Though the Golden State Warriors suffered a six-point loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Stephen Curry still found a way to have the highlight of the night. The All-Star guard ended the first quarter with a triple from the opposite 3-point line that stunned the crowd.
Takeaways: Spurs beat Warriors, extend win streak to nine games
Steph from the OPPOSITE three-point line! #DubNation
— NBA (@NBA) March 19, 2019
📺: @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/SmR4t5FWia
It's far from a surprise, as we all know that Steph is no stranger to long-distance shots thanks to his seemingly unlimited range. In fact, with the shot on Monday, the two-time MVP has now sunk five shots from behind half-court in his career (according to Basketball-Reference data).
The others?
On Jan. 28, 2017, to end the first half against the LA Clippers, Curry knocked down a heave from 51-feet out.
On March 9, 2016 he did it against the Utah Jazz, hitting from 54-feet out.
On Jan. 22, 2016, Curry closed the first half against Indiana Pacers from 48-feet out.
The longest shot of Curry's career came in the postseason against the Memphis Grizzlies. In Memphis, he ended the third quarter with a shot from 62-feet.
Unique Company
While it's no surprise that Curry is the leader in such shots, it would be fair to assume that if there was someone close to him they would be a shooter by nature.
But it's not quite what you would imagine.
Until Monday, Curry had not hit as many shots from beyond half court as Mr. Grit N' Grind himself, Zach Randolph.
The 18-year veteran has also hit five shots from beyond halfcourt and, according to ESPN Stats & Info, Steph and Zach are the ones who have hit the most shots from that distance in the last 20 seasons.
The big man, who began the 2018-19 season with the Sacramento Kings, was traded to the Dallas Mavericks near the deadline and released without appearing in a game. Now, at age 37, Randolph is nearing retirement.
Feb. 25, 2015: vs. Sacramento from 61-feet
Feb. 2, 2015: vs. Utah from 59-feet
Jan. 25, 2010: vs. Orlando Magic from 63-feet
The final two?
Feb. 6, 2009: vs. Memphis from 49-feet
Dec. 3, 2006: vs. Phoenix Suns from 56-feet