Who Are the Top 10 Leading 3-Point Shooters in NBA History?

As I was watching an NBA game the other night, I found myself marveling at how the three-point shot has completely transformed modern basketball. The commentator's voice echoed in my living room as another player sank a deep three, and I couldn't help but think about the evolution of this game-changing weapon. The phrase "Bakit natin pinapaabot du'n pa?" - which roughly translates to "Why do we extend it that far?" in Filipino - kept popping into my head, reminding me of how coaches and traditionalists initially questioned the wisdom of shooting from such distances. Yet today, the three-pointer has become basketball's great equalizer, and the players who mastered it have etched their names in history.

When we talk about the greatest three-point shooters, the conversation naturally begins with Stephen Curry. I've had the privilege of watching his entire career unfold, and honestly, nobody has revolutionized the perimeter game quite like him. With over 3,200 career three-pointers and counting, Curry's combination of volume and accuracy is simply absurd. His 2015-16 season where he made 402 threes at a 45.4% clip remains the gold standard that I don't think will ever be matched. Right behind him sits Ray Allen, whose picture-perfect form I used to study for hours. Allen's 2,973 career threes and his clutch shooting in big moments - particularly that corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals - demonstrate why he's the prototype for the pure shooter.

The list continues with Reggie Miller, whose 2,560 threes came during an era when the shot wasn't nearly as emphasized. I remember watching Miller torch the Knicks in the 1990s, his gangly frame releasing shots that seemed to defy physics. Then there's Kyle Korver, who I consider the most mechanically perfect shooter I've ever seen - his 42.9% career percentage from deep is just insane consistency. James Harden deserves mention too, though his step-back threes sometimes make me cringe with their difficulty level. His 2,700-plus threes on high volume show how the game has evolved toward creating space for deep balls.

What fascinates me about Damian Lillard's inclusion in this elite group is his range. The man regularly shoots from 30 feet like it's a free throw, and his 2,100-plus threes include some of the most dramatic clutch shots I've witnessed. Klay Thompson belongs here too - his 1,800 threes and that unbelievable 37-point quarter where he didn't dribble once perfectly capture his catch-and-shoot brilliance. Vince Carter's longevity impressed me tremendously, as he adapted his game over two decades to remain a three-point threat well into his 40s. Paul Pierce and Jason Terry round out my personal top ten, with Pierce's big-moment shooting and Terry's confident swagger leaving lasting impressions throughout their careers.

Looking at today's game, I'm convinced we're witnessing the golden age of three-point shooting. The strategic evolution from that initial "why shoot from there?" skepticism to today's analytics-driven embrace of the deep ball has been remarkable to watch unfold. These shooters didn't just make baskets - they changed how basketball is played at every level. From playgrounds to professional arenas, everyone wants to be like Steph now. The three-pointer has become basketball's great drama generator, and these ten artists have painted the most beautiful pictures with that orange ball arcing through the air. As the game continues to evolve, I can't wait to see who might eventually join this exclusive club and how they'll push the boundaries of shooting even further.