Discover the Leading 3-Point Shooters in NBA History and Their Record-Breaking Stats

I still remember watching Ray Allen’s iconic corner three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals as if it happened yesterday. The composure, the footwork, the release—it was a masterclass in clutch shooting. That moment didn’t just secure the Miami Heat a championship; it reminded everyone why the three-point shot has evolved from a strategic novelty to the very soul of modern basketball. As someone who’s spent years analyzing the game, I’ve come to appreciate how the art of long-range shooting has redefined player legacies and reshaped offensive schemes across the league. It’s not just about launching from deep; it’s about precision, consistency, and an almost obsessive dedication to the craft.

When you look at the all-time leaders in three-pointers made, a few names immediately stand out. Ray Allen sits at the top with 2,973 career threes—a staggering number, especially when you consider the era in which he played. Allen wasn’t just a shooter; he was a student of spacing and movement, someone who understood how to create opportunities even without the ball in his hands. Then there’s Stephen Curry, who’s not only closing in on Allen’s record but has fundamentally changed how teams defend beyond the arc. Curry’s ability to shoot off the dribble, from 30 feet or more, with a release quicker than a blink, is something I’ve never seen before. His 402 threes in the 2015-16 season alone is a record that feels almost untouchable. Reggie Miller, with his 2,560 career threes, brought a kind of theatrical flair to long-range shooting. I’ve always admired his fearlessness—whether it was in the regular season or the playoffs, Miller had a knack for making the big shot when it mattered most.

Beyond the sheer volume, what fascinates me are the nuances that separate the great shooters from the good ones. Klay Thompson, for instance, holds the record for most threes in a single game with 14. Watching him that night was like witnessing a perfect storm of rhythm and confidence. He didn’t just break the record; he demolished it. And let’s not forget players like Kyle Korver, who for years maintained a shooting form so pure it could be used in coaching clinics. His 53.6% three-point shooting in the 2014-15 season is a testament to what happens when flawless technique meets relentless repetition. Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for Steve Kerr, not because of his volume, but because of his efficiency. Kerr’s 45.4% career three-point percentage is the highest in NBA history, and it speaks to a player who knew his role and executed it with near-perfect precision.

Of course, the conversation around three-point shooting isn’t just about individual brilliance. It’s also about how the game has shifted. Teams today attempt more threes than ever, and the “three-and-D” player has become one of the most valuable archetypes in the league. From my perspective, this isn’t a fad—it’s a logical evolution. The math is simple: three points are worth more than two, and if you can shoot at a high enough clip, you’re going to force defenses to stretch to their breaking point. I’ve noticed that the best shooters also tend to be among the hardest workers. Curry’s pre-game routines, for example, are legendary for their intensity and attention to detail. It’s no coincidence that his career three-point percentage hovers around 43.3%, a number that feels almost superhuman given the degree of difficulty on many of his attempts.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the three-point revolution is far from over. Young players like Trae Young and Luka Dončić are already pushing the boundaries of what’s considered a “makeable” shot. But for me, the legends like Allen, Curry, and Miller will always represent different chapters in the same story—a story about how a single shot transformed basketball forever. Whether you’re a coach designing plays or a fan watching from the couch, understanding the impact of these shooters isn’t just about appreciating records; it’s about recognizing the moments of genius that make the game so unforgettable. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.