Leading 3 Point Shooters in NBA History: Ranking the Greatest Sharpshooters of All Time

As I sit here watching another incredible Steph Curry performance, it's hard not to reflect on how dramatically the three-point shot has transformed basketball. I remember when coaches used to frown upon players taking too many threes - now it's become the great equalizer in modern NBA offenses. The evolution from "Bakit natin pinapaabot du'n pa?" - why extend ourselves that far - to embracing the long-range game represents one of the most significant tactical shifts in basketball history.

When I first started analyzing NBA statistics back in the early 2000s, the three-pointer was still considered somewhat of a novelty shot. Teams would average maybe 15-18 attempts per game, and players who specialized beyond the arc were often labeled as one-dimensional. Fast forward to today, and we're seeing teams regularly launch 40+ threes per contest. This philosophical change has elevated certain players from mere specialists to genuine offensive weapons who can single-handedly warp defenses. Having studied countless hours of game footage, I've come to appreciate how the greatest shooters don't just make shots - they create gravitational pulls that open up the entire court for their teammates.

Stephen Curry stands alone at the pinnacle of three-point shooting, and frankly, I don't think it's particularly close. The numbers speak for themselves - 3,117 career threes and counting at a remarkable 42.8% clip. But what truly sets Curry apart in my analysis is the degree of difficulty on his attempts. Unlike many catch-and-shoot specialists from previous eras, Curry creates his own looks off the dribble, often from well beyond the arc. I've charted his shooting range extending to 30+ feet with consistent accuracy, something we've never seen before in league history. His 2015-16 season, where he made 402 threes at 45.4%, remains the gold standard for shooting excellence that may never be matched.

Ray Allen's textbook form and clutch gene place him firmly in the number two spot with 2,973 career threes. Having watched Allen throughout his career, what always impressed me was his incredible footwork and ability to come off screens ready to shoot. His iconic corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals perfectly encapsulates why he belongs among the elite - the preparation, the footwork, the nerves of steel under pressure. Reggie Miller comes in third with 2,560 threes, and while his numbers might not jump off the page compared to modern shooters, context matters. Miller was launching threes in an era where physical defense was permitted, often while being grabbed and held in ways that would draw fouls today.

James Harden's step-back three has revolutionized how players create space, though I must admit his volume-heavy approach (2,576 threes and counting) comes with efficiency tradeoffs that keep him from the top tier in my personal rankings. Meanwhile, Kyle Korver's 42.9% career percentage represents the purest form of catch-and-shoot excellence we've seen. Damian Lillard's deep range and penchant for game-winners give him a special place in this conversation - his series-ending 37-footer against Oklahoma City remains one of the most audacious shots I've ever witnessed.

What fascinates me about tracking these shooting legends is how the very definition of a "good shot" has evolved. The hesitation encapsulated by "Bakit natin pinapaabot du'n pa?" has been replaced by analytical certainty that three points are worth more than two. As the game continues to evolve, I suspect we'll see even more specialized shooters entering this conversation, though surpassing Curry's combination of volume, efficiency, and degree of difficulty will require something truly extraordinary. The three-point line has moved from afterthought to centerpiece, and these shooters have permanently altered how basketball is played at the highest level.