Stephen Curry all-time scoring milestones continue to pile up, cementing his place among the NBA’s greatest scorers ever. As of late January 2026, the Golden State Warriors superstar reached a major benchmark by tying Paul Pierce for 19th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 26,397 career points. This achievement came during a standout performance in the Timberwolves vs Warriors January 26 2026 highlights, where Curry dropped 26 points, grabbed seven assists, and snagged four steals in just 28 minutes—helping lead Golden State to a dominant 111-85 victory.
Have you ever wondered how a player known primarily for revolutionizing the three-point shot climbs so high on the traditional scoring leaderboard? Curry’s journey is a masterclass in efficiency, longevity, and sheer volume. Let’s break down his key scoring milestones, how he got here, and what’s next for the greatest shooter in basketball history.
Early Career: Building the Foundation (2009–2014)
Stephen Curry entered the league in 2009 as the 7th overall pick, often overlooked because of his slight frame and “undersized” label. But scoring was never the question.
- First 1,000 points: Curry hit this mark quickly in his rookie season, finishing with 1,390 points despite injury setbacks.
- Breakout seasons: By 2012–13, he averaged 22.9 PPG, showing flashes of elite scoring. Then came 2014–15—his first MVP year—with 23.8 PPG on ridiculous efficiency.
These early years laid the groundwork. Curry wasn’t just scoring; he was doing it in ways no one had seen before, stretching defenses and creating space for teammates.
The Explosion: MVP Seasons and 25,000-Point Milestone (2015–2025)
This is where Curry’s scoring milestones truly skyrocketed.
In 2015–16, he became the first unanimous MVP, averaging 30.1 PPG while shattering his own single-season three-pointer record (402). That season alone added massive volume to his career total.
Fast-forward through injuries (2020–21 missed time), championships (2022 Finals MVP), and consistent excellence. By March 2025, Curry surpassed 25,000 career points—a club that includes legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James.
Projections from earlier in his career suggested he’d climb high, but few predicted how seamlessly he’d blend volume scoring with his trademark shooting. He passed players like Kevin Garnett (21st) in late 2025 and Vince Carter (22nd) earlier that year.
The Latest Milestone: Entering the Top 20 (January 2026)
On January 25–26, 2026 (depending on time zones), Curry achieved one of his most talked-about recent feats.
During the Timberwolves vs Warriors January 26 2026 highlights game—a blowout win where Golden State forced 26 turnovers and held Minnesota to 85 points—Curry scored 26 points (7-18 FG, 3-10 3PT, 9-9 FT). Those points pushed him past John Havlicek (26,395) for sole possession or tie at 19th/20th, ultimately tying Paul Pierce at 26,397.
Why does this matter? Havlicek was a Celtics icon with 13 championships and relentless scoring consistency. Pierce, “The Truth,” carried Boston through tough eras with clutch scoring. Curry joining them shows how his revolutionary style translates to traditional metrics.
At age 37–38 in 2026, Curry’s still producing at an elite level. In that Timberwolves game, he played through knee soreness yet delivered efficiently. His career PPG hovers around 24.8, but the real story is sustainability—he’s done this over 17 seasons.
Beyond Points: The Three-Point Revolution
You can’t discuss Stephen Curry all-time scoring milestones without his three-point dominance.
- First to 3,000 career threes (2021)
- Surpassed Ray Allen for #1 all-time (2021)
- Hit 4,000 threes (March 2025)—the only player ever
- On pace toward 5,000 in 2025–26 (needing ~292 at season start)
Every three he makes boosts his total points. Unlike traditional scorers who rely on twos and free throws, Curry’s volume comes from distance—making his leaderboard climb even more impressive.
Analogy time: If classic scorers built skyscrapers with bricks (mid-range and paint), Curry constructs them with glass—transparent, revolutionary, and letting everyone see the future of basketball.
Where Does Curry Rank Now? Top 20 Breakdown
As of January 26, 2026:
- Tied for 19th: Stephen Curry & Paul Pierce – 26,397 points
- Just passed: John Havlicek (26,395)
- Ahead: Legends like Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter, and Reggie Miller
Next targets? The top 15–18 include players like Dirk Nowitzki, Wilt Chamberlain, and Shaquille O’Neal. With Curry averaging 22–24 PPG in recent seasons (and playing 60+ games), he could climb into the top 15 within 1–2 years.
What’s Next for Curry’s Scoring Legacy?
At this pace, Stephen Curry all-time scoring milestones won’t stop soon.
- Potential top 15 by 2027–28
- Continued three-point records (5,000+ threes almost certain)
- If he plays to 40+, even higher ranks possible
But legacy isn’t just numbers. Curry’s four championships, two MVPs, and cultural impact—changing how the game is played—elevate him beyond stats.
Fans still buzz about games like the Timberwolves vs Warriors January 26 2026 highlights, where his 26 points weren’t just production—they were milestone-clinching in a team-dominant win.
Curry reminds us: greatness evolves. From doubted shooter to all-time scorer, his story inspires.
What milestone excites you most—his top-20 entry or the inevitable 5,000 threes? The chase continues.
For deeper dives:
FAQ :
What is Stephen Curry’s current position on the NBA all-time scoring list?
As of January 2026, Stephen Curry is tied for 19th with Paul Pierce at 26,397 career points, a milestone he reached during the Timberwolves vs Warriors January 26 2026 highlights game.
How many points did Stephen Curry score to tie Paul Pierce on the all-time list?
Curry scored 26 points against the Timberwolves on January 26, 2026, pushing him to 26,397 and tying Pierce for 19th place.
Has Stephen Curry passed any other legends recently on the scoring list?
Yes—he passed Kevin Garnett for 21st in late 2025 and John Havlicek just before tying Pierce in January 2026.
How do Stephen Curry’s three-pointers contribute to his scoring milestones?
Curry’s record-breaking threes (over 4,000 career) make up a huge portion of his points, allowing him to climb the all-time list faster than many traditional scorers.
Where can fans watch highlights of Stephen Curry reaching top-20 scoring status?
Check NBA.com, YouTube’s official Warriors channel, or ESPN for clips from the Timberwolves vs Warriors January 26 2026 highlights, featuring his milestone performance.
