In a lighthearted exchange on the latest episode of the Mind The Game podcast, LeBron James jokingly credited Stephen Curry for fundamentally changing the way basketball is played, especially when it comes to the three-point shot.
Joined by co-host Steve Nash and guest Stephen Curry, LeBron reflected on how Curry’s shooting prowess has reshaped offensive strategy across the NBA.
“Now everyone shoots 3s, 60 a game… 50 a game,” James said with a laugh, pointing at Curry as the catalyst.
LeBron James jokes that Stephen Curry accidentally ruined the league by constantly shooting 3s, as everyone else started following his lead 👀😭
“now everyone shoots 3s, 60 a game… 50 a game…”
(via @mindthegamepod)
pic.twitter.com/f0dYuPGLNk— ryan 🤿 (@scubaryan_) November 4, 2025
Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, revolutionized the game with his deep-range accuracy, quick release, and off-ball movement. Since his breakout MVP seasons in 2015 and 2016, teams across the league have increasingly prioritized three-point shooting, often building entire offenses around spacing and perimeter threats.
LeBron’s comment, though playful, underscores a broader truth: Curry’s influence has extended beyond highlight reels and box scores. He’s changed how coaches design plays, how players train, and how fans understand the game.
The episode, part of the 2025–26 season launch for Mind The Game, featured Curry discussing his early struggles, shooting mechanics, and the evolution of his role in Golden State’s dynasty. Nash and James, both former MVPs, offered their own perspectives on how Curry’s style forced defenses to adapt and offenses to evolve.
“You used to get benched for taking a three early in the shot clock,” Nash noted. “Now it’s encouraged—expected, even.”
Curry responded with humility, acknowledging that the shift was a collective movement but admitting that his success helped accelerate it.
The numbers back up LeBron’s observation. In the 2024–25 NBA season, teams averaged over 35 three-point attempts per game, a stark contrast to the early 2000s when the average hovered around 15. Some teams, like the Warriors and Celtics, routinely eclipse 50 attempts in a single night.
This transformation has led to new debates about shot selection, game flow, and the balance between analytics and instinct.
