“We are done with the 90s!”, fans as well as young hoopers have pretty much stamped this statement on the modern game. But then, how has the game evolved throughout the years? Well, the defense is not as rough as it used to be back in the day. However, the scoring part has seen a major boost in the past decades. Especially due to the rise of the three-ball. And who is to blame? It is none other than the greatest shooter of all time, Stephen Curry.

Steph pretty much revolutionized the game with this one skill. Even though three-pointers have been a major part of the evolution of the game, the pace of the game has also been one of the key contributors. However, Pistons legend, Isiah Thomas wouldn’t suggest any other aspect, other than three, to have evolved the game. “The only skill “emphasized” more is the 3-point shot, creating the illusion that the athlete and skills have magically evolved into another athletic species.”, wrote Thomas, in context to ANT’s comments on Michael Jordan‘s era.

Now, the game was played quite differently back then. Yes, players did not shoot a bunch of threes but relied on other ways of scoring. This would include the mid-range, playing in the low post, and classic one-on-one matchups. And while Edwards would say, “But now everybody has skill”, players back then were equally good at their craft. It wasn’t easy to score in the paint as a guard because of the rough defense. Nor was it easy to post up defenders as a big man. Still, basketball in the 90s displayed the game at the highest levels.

Nevertheless, there is more to the game in the present day than just three-pointers. In the present day, centers don’t stick to scoring inside the paint. In fact, the bigs are as versatile as guards. Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and others are a great example of how the game almost seems positionless. But it does not end there. The rise of international players has also been crucial in the last few seasons. Not to mention, the last five MVPs are all Europeans!

At the end of the day, the players have not “evolved into another athletic species” as Thomas would say. Rather, the way the game is played has taken a turn. And Curry isn’t the only player in history to have influenced the game.

Stephen Curry and Allen Iverson are one of the most influential players

It goes on to define that changing the game to a certain extent by a player would make him stand out. And that is exactly what Steph and AI have done for the game. Iverson’s ball-handling changed the basketball culture. Rocking arm sleeves, headbands, and cornrows became quite common for hoopers. Outside of professional basketball, the game’s popularity rose to great extents.

On the other hand, Steph’s shooting led to the game’s evolution. To put it into perspective, a few years before Curry’s breakout seasons (starting in 2014), the average number of three-point attempts by a team fluctuated between 16 to 18. Just over a decade later, the number has jumped to 35. Teams shoot nearly double the amount of three balls than they did back in 2012.

It is safe to say that a single aspect of the sport can change the entire game, only if done at the highest level. As the game of basketball moves forward, it will be interesting to see the younger generation take over. What are your thoughts on Stephen Curry’s influence on the game? Do you think Thomas’ words on ANT’s comments are justified? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.