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

As I was watching a recent NBA game and heard the commentator marvel at a player sinking a three-pointer from way downtown, I couldn't help but reflect on how much the game has evolved. The phrase "Bakit natin pinapaabot du'n pa?"—which roughly translates to "Why do we extend it there?" in Filipino—kept echoing in my mind. It perfectly captures the essence of modern basketball's obsession with the three-point shot, a strategy that has reshaped team offenses and individual legacies. Over my years of analyzing basketball statistics and trends, I've seen this shot transform from a risky gamble to a fundamental weapon, making the discussion of the top 10 three-point shooters in NBA history not just a list, but a narrative of innovation and skill.

When I think about the greatest three-point shooters, Stephen Curry immediately comes to mind, and for good reason. He's not just a shooter; he's a revolutionary who has redefined range and accuracy. With over 3,000 career three-pointers and a career percentage hovering around 43%, Curry's ability to drain shots from virtually anywhere on the court is, in my opinion, unparalleled. I remember watching him in the 2016 season when he hit 402 threes—a record that still blows my mind. Close behind him, Ray Allen stands out with his classic form and clutch performances, like that iconic shot in the 2013 NBA Finals. Allen's total of 2,973 three-pointers showcases his longevity and precision, and I've always admired how he maintained a steady 40% shooting rate from deep throughout his career. Then there's Reggie Miller, whose 2,560 threes were often delivered in high-pressure moments, making him a legend in the playoffs. As someone who's studied game tapes from the '90s, I can attest to how Miller's fearless shooting forced defenses to adapt, paving the way for today's spacing.

Moving down the list, players like Kyle Korver and Klay Thompson bring their own unique flavors to the art. Korver, with his near-perfect mechanics, once nailed a season at 49.2% from three-point range—a figure that feels almost mythical. Thompson, on the other hand, is the epitome of a catch-and-shoot specialist; his 14 threes in a single game back in 2018 is a record I doubt will be broken anytime soon. I've had debates with fellow analysts about whether Thompson's quick release or Korver's consistency is more valuable, and I lean toward Thompson for his playoff heroics. Others like James Harden and Damian Lillard have pushed the boundaries with step-back threes and deep bombs, with Harden racking up over 2,500 threes and Lillard not far behind. Harden's 2019 season, where he attempted over 1,000 threes, was a testament to his volume shooting, though I sometimes question if that efficiency drops in clutch moments. Meanwhile, Steve Nash and Larry Bird, though from earlier eras, were pioneers; Bird's three-point contest win in 1986 is stuff of legends, and Nash's 42.8% career accuracy reminds us that fundamentals never go out of style. And let's not forget Dirk Nowitzki, who blended size and skill to hit over 1,900 threes, changing the game for big men.

In wrapping up, the evolution of the three-point shot, much like the phrase "Bakit natin pinapaabot du'n pa?", reflects a strategic shift in basketball—extending the game beyond traditional limits. From my perspective, this list isn't just about numbers; it's about how these players embraced risk and innovation, turning the three-pointer into a cornerstone of modern offense. As the NBA continues to evolve, I suspect we'll see new names join this elite group, but the legacy of these shooters will always remind us why pushing boundaries is at the heart of the sport.