Stephen Curry’s 26K Point Achievement Was So Much More Than Just A Milestone

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry’s 26,000-point achievement was so much more than another NBA Christmas Day milestone. Here’s why it’s important and here’s what it means for Curry’s career moving forward.

Stephen Curry’s 26K Point Achievement

The NBA Christmas Day game between the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks was a storied matchup, whether the fan is part of the Dub Nation or the MFFLs. Klay Thompson returned to the Bay Area, Cooper Flagg made his Christmas debut, and Stephen Curry played in his 12th Christmas game.

Thompson, 35, was limited to just seven points, but the former Splash Brother was part of some sentimental moments, such as Curry, 37, standing at midcourt, getting his attention, and greeting him like two long-lost friends.

The 37-year-old went on to reach a special 26,000-point milestone, becoming the 22nd player in NBA history to do so. The 37-year-old’s 12th point of his team-high 23 points sealed the deal, but there’s more to know.

After Thursday’s game, the former seventh overall pick told reporters that he wasn’t aware that he was close to that milestone. He said, “No, I didn’t know going into it, which is great because those things take care of themselves.”

“The more you play, the more opportunity you get out there. And it is a special milestone for sure, just 22 guys in the history of the league.” “You look up, and you know there are some other active players still doing it, still climbing the ladder, and I’m happy to be a part of that chase to see how far I can get up there.”

Curry’s Outlook

After Thursday’s performance, Curry sits at 26,013 career points. Sacramento Kings veteran DeMar DeRozan trails the Davidson alum and should join the 26,000-point club in the next four or five games. Basketball Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, who is best known for his Minnesota Timberwolves tenure, sits at 26,071 career points.

The Charlotte, North Carolina, native is expected to pass Garnett, 49, sometime next week.
Kings veteran Russell Westbrook (26,638), Los Angeles Clippers veteran James Harden (28,388), and Houston Rockets veteran Kevin Durant (31,226).

Final Thoughts

It’s unclear how much time Curry has left, and perhaps he doesn’t even know himself. But he’s still playing at an elite level, so 4,000 more points isn’t out of the question. Whenever he reaches 27,000 career points, he will become the 14th or 15th player to do so unless Westbrook, 37, beats him there.

Only 11 players have scored at least 28,000 points, and only eight players have reached 30,000 points. Wherever he finishes on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, he has cemented himself as one of the league’s all-time greatest scorers. He’s one of the best players in the league. He also excels off the court by completing charity work, playing the guitar, participating in celebrity golf tournaments, and cooking a variety of dishes.