Comparing and Contrasting the Storylines of Curry and Allen Breaking the Three Point Record
On Nov. 14, Warriors’ superstar Stephen Curry joined NBA history forever, claiming the spot as the greatest shooter the game has ever seen.
A burden that was hanging over Curry’s head for nearly a week, it seemed like there were different narratives with each game.
Will he break two records versus the Blazers? Will he drop 10 threes versus his brother in the City of Brotherly Love? Will he break the record in Reggie Miller’s house in Indiana? Or will it happen in Madison Square Garden – The Mecca of Basketball?
Steph and the Knicks
The hype going into the game versus the Knicks was at an all-time high. Prices for tickets ranged anywhere from $400 to $800 for nosebleeds. Everyone wanted a glimpse of history.
The connection that Number 30 has with Knicks fans will always sting a little. It was well documented that before the 2009 draft, Curry was vocal about being in the Big Apple. With then-head coach Mike D’Antoni at the helm, it was easy to see why. The possibilities of Curry in seven seconds or less offense would be something to behold.
But the Warriors front office had other plans and took Curry right before the Knicks ever had a chance.
Fast-forward to Feb. 27, 2013, with the Warriors facing the Knicks on ESPN. This was the date where the two-time MVP announced his arrival to the NBA by lighting up the Knicks with 54 points and shooting a ridiculous 11/13 from three.
With bold threes coming off the bounce, the seventh overall pick spearheaded an incredible comeback effort, only to fall short to the Knicks. The Warriors have won eight straight at MSG since that matchup.
Simply put, there’s always a bit of buzz when the Warriors make their yearly trip to MSG. With so many historical moments and narratives, it was only perfect that Curry was able to break Ray Allen’s record at the same building that put him on the map.
Ray Allen heightens Celtics-Lakers rivalry
On Feb. 10, 2011, the Lakers came into Boston and Ray Allen added yet another layer into the Celtics-Lakers rivalry.
The Celtics-Lakers rivalry has been one of the most storied and iconic rivalries in not only basketball but in sports.
Being two of the most storied franchises, the teams crossed paths 12 times in the finals. Collectively, the teams have secured nearly 45% of the NBA's total championships.
Allen was able to break the record by cashing in a transition three on the right wing with Miller calling the game on TNT. However, the Celtics lost to the Lakers by a score of 92 to 86. Allen would finish the game with 20 points while going 3/8 from three.
The Celtics would later finish the season as the fourth-best team in the East while and knocked out of the ECF by the Heat during a lockout season.
Making history is something that Curry and the Warriors are familiar with, but Nov. 14 was truly special. With Allen and Miller in the building, the Mount Rushmore of shooters all contributed to the game in their own way.
(Photo credit: Mary Altaffer / AP)