Stephen Curry made his return to the Golden State Warriors lineup on Wednesday at the Delta Center, playing against the Utah Jazz after missing the previous game due to a knee injury. His comeback was marked by a significant achievement, as he moved past Paul Pierce to claim the 19th spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with a three-point shot early in the contest.
Impact of Curry’s Absence and His Scoring Abilities
The Warriors struggled without Curry in their Monday match at Target Center, suffering a heavy 108-83 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves while also missing Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Jonathan Kuminga. Curry’s return provided a lift, starting strong by helping Golden State outscore Utah 34-24 in the first quarter with eight points of his own.
Known primarily as a three-point shooter, Curry’s scoring talents extend beyond just long-range shots. As a four-time NBA champion, his versatile offense puts him in elite company with active players such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook, who also rank in the top 20 of the all-time scoring list.
With this make, Stephen Curry passed Paul Pierce for 19th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. https://t.co/Glxjf7KkEG
— Brett Siegel, NBA Analyst
Future Prospects and Team Challenges
If Curry remains healthy, he has the potential to climb as high as 12th place on the scoring list by the end of the season, surpassing legends like Tim Duncan, Dominique Wilkins, Oscar Robertson, and Hakeem Olajuwon. Despite this personal milestone, Curry’s immediate focus is on strengthening Golden State’s position, especially with Butler sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Currently, the Warriors hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 26-22 record and have won six out of their last ten games. Curry’s leadership and scoring prowess will be critical as the team seeks to regain momentum and improve their standing in a competitive season.
With this make, Stephen Curry passed Paul Pierce for 19th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. https://t.co/Glxjf7KkEG
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) January 29, 2026
