BROOKLYN, N.Y., Dec. 31, 2025: The Golden State Warriors’ late-career renaissance continued Monday night as Stephen Curry etched his name further into NBA lore, passing Kevin Garnett for 21st place on the league’s all-time scoring list.
In a 120-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center, Curry finished with a team-high 27 points, including a pivotal fourth-quarter 3-pointer that officially moved him past Garnett’s career mark of 26,071 points. The milestone capped a frantic week for the 37-year-old superstar, who also joined the exclusive 26,000-point club during the Warriors’ Christmas Day triumph over the Dallas Mavericks.
The Climb Continues
Curry’s ascent up the scoring ladder has accelerated in the 2025-26 season. After struggling initially in the first half against Brooklyn, the two-time MVP exploded in the third quarter, rattling off 10 consecutive points a sequence featuring two trademark deep threes, a driving layup, and a pair of free throws to swing momentum permanently in Golden State’s favor.
The record-breaking bucket came early in the fourth quarter, a moment that felt almost routine for a player who has normalized the extraordinary. By finishing the night 8-of-15 from the field and 5-of-12 from deep, Curry not only secured the individual accolade but also snapped the Nets’ three-game winning streak.
Chasing Legends: The Road to Top 20
With Garnett in the rearview, Curry’s sights are now set on the top 20, a pantheon of scorers that includes some of his fiercest historical rivals. He currently sits just 319 points behind Boston Celtics legend John Havlicek (26,395) for the No. 20 spot. Beyond Havlicek lies another familiar foe: Hall of Famer Paul Pierce (26,397), who is just 321 points away.
At his current season average of approximately 29 points per game, Curry is projected to eclipse both Celtics icons within the next 11 to 12 games, potentially moving into the top 20 before the All-Star break.
Warriors Resurgent
While Curry’s milestones dominate the headlines, the Warriors’ collective form suggests a team peaking at the right time. The victory in Brooklyn marked their fourth win in five games, stabilizing their playoff push in a crowded Western Conference. The integration of veteran pieces including Jimmy Butler, who contributed 21 points in Monday’s win has provided the necessary support system to allow Curry to operate efficiently without shouldering the entire offensive burden.
