Leading 3 Point Shooters in NBA History: The Ultimate Ranking of Basketball's Greatest Sharpshooters

As I sit here watching another incredible NBA game, I can't help but marvel at how the three-point shot has completely transformed basketball. I remember watching games back in the early 2000s when teams would attempt maybe 15 threes per game - now we see teams regularly launching 40-plus attempts from beyond the arc. This evolution brings to mind that Filipino phrase I once heard from a coaching mentor: "Bakit natin pinapaabot du'n pa?" which roughly translates to "Why do we make it reach that far?" In basketball terms, this perfectly captures the strategic shift toward prioritizing the three-pointer - why settle for two when you can get three?

When we talk about the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history, the conversation has to start with Stephen Curry. I've had the privilege of watching his entire career unfold, and honestly, nobody has revolutionized the game quite like him. The numbers speak for themselves - he's made over 3,390 three-pointers at a remarkable 42.8% clip. What many casual fans don't realize is how much defensive attention he commands, often drawing double teams 30 feet from the basket. I've studied hours of game footage, and his ability to create shooting space is unlike anything I've ever seen. Ray Allen, who held the record before Curry, was the picture of perfection in his shooting form. Having watched numerous games from his prime, I can attest that his 2,973 career threes were built on relentless discipline and preparation. The iconic shot in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals wasn't just luck - it was the culmination of thousands of hours of practice.

Then we have Reggie Miller, who I consider the original three-point assassin. Growing up watching his battles with the Knicks, there was something special about how he could silence Madison Square Garden with a single shot. His 2,560 career threes came in an era where the three-pointer wasn't nearly as emphasized. What fascinates me about studying these shooters is how their styles differ - while Curry creates magic with handles and quick releases, Miller was the master of off-ball movement and using screens. Kyle Korver represents another fascinating case study - his 2,437 threes came primarily from catch-and-shoot situations, demonstrating how specialists can carve out incredible careers by mastering one skill.

Looking at the current landscape, players like Damian Lillard and Klay Thompson are continuing to push the boundaries. Lillard's range has become absolutely ridiculous - I've seen him consistently hit from 35 feet like it's a normal mid-range jumper. Thompson, despite his injuries, holds the record for most threes in a single game with 14, a performance I was fortunate enough to witness live. The evolution continues with younger stars like Trae Young already approaching 1,200 threes in his early career. What's particularly interesting to me is how teams are now building entire offensive systems around the three-point shot, something that would have been unthinkable two decades ago.

As I reflect on these sharpshooters, I'm convinced we're witnessing basketball's most significant strategic revolution. The three-pointer isn't just another shot - it's become the great equalizer, allowing teams to overcome talent disparities and changing how defenses must operate. The phrase "Bakit natin pinapaabot du'n pa?" keeps resonating with me - why indeed would we not embrace this weapon that stretches defenses to their breaking point? While traditionalists might mourn the decreased emphasis on post play, I believe we're fortunate to witness this golden age of shooting. The records will continue to fall, but what these pioneers have accomplished will forever remain foundational to basketball's evolution.