In a testament to his unprecedented longevity and unique, gravity-defying game, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has officially surpassed NBA legend Michael Jordan for the most career 40+ point games by a player after reaching the age of 30. The historic moment occurred on December 14, 2025, when Curry poured in 48 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, marking his 45th such performance since his 30th birthday and moving one game clear of Jordan's previous mark of 44.
This milestone sparks conversations about both players' sustained greatness and differing paths to success in their later years. Redefining Longevity At 37 years old and in his 17th NBA season, Curry continues to defy the typical aging curve for professional athletes, particularly guards. While many players experience a decline in athleticism and scoring efficiency in their mid-30s, Curry has remained an elite, high-volume scorer, relying on his unparalleled shooting range and savvy off-ball movement. His record-breaking performance in a 136-131 loss to Portland was a prime example of his enduring brilliance, featuring 12 three-pointers made (the most by any player this season) on highly efficient 16-of-26 shooting from the field.
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Jordan's Enduring Greatness Michael Jordan, widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, set the previous record of 44 40-point games after turning 30 during his second three-peat with the Chicago Bulls and his later stint with the Washington Wizards. Jordan maintained an astounding average of 27.5 points per game in his post-30 career, a testament to his fierce competitiveness and mid-range dominance. Jordan's ability to remain a dominant force well into his 30s was a benchmark for athletic longevity, a standard that Curry has now eclipsed in this specific statistical category.
A Contrast in Styles The comparison highlights the fundamental differences in their offensive skill sets and how different eras and playing styles influence career arcs. Curry thrives on three-point shooting, a skill that appears less susceptible to the physical toll of aging compared to Jordan's explosive, at-the-rim style. His game ages "like fine wine," as some analysts note, with his efficiency and range keeping him at the peak of the scoring mountain. Jordan's dominance was built on athleticism, defensive prowess, and an unyielding will to attack the basket, skills that traditionally diminish with age. While the Warriors' overall season has seen mixed results, Curry's individual achievements continue to command attention, further cementing his legacy as the greatest shooter ever and one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. The debate over who is the greater player rages on, but in the realm of post-30 scoring outbursts, Stephen Curry now stands alone at the top.
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