On This Day: Stephen Curry Makes History With Record-Breaking 13 Threes Against the New Orleans Pelicans

On this day, Stephen Curry had one of those nights—one that will be etched in the memories of NBA fans forever. Facing the New Orleans Pelicans, Curry made history by sinking an astonishing 13 three-pointers, setting a new NBA record for the most threes made in a single game.

The achievement wasn’t just another addition to his long list of accolades; it was a statement of his unique impact on the game of basketball. Curry’s shooting performance wasn’t just about hitting the shots—it was about showcasing the evolution of modern basketball, where range and rhythm have become as critical as athleticism and physicality. 

The Build-Up: A Determined Comeback 

This record-breaking night came just days after a surprisingly poor shooting performance. Curry, who had set a standard as one of the league’s deadliest shooters, went 0-for-10 from beyond the arc in the Warriors’ previous game against the Los Angeles Lakers. For Curry, it was a rare off night that challenged his usually unshakeable confidence. But as anyone who has watched Curry play knows, he has an almost supernatural ability to shake off bad games. So, when he stepped onto the court against the Pelicans, it was clear that he was on a mission to make up for his previous performance—and he did so in spectacular fashion. 

The Game: Shot After Shot, Records Began to Fall 

As the game began, Curry quickly found his rhythm, something every shooter dreams of. He started hitting his shots early, and each three-pointer seemed to come more naturally than the last. The Oracle Arena crowd could feel something special in the air, and Curry could too. 

By the end of the first half, Curry had already drained seven threes. But he didn’t slow down in the second half. His smooth, lightning-quick release left the Pelicans’ defenders scrambling, unable to keep up. It wasn’t that they weren’t trying; it was simply that Curry was in a zone that’s virtually unstoppable. He was creating his own space, dribbling into impossible shots, and pulling up from areas on the court where most players wouldn’t even consider shooting. Each shot felt like magic, leaving fans, teammates, and even opponents in awe. 

By the fourth quarter, Curry was closing in on the record. Fans at Oracle were on their feet, holding their breath with every shot he took. Finally, with his 13th three-pointer, he set the new NBA record, surpassing the previous record of 12 threes held by Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall. The arena erupted in cheers, and Curry’s teammates swarmed him in celebration. It was a night that encapsulated everything Curry had become known for—precision, skill, and a pure love for the game. 

The Stats Behind the Magic 

Curry finished the game with 46 points, 39 of which came from beyond the arc. Shooting 13-for-17 on three-pointers, he was hitting at a stunning 76.5% accuracy from long range. To put that in perspective, hitting 76% from three is nearly unheard of for any shooter, let alone when attempting 17 shots from deep. Curry’s ability to maintain such accuracy while taking high-risk, difficult shots is what sets him apart and makes performances like this so memorable. 

It’s worth noting that this wasn’t just a one-off achievement for Curry. Throughout his career, he’s consistently been at the forefront of long-range shooting. He was the first player in NBA history to make 400 threes in a single season, and his style has changed the very nature of the game. He’s not just a shooter—he’s a playmaker who can create opportunities for himself and his teammates by stretching the defense out to the three-point line. 

Impact on the Game: How Curry Revolutionized Basketball 

Curry’s record-breaking night against the Pelicans wasn’t just significant for his personal achievements; it underscored the larger revolution he has led in the NBA. Before Curry, the league’s emphasis was largely on the mid-range game and dominant post play. While three-pointers had always been part of the game, they weren’t the focal point of most teams’ offensive strategies. But Curry changed that, proving that a team built around high-percentage three-point shooting could dominate. 

His influence can be seen in the way teams draft, scout, and even practice today. Young players are now developing deep-range shots as early as possible, hoping to emulate Curry’s success. Teams prioritize finding players who can stretch the floor, and three-point shooting has become a critical part of every team’s playbook. Curry’s performance against the Pelicans was a prime example of this shift. His threes weren’t just points—they were daggers that kept his team in control and kept his opponents off balance. 

Cementing His Place Among the Greats 

Curry’s 13 three-pointers in a game set a benchmark that will likely be tough to beat, but more than that, it solidified his place among the all-time greats. His shooting prowess has redefined what is possible in basketball, and his impact will be felt for generations. Kids growing up now don’t just dream of dunking—they dream of shooting from “Curry range.” And while many players have left their mark on the game, few have redefined it to the extent that Curry has.