volume from beyond the arc are unparalleled. As of May 2024, Curry holds the record for the most three-pointers made in NBA history, surpassing 3,300 made threes with a career shooting percentage around 43%. His ability to shoot off the dribble, from deep range, and in clutch moments has redefined what it means to be a three-point shooter. Curry routinely makes shots from well beyond the traditional three-point line, forcing defenses to extend further than they ever have before.

Larry Bird, on the other hand, played in an era when the three-point shot was not as emphasized. Bird’s career spanned from 1979 to 1992, and during this time, he made 649 three-pointers at a 37.6% clip. While these numbers are impressive, Bird’s game was more multifaceted. He was a forward who could shoot, pass, and rebound, and his use of the three-pointer was more situational compared to the modern game where the three-point shot is a fundamental component of team strategies.

**Impact on the Game**

Curry’s impact on the game regarding three-point shooting is transformative. He is often credited with revolutionizing the sport, leading to an era where the three-point shot is a cornerstone of offensive strategy. Teams now prioritize spacing and shooting, influenced heavily by Curry’s success and the Golden State Warriors’ championship runs. Curry’s influence is evident in the way young players approach the game, aspiring to emulate his deep shooting prowess.

Larry Bird also had a significant impact on the game, though in a different manner. Bird’s success with the Boston Celtics during the 1980s helped popularize the three-point shot, showing its potential as a valuable weapon. However, the league’s overall strategy did not shift dramatically towards the three-point line until much later.

**Evolution of the Three-Point Shot**

The evolution of the three-point shot must be considered when comparing Curry and Bird. When Bird played, the three-point line was still a relatively new addition to the game, introduced in the 1979-80 season. Teams were hesitant to rely heavily on three-point shooting, and many players did not develop this skill to the extent seen in today’s game. Bird was one of the early adopters who demonstrated the shot’s effectiveness, but the volume and reliance on the three-pointer were nowhere near today’s standards.

Conversely, Curry has played his entire career in an era where the three-point shot is a central element of the game. The increased emphasis on analytics and efficient scoring has elevated the importance of the three-pointer, and Curry has been the best at capitalizing on this shift.

**Conclusion**

While Larry Bird was a pioneer and an exceptional shooter for his time, Stephen Curry’s combination of efficiency, volume, and impact on the game makes him the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history. Curry’s ability to consistently make difficult shots, his role in transforming basketball strategy, and his record-breaking achievements solidify his place at the top. Bird’s legacy as a versatile forward and an early adopter of the three-pointer remains secure, but Curry’s revolutionary influence and unparalleled shooting prowess set a new standard in the sport.