Splash Brothers: Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson’s Revolutionary Backcourt
#SplashBrothers refers to the Golden State Warriors’ backcourt duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the greatest shooting backcourt in NBA history. Their three-point shooting revolutionized basketball and powered a dynasty.
Origins of the Nickname
2012 - Warriors announcer Brian Witt coined the term:
- “Splash” = sound of a swish three-pointer hitting the net
- Reference to the Bay Area (San Francisco Bay, “Splash” water theme)
- Brothers = chemistry, not literal siblings
The Partnership
Drafted:
- Stephen Curry - #7 pick, 2009 (Davidson College)
- Klay Thompson - #11 pick, 2011 (Washington State)
Together:
- 4× NBA Champions (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022)
- Most combined three-pointers in NBA history (duo)
- Played together 2011-2024 (until Klay left for Dallas 2024)
Record-Breaking Shooting
Stephen Curry:
- All-time NBA leader in three-pointers (3,700+ and counting)
- 2× MVP (2015, 2016 unanimous)
- 402 three-pointers in 2015-16 (single-season record)
- Greatest shooter in NBA history
Klay Thompson:
- #2 or #3 all-time in three-pointers (2,500+)
- 37 points in a single quarter (2015, NBA record)
- 14 three-pointers in a game (tied NBA record, 2018)
- Game 6 Klay — legendary playoff performances
Revolutionary Impact
The Splash Brothers changed how basketball is played:
- Three-point revolution — teams prioritize 3PT shooting over mid-range
- Spacing the floor — defenders have to guard 30 feet from basket
- “Pace and space” offense — fast-paced, three-heavy approach
- Analytics validation — three-pointers (3 points) > two-pointers (2 points)
Before Splash Brothers: Teams averaged ~18 three-point attempts per game After (2020s): Teams average 35+ three-point attempts per game
Iconic Moments
Klay’s 37-Point Quarter (2015)
- January 23, 2015 vs. Sacramento Kings
- Scored 37 points in the 3rd quarter alone (13-13 FG, 9-9 3PT)
- NBA record for points in a quarter
Game 6 Klay (2016 vs. OKC)
- Warriors down 3-2 in Western Conference Finals
- Klay Thompson: 41 points, 11 three-pointers
- Warriors won, then won Game 7 to reach Finals
Curry’s 2016 MVP Season
- First unanimous MVP in NBA history
- 402 three-pointers (broke his own record of 286)
- Led Warriors to 73-9 record
The Dynasty (2015-2022)
Championships:
- 2015 - Beat LeBron’s Cavs 4-2 (first title in 40 years)
- 2017 - Swept Cavs 4-0 (added Kevin Durant)
- 2018 - Swept Cavs 4-0 again
- 2022 - Beat Celtics 4-2 (Curry’s first Finals MVP)
Finals record: 4-2 (lost 2016 to Cavs after 3-1 lead, lost 2019 to Raptors)
Klay’s Injuries (2019-2021)
2019 Finals: Torn ACL 2020: Torn Achilles during rehab Missed 2.5 years (2019-2022 seasons)
2022 Comeback:
- Klay returned January 2022
- Warriors won championship (Splash Brothers reunited)
- Emotional moment — fans, teammates cried at his return
The End (2024)
July 2024 - Klay Thompson left the Warriors for the Dallas Mavericks via sign-and-trade, ending the Splash Brothers era after 13 seasons together.
Legacy:
- Most iconic duo of the 2010s
- Changed basketball forever (three-point revolution)
- Warriors fans heartbroken — end of an era
Cultural Impact
#SplashBrothers became:
- Baby’s nickname for any duo excelling together
- Business partnerships (“We’re the Splash Brothers of marketing”)
- Gaming duos (Fortnite, etc.)
Related Hashtags
- #DubNation (Warriors fans)
- #WarriorsDynasty
- #CurryRange (Steph’s deep threes)
- #Game6Klay (clutch performances)