Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has long been the face of long-range shooting in the NBA. Now, with the league’s new “heave” rule taking effect for the 2025–26 season, Curry is celebrating a change that encourages players to take deep, buzzer-beating shots without fear of hurting their stats.
Under the new rule, any shot taken from at least 36 feet away within the final three seconds of the first three quarters will count as a team field goal attempt, not an individual one. The goal is to eliminate the stigma around end-of-quarter heaves, which many players avoid to protect their shooting percentages.
Curry, who’s never shied away from launching deep shots, even at the buzzer, welcomed the change with a mix of humor and honesty.
“I used to be the grumpy old guy sitting on the porch yelling at people who didn’t take that shot because they were afraid of what it does to their shooting percentage,” Curry said. “That’s too much to think about. Just play basketball…”
His comments reflect a broader frustration among purists who’ve watched players dribble out the clock rather than attempt a long-range prayer. For Curry, the rule change is a win for the spirit of the game.
The NBA’s decision comes after years of debate over stat-padding and risk-averse play. While analytics have revolutionized basketball, they’ve also led to moments where players prioritize efficiency over excitement. Curry’s stance, and the new rule, aims to restore spontaneity and reward effort, even if the shot doesn’t fall.
With Curry leading the charge, the NBA’s embrace of deep shooting continues to evolve. The heave rule not only benefits players like him but also sets a precedent for balancing statistical integrity with entertainment value.
As the season tips off, fans can expect more buzzer-beating attempts, and fewer players worried about their box score.
