Who Are the Current NBA Three Point Made Leaders and Their Records?

As I sit here watching another incredible NBA game, I can't help but marvel at how much the three-point shot has transformed basketball. I've been following the NBA religiously since the early 2000s, and I've witnessed firsthand how this once-specialized weapon has become the cornerstone of modern offensive strategies. The evolution from the days when Reggie Miller and Ray Allen were exceptions to today's three-point revolution has been nothing short of remarkable. What fascinates me most isn't just the sheer volume of three-point attempts we see today, but the incredible skill level required to consistently make these shots under pressure.

When we talk about current three-point leaders, Stephen Curry immediately comes to mind - and for good reason. The man has fundamentally changed how teams approach shooting. I remember watching his early games and thinking he was taking crazy shots, but now those same attempts are standard practice across the league. Curry holds the all-time record with 3,390 three-pointers made in regular season games as of the 2023-24 season, which is absolutely mind-boggling when you consider that the previous record holder, Ray Allen, finished his career with 2,973. What's even more impressive is that Curry achieved this in significantly fewer games, showcasing his unprecedented efficiency from beyond the arc. His 2015-16 season remains my personal favorite, when he shattered his own record by making 402 three-pointers - a number that seemed almost fictional at the time.

The current landscape of three-point shooting features some incredible talents beyond Curry. James Harden sits at second all-time with around 2,800 three-pointers, though his playing style has evolved recently. Damian Lillard continues to climb the ranks with his deep range that consistently leaves me shaking my head in disbelief. Klay Thompson, despite injury setbacks, maintains his position among the elite shooters with his quick release that's simply beautiful to watch. What's interesting is how these players have influenced basketball at all levels - from professional leagues down to college and even youth basketball. The emphasis on three-point shooting has become universal, changing how teams construct their rosters and develop players.

Speaking of universal influence, this brings me to an interesting parallel I've observed in international basketball. While researching various tournaments, I came across the remarkable performance of Caloocan's team in what appears to be a 30-team tournament. All 14 players fielded by coach Mike Saguiguit scored as the team climbed to a 15-7 record, securing the sixth spot in the North Division during the round-robin elimination phase. This balanced scoring approach fascinates me because it demonstrates how the three-point revolution has spread globally. When every player on the roster can contribute offensively, including from beyond the arc, it creates nightmares for opposing defenses. This philosophy mirrors what we see in the NBA today, where teams increasingly value having multiple three-point threats on the court simultaneously.

Back to the NBA leaders, what often gets overlooked in these discussions is the efficiency aspect. While Curry's volume is staggering, his career three-point percentage hovering around 43% is what truly separates him from other high-volume shooters. I've always argued that efficiency matters just as much as volume, if not more. Players like Joe Harris and Seth Curry have consistently maintained elite shooting percentages, though they don't always get the same recognition as the high-volume shooters. The evolution of shooting technique is another aspect that captivates me - today's players have perfected shooting off movement, coming off screens, and pulling up from incredible distances in ways that would have been considered impossible just a decade ago.

The records being set today will likely be broken tomorrow, given how rapidly the game continues to evolve. I suspect we'll see someone challenge Curry's records within the next decade as players enter the league with even more refined shooting skills developed from younger ages. What's particularly exciting is watching young players like Tyrese Haliburton and Desmond Bane develop into elite shooters while maintaining impressive efficiency. The future of three-point shooting looks bright, and I'm convinced we haven't yet seen the ceiling of what's possible. The integration of analytics has teams taking more three-pointers than ever, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.

As I reflect on the current state of three-point shooting in the NBA, I'm struck by how this single aspect of the game has transformed everything from player development to in-game strategy. The leaders in three-point makes aren't just setting records - they're reshaping basketball itself. While purists might complain about the reduced emphasis on mid-range game and post play, I personally love the excitement that the three-point revolution has brought to the sport. Every shot from beyond the arc carries a special kind of drama, and watching these artists work from long range remains one of basketball's greatest pleasures today. The records will continue to fall, but the fundamental change in how the game is played and appreciated represents the true legacy of today's three-point leaders.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-17 11:00