Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, better known as the Splash Brothers, have left an indelible mark on the Golden State Warriors and the NBA itself. Together, they formed the backbone of five NBA Championship rings, elevating the Warriors to new heights with their exceptional shooting and teamwork.
Curry, known for his relentless work ethic and ability to improve his offensive game year after year, is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history. Thompson, on the other hand, built his reputation as a two-way player, mastering both offense and defense, with a shooting stroke that could light up any arena.
The nickname Splash Brothers originated in 2012, when Brian Witt, a digital content producer for the Warriors, tweeted about their incredible shooting performance during a game against the Charlotte Bobcats. By halftime, the duo had combined for 25 points and seven three-pointers. Witt's tweet, complete with the hashtag #SplashBrothers, stuck, and from that moment on, the nickname embodied their ability to "splash" the net with three-pointers, forever linking their legacy to a play on the earlier Bash Brothers nickname given to Oakland A's baseball stars Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire.

Their sharpshooting was more than just a statistical feat; it revolutionized the way basketball is played, popularizing the three-point shot and changing the strategy of the game forever. Together, they became a dominant force, winning four NBA championships in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. The two formed an unstoppable backcourt alongside Draymond Green, combining precision, power, and unselfish play to lead the Warriors to some of the most remarkable team successes in recent history.
Curry and Thompson also made history as the first teammates since 1975 to be starting guards in the same All-Star Game, and their achievements don't stop there. They set NBA records for the most three-pointers made by a pair of teammates and both won the Three-Point Contest. Together, they were named to the All-NBA Team and earned spots as NBA All-Stars year after year. Their on-court chemistry was undeniable, a perfect balance of scoring and defense, making them one of the greatest backcourt duos the NBA has ever seen.
While the Splash Brothers were born into basketball royalty — both coming from NBA-playing fathers — their journey to the NBA was not handed to them. Curry, the son of former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry, went undrafted by major colleges, eventually finding a home at Davidson College. There, he led the Wildcats on a Cinderella run to the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight and developed into one of the most electric players in college basketball. Klay, the son of Mychal Thompson, who played in the NBA, faced a similarly unglamorous recruiting process, but found success at Washington State University, becoming a two-time All-Pac-10 player and a scoring leader.
From their humble beginnings to becoming legends in the NBA, the Splash Brothers’ rise to dominance is a testament to their drive, their dedication, and their unmatched ability to shoot the three-ball. The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty would not have been possible without the contributions of Curry and Thompson, and their impact on the game will be felt for generations.
Best Games Individually

Stephen Curry:
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2016 Game 4 vs. Portland Trail Blazers (Playoffs):
Curry's 51-point performance in this game is one of his career highlights. He became the first player in NBA history to score over 50 points in a playoff game with zero free throws made. His shooting was flawless from behind the arc, making 9 out of 15 three-pointers. This game solidified his reputation as the league's premier scorer and shooter. -
2013 vs. New York Knicks (Regular Season):
Curry’s 54-point explosion is another defining individual performance. He shot 19-of-28 from the field and 11-of-13 from three-point range, setting a then-NBA record for most three-pointers made in a game. This performance helped him truly earn the title of the greatest shooter in the game.

Klay Thompson:
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2016 Game 6 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Playoffs):
Klay’s 41-point performance in this pivotal game was one of his finest. Thompson made 11 of 18 three-pointers, including a stretch where he hit 7 consecutive three-pointers. This game was vital in the Warriors’ comeback against the Thunder, helping them force a Game 7 in the Western Conference Finals. -
2018 Game 6 vs. Houston Rockets (Playoffs):
Klay's 19-point outburst in the second half after the Warriors were facing elimination from the Rockets in the Western Conference Finals. This performance was classic Klay, hitting timely shots and playing exceptional defense. His focus and poise in critical moments made him one of the Warriors' most reliable postseason performers.
Best Games Together
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2015 Game 5 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA Finals):
In the Warriors' first championship run, Curry contributed 37 points, and Thompson added 19. Together, they led the Warriors to a dominant win, giving them a 3-2 series lead. This game showed their synergy in a crucial Finals matchup. Their ability to space the floor and create shots for each other was key to their success. -
2019 Game 6 vs. Toronto Raptors (NBA Finals):
Though the Warriors lost this series, Curry and Thompson displayed their fighting spirit. Thompson scored 30 points before suffering a devastating knee injury, and Curry contributed 21 points in a game that showed their tenacity despite facing adversity. -
2015 NBA Finals:
The Warriors secured their first title in 40 years, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers. Curry was named Finals MVP, but it was Thompson’s defense, especially on LeBron James, and his crucial scoring that made a difference. The Splash Brothers were instrumental in shifting the series with their sharpshooting, marking the start of the Warriors’ dynasty. -
2017 NBA Finals:
Curry and Thompson were crucial in the Warriors’ 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Curry averaged 26.8 points per game while Thompson contributed with his trademark shooting. The defining moment was when the Warriors hit 15 three-pointers in a Finals game, setting an NBA record. The pair’s impeccable shooting helped make the Warriors nearly unstoppable. -
2022 NBA Finals:
After a two-year absence from the championship stage, Curry and Thompson returned to glory. Curry was named Finals MVP for the first time, and Thompson’s defense and shooting showed he had fully recovered from his ACL and Achilles injuries. The Splash Brothers led the Warriors to their fourth title in 8 years, solidifying their place in NBA history.

All-Star Games Together:
During their time as teammates, both Curry and Thompson were selected to the NBA All-Star Game multiple times. Here's a breakdown of their All-Star appearances while playing together:
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Curry: 8 times (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022)
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Thompson: 5 times (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Together, they made 5 All-Star appearances as a duo:
Three-Point Records Together:
As of 2021, Curry and Thompson are recognized as the greatest three-point shooting duo in NBA history. Here are a few key stats:
Most Combined Three-Pointers by Teammates (2015-2016):
The duo set the record for the most combined three-pointers by a pair of teammates in a single season. In the 2015-2016 season, Curry hit 402 three-pointers (setting the individual record for the most in a season), while Thompson added 276 three-pointers.
Total combined: 678 three-pointers in a single season.
Curry’s All-Time Three-Point Record:
By 2023, Curry became the NBA’s all-time leader in career three-pointers, surpassing Ray Allen. His total is now over 3,000 career three-pointers.
Thompson’s Career Three-Point Stats:
Thompson, who has played fewer games due to injuries, has accumulated over 1,900 career three-pointers (as of 2023). He is often in the top 10 all-time for three-pointers.
How Many Three-Pointers Are They Ahead of the Next Duo?
As of the latest statistics, Curry and Thompson are far ahead of any other duo in terms of combined three-pointers made:
Curry and Thompson’s combined total (as of 2021) is over 4,000 three-pointers between them.
The next closest duo for combined three-pointers is James Harden and Eric Gordon (or other active duos), but even they are well behind the Splash Brothers, who continue to set the pace
The Perfect Shooting Combo
The Splash Brothers revolutionized the game with their three-point shooting. While Curry’s ball-handling and ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor make him the ultimate offensive threat, Thompson’s elite catch-and-shoot ability makes them the perfect complement. This combination has set them apart as one of the most formidable duos in NBA history.
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