Ex-NBA point guard explains what makes Steph Curry different from other shooters.
Basketball has undergone its most significant transition in the last decade. Unlike the previous eras that relied primarily on Big Man energy and physicality, the game today is more skill-based. One of the biggest takeaways from this change has been the rise in 3-point shooting.
Officially introduced in the 1979-80 season, the 3-ball has never been more prevalent than today. Pioneering this change was the Stephen Curry-led Golden State Warriors team. This was evident from their dominant reign over the league during the last decade.
Many would agree that the “Splash Brothers” remain the greatest backcourt in NBA history. While Mark Jackson laid the foundation, Steve Kerr expanded upon it. Playing a brand of basketball that was fast-paced, coupled with unselfish ball movement and never-before-seen shooting.
Recently, appearing on “The Dan Patrick Show,” former NBA point guard Quinn Buckner was asked whether he saw anyone during his era that was comparable to Curry.
“I got to give Mark Jackson credit. I remember him saying this, ‘These are the two best shooting guards (Curry and Thompson) maybe in the history of basketball.’ Steph is so unusual because Steph can get his and he’s in terrific shape, which I think is a factor… There’s nobody that ever compared to what Steph does because most guys, who were shooters in earlier times, they didn’t have the ball-handling skills quite as effective as he does,” said Buckner, who was a former NCAA champion, NBA champion and Olympic Gold medalist and primarily known for his defensive skills.
The toughest matchup in Klay Thompson
Ironically, the only player who gave Steph Curry a run for his money was his Splash Bro, Klay Thompson. While the Warriors MVP is widely recognized as the greatest shooter of all time, we all know how dangerous “Killa Klay” could be once he got hot from beyond the arc.
Talking about Klay’s elite marksmanship, Buckner recalled the beating the four-time champion gave to his former team, the Pacers, alluding to the 60-point spectacle.
“Klay can get it. He played against the Pacers one game, and I’m not proud of this, and I don’t think anybody in the organization is, he got 60 points in 29 minutes on 11 dribbles, and it was an unbelievable performance,” Buckner mentioned, addressing the 2016 game.
Warriors star Klay Thompson went absolutely BONKERS on this day in 2016 vs. the Pacers 🔥
60 points
21-of-33 FG
8-of-14 3PT
10-of-11 FT
29 minutes
11 dribblespic.twitter.com/b0VNgfN14o— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 5, 2023
The former Warriors guard also holds the record for the most number of 3s in a game at 14, with the Bulls being at the receiving end of it in 2018. Teammates for eleven years, the Splash Bros gave fans some of the most memorable moments via their shooting prowess on the court.
Buckner believes the sole focus on 3-ball will decrease
Not indulging in the common practice of comparing players from different eras, Buckner gave his flowers to the current generation, calling them supremely talented. Nonetheless, the veteran would prefer for the 3-point shooting to taper down, with only those capable of shooting at a high volume doing the honors.
Looking at the MVPs over the past couple of years, Buckner does make some valid points. Whether it is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, or Joel Embiid, the biggest takeaway from their game has never been the 3-point line. That said, one cannot completely negate its value.