If you look at a box score from 2012 and then jump to one in 2026, you might think you're looking at two different players. Except, you aren't. It’s still Wardell Stephen Curry II. The guy doesn't seem to age, and his scoring output is essentially a middle finger to the traditional NBA aging curve. Most people talk about his "average" like it's a static number etched in stone, but the Stephen Curry points per game average is actually a living, breathing metric that tells the story of how basketball changed forever.
He’s 37 now. Think about that. Most point guards at 37 are looking for a nice seat on a contender's bench or learning how to play pickleball. Steph? He’s out here averaging 28.1 points per game as of mid-January 2026. It’s wild.
The Evolution of the Chef’s Scoring
When Steph first entered the league in 2009, he averaged 17.5 points. Decent? Sure. Earth-shattering? Not really. The "experts" thought his ankles were made of glass and his frame was too slight for the nightly grind. They were wrong. By 2015-16, he hit that legendary 30.1 PPG mark, becoming the only player ever to join the 50-40-90 club while leading the league in scoring.
Basketball Reference shows a career that looks like a mountain range. You have the early "climb" years, the "peak" of the dynasty, and then this weirdly high plateau he’s currently on.
Breaking Down the Decades
In his 20s, Steph was about speed and the "gravity" that pulled defenders away from the hoop. He’d average 23 or 24 points and people thought that was his ceiling. Then 2020-21 happened. He was 32 years old—supposedly past his prime—and he dropped 32.0 points per game. That was his career high.
It’s almost like he got better as the league got faster. Honestly, his 2025-26 season might be even more impressive than his MVP years because of the efficiency. We’re talking about a guy maintaining a 64% True Shooting percentage while being the primary focus of every defensive scheme in the league.
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Stephen Curry Points Per Game Average: A Team-by-Team Nightmare
Ever wonder why certain fanbases have "Curry PTSD"? It’s because he doesn't treat every opponent the same. Some teams just get the short end of the stick more often.
If you play for the Washington Wizards, I'm sorry. Steph has historically torched them for over 29 points per game. On the flip side, the Milwaukee Bucks and the San Antonio Spurs have managed to "limit" him to around 21 or 22 PPG over his career.
- Top Victim: Washington Wizards (Approx 29.2 PPG)
- Most Resilient: Milwaukee Bucks (Approx 20.7 PPG)
- The "Home" Favorite: Charlotte Hornets (He averages 25.4 PPG against his hometown team)
These numbers aren't just random. Teams with elite length and switching schemes—like the Giannis-led Bucks—have always fared better than teams that play traditional drop coverage. If you drop against Steph, you're basically asking for a 40-point night.
The Jimmy Butler Factor
Recently, the Warriors made a massive move by bringing in Jimmy Butler. You’d think adding another star would tank the Stephen Curry points per game average. Logic says there are only so many shots to go around.
Nope.
In the first stretch of games playing alongside Butler, Steph actually saw his scoring spike to over 30 points per game. Why? Because for the first time in years, he wasn't the only person on the floor who could create a shot late in the clock. Gravity works both ways. When Jimmy drives, Steph gets a millisecond of daylight. And a millisecond is all he needs.
Why 24.8 is a Deceptive Number
If you Google his career average right now, you’ll see something around 24.8 PPG. That sounds great, but it’s a bit of a lie. It includes those early years where he was sharing the floor with Monta Ellis and dealing with those recurring ankle sprains.
If you look at "Prime Steph" (roughly 2014 to 2026), that number jumps significantly. He’s essentially been a 27-to-30 point scorer for over a decade. That kind of sustained elite production is basically unheard of for a guard his size. Usually, small guards lose their first step and their PPG falls off a cliff. Steph just moved the cliff further back by shooting from 30 feet.
Longevity vs. Peak
LeBron James is usually the gold standard for longevity. But Steph is carving out his own niche. At 37, he’s still a top-tier fantasy basketball asset and a nightly threat to lead the league in scoring. Most players at this age see their "points per 75 possessions" tank. Steph’s is actually holding steady.
The Secret Sauce: It’s Not Just the Three
People think the Stephen Curry points per game average is high just because he "chucks" threes. That's lazy analysis.
He’s one of the best finishers at the rim in NBA history for his size. He shoots over 60% in the restricted area most seasons. If you over-play the three, he goes by you. If you stay home, he steps back. It’s a literal "pick your poison" scenario that hasn't found a cure in 17 seasons.
Real-World Impact for Fans and Bettors
If you’re tracking these stats for fantasy or just to win an argument at the bar, pay attention to the schedule. Steph’s scoring usually picks up in the second half of the season. He’s a "rhythm" player. He also tends to play better against high-paced teams like the Kings or the Pacers.
Actionable Insights for Following the Stats
Don't just look at the box score. To really understand where his average is headed, watch these three things:
- The First Quarter: If Steph gets 10 points in the first 6 minutes, he’s usually hunting for a 40-piece.
- Screen Navigation: Watch how defenders are fighting through screens. If they are going "under," his PPG will stay high.
- Free Throw Attempts: When his jumper is off, he relies on getting to the line. He’s still a 90% plus shooter there, which keeps his average afloat even on "bad" nights.
As we move deeper into the 2026 season, keep an eye on his minutes. Coach Steve Kerr has been trying to keep him around 32 minutes a night. If those minutes creep up toward 36 because of a tight playoff race, expect the Stephen Curry points per game average to potentially lead the league once again. It’s been a hell of a ride, and the wheels aren't falling off yet.
To get the most accurate picture of his current impact, compare his "Home" vs. "Away" splits this season. Historically, he’s more explosive at Chase Center, but he’s had some of his biggest career nights—like the 54-point Garden game—on the road. Tracking his performance against top-5 defenses will tell you if he's truly "aging" or just pacing himself for June.