Who Are the Leading 3 Point Shooters in NBA History? Find Out Now

You know, as a lifelong basketball fan, I've always been fascinated by the evolution of the three-point shot. When I first started watching NBA games back in the 90s, the three-pointer was more of a specialty weapon - something teams would use occasionally rather than building their entire offense around it. Fast forward to today, and it's become the most important shot in basketball. So let's dive into identifying the true masters of this art form, because honestly, figuring out who the leading three-point shooters in NBA history are requires more than just looking at raw numbers.

First things first, you need to understand that there are different ways to measure three-point shooting greatness. Some people just look at total makes, which gives you one perspective, but that heavily favors players with longer careers. Then there's shooting percentage, which tells you about efficiency but might miss players who take tougher, more volume shots. And then there's the eye test - how clutch were these shooters in big moments? I've always valued that intangible quality where you just know the ball's going in when it leaves their hands, regardless of the situation.

If we're talking pure volume, the conversation has to start with Ray Allen. The man made 2,973 three-pointers in his career, and I remember watching him with the Celtics and Heat thinking he had the most mechanically perfect shot I'd ever seen. His release was so quick and consistent - it was like watching a machine. Then there's Stephen Curry, who's not just breaking records but completely reshaping how we think about shooting range. As of this writing, he's made over 2,800 threes and will likely pass Allen soon, but what's more impressive is he's done it in about 400 fewer games. The efficiency is just mind-boggling - Curry shoots about 43% from three for his career while taking shots that would get most players benched.

Now here's where we get into the more nuanced part of evaluating shooters. Reggie Miller made 2,560 threes in an era where the three-pointer wasn't nearly as emphasized. I always think about his legendary playoff performances - the man had ice in his veins. Then you've got modern specialists like Klay Thompson, who holds the record for most threes in a game with 14. I was watching that game live and it was like witnessing basketball history unfold in real time. The ball just kept going in, and you could see the defenders getting more desperate with each make.

What many people don't consider enough is the difficulty of shots. Damian Lillard might not have the total numbers of some other guys yet, but his range starts from the logo regularly. I've lost count of how many games I've seen him win with 30-foot bombs in clutch situations. Then there's Kyle Korver, who might be the purest shooter I've ever seen in terms of mechanics and consistency. His 42.9% career three-point percentage is just ridiculous when you consider how many he's taken.

This reminds me of something interesting I came across recently from Philippine basketball. There was this quote from a coach named Santos that really stuck with me: "Patibayan na lang kung sino mas gusto, kasi lahat naman eh, yung mga teams na nandyan, lalaban yan since ito na yung totoong bakbakan." Roughly translated, he's saying that at the highest level, it comes down to toughness and will because all the teams that make it that far will fight since it's the real battle. That philosophy applies perfectly to three-point shooting in the NBA playoffs. It's not just about making shots in the regular season - it's about who can deliver when the defense is tighter, the pressure is higher, and the stakes are ultimate. That's why I'd take Curry over almost anyone in history in a Game 7 situation - he's proven he can make the tough shots when they matter most.

When I'm evaluating shooters, I also look at how they create their shots. James Harden, for instance, has made over 2,300 threes primarily through his step-back move that's basically unguardable when he's feeling it. Then there's someone like Steve Nash, who didn't have the volume of today's shooters but maintained an incredible 42.8% from deep while also being one of the greatest passers ever. That dual threat made him so dangerous - you never knew whether he was going to shoot or create for others.

The evolution of the three-point shot is also fascinating to track. Larry Bird would be shooting 10+ threes per game if he played today instead of the 1-2 he attempted in his era. The game has completely changed, and that context matters when comparing across generations. Personally, I think we're living in the golden age of shooting, with players like Curry and Thompson redefining what's possible from distance. I remember watching Curry warm up before a game once - he was casually hitting from half-court like it was a free throw. That's when you realize the level these guys are operating at.

So after all this analysis, if you're asking me to name the leading three-point shooters in NBA history, my personal top three would be Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, and Reggie Miller, with Klay Thompson rapidly climbing that list. But what makes basketball beautiful is that there's room for debate - someone could make a compelling case for Kyle Korver's efficiency or Damian Lillard's range. Ultimately, identifying the true masters of the three-point shot requires looking beyond just statistics to consider era, difficulty of shots, clutch performance, and that intangible ability to break opponents' spirits with a single swish. The three-pointer has become basketball's great equalizer, and these artists have turned it into their personal masterpiece.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-12 13:00