There were stories about the highlights and, naturally, the added praise, applause and appropriate focus on this monumental accomplishment, and on Curry's stunning, still-running career.
But in front of Steph and still within his grasp -- stretching before him this season and likely in the seasons to come, past this singular achievement -- is a chance to do more than passing Ray Allen for the NBA's 3-point record. This opportunity is nothing less than a shot at solidifying himself as one of the five greatest players of all time.
Curry does not fit the mold of an all-timer, and that has always been both part of his appeal with fans and part of the at-times (if now mostly expired) soft criticism from his contemporaries. Five years ago, in the midst of his run of back-to-back MVPs, more than a few handlers of NBA stars would happily order another drink if you'd humor them on the supposed overrated-reality of Curry.
He's smaller and less-explosive looking than Jordan, Kareem, Shaq, Kobe, LeBron, etc. But greatness isn't measured in the skills that could make something so, or in pure athletic superiority.
Greatness is measured in what is so, and done, and won -- and Curry, after this 3-point record falls, will lead the NBA's best team. That rejuvenated Golden State Warriors squad, spurred on again by their star, could very well position Curry to tack on a third Most Valuable Player award and, more important in terms of legacy, a fourth NBA title.
Sometimes one star's greatness can be unfairly dimmed in the light of another all-time great. Think Tim Duncan aside Kobe Bryant for most of their careers. Think Isiah Thomas sandwiched between Larry Bird-Magic Johnson on one side and Michael Jordan on the other.
Steph is in a similar boat. He does not match LeBron James for sheer physicality or a host of other on-court measurements of greatness. LeBron is, put simply, shockingly talented and accomplished in almost every way a basketball player can be. He could end his career as the NBA's all-time scoring leader and as the game's third- or fourth-best ever on the all-time assist list, to name a few.
But Steph has his own unique Mount Rushmore resume, one currently incomplete for a top-five all-time player but certainly within reach. He's the greatest shooter of all time, a fact he set on Tuesday against the New York Knicks at the Garden. He, like Jordan, has defined a generation of the sport and called forth a new generation crafted in his image -- imitators of not his skill but of how he's changed the game. Steph's greatness, while not as overpowering as LeBron's or deep in its breadth, nonetheless synthesizes rare talent into championships while defining a long span of the game.
That's not a knock at LeBron. But it is a notch for Steph.
The Lakers seem much less likely this year, and in the years ahead, to win titles than the Warriors. The idea of Steph claiming a fourth title, and LeBron not winning another one, is certainly plausible.
And there's this: How many players, exactly, has LeBron James turned into a Hall of Famer? Steph's done it for two.
I'm not arguing Steph can pass LeBron on the all-time list. LeBron's going to end his career no lower than No. 2, and much more likely as the sole GOAT. But it is to say Steph can cut down the distance between them in a way that not enough see nor acknowledge.
Today's a pretty good day to take notice.
LeBron's been on a quest for No. 1 all-time status since he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated as "The Chosen One." Steph's own pursuit -- as a possible top-five all-time player -- has not gotten the same attention, respect, or acknowledgment.
All-time greats at the close of their careers can burnish -- or make -- their legacies. John Elway won two Super Bowls in his last two NFL seasons, saving the Broncos legend from being a lesser version of Dan Marino.
