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

I remember the first time I watched Stephen Curry warm up before a game—the sound of the ball swishing through the net was almost rhythmic, like clockwork. It got me thinking about what truly separates the great three-point shooters from the rest. When we talk about the greatest sharpshooters in NBA history, it’s not just about raw numbers, though those matter. It’s about the moments when a player elevates the shot from a tactical weapon to an art form. And honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic when you revisit some of these legends and their impact on how the game is played today.

Let’s start with the obvious: Stephen Curry isn’t just leading the pack; he’s redefined what’s possible from beyond the arc. With over 3,200 career three-pointers and counting, he’s lapping the competition in a way that almost feels unfair. I’ve always admired how he combines volume with efficiency—shooting around 43% from deep for his career while taking some of the most difficult attempts you’ll ever see. But what really stands out to me is his influence. Before Curry, the three-pointer was often a secondary option. Now, it’s the centerpiece of modern offenses, and you can trace that shift directly back to him. Guys like Ray Allen and Reggie Miller paved the way, but Curry turned the path into a highway.

Speaking of Ray Allen, I’ll never forget his iconic shot in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals. That wasn’t just a clutch moment; it was a testament to years of disciplined repetition. Allen finished his career with 2,973 three-pointers, and his textbook form is still the gold standard for young players. Then there’s Reggie Miller, who brought a kind of theatrical flair to long-range shooting. He tallied 2,560 threes in an era where the shot wasn’t as emphasized, and his rivalry with the Knicks produced some of the most memorable playoff performances ever. Personally, I think Miller’s mental toughness is underrated—he thrived under pressure in a way that few have matched.

But let’s not overlook the role of specialization. Players like Kyle Korver, who nailed over 2,400 threes at a 43% clip, mastered the art of movement without the ball. Watching him weave through screens was like watching a well-choreographed dance. And then there’s the longevity of someone like Vince Carter, who adapted his game over two decades to remain a threat from deep. It’s one thing to be a volume shooter; it’s another to sustain accuracy while evolving with the game. I’ve always believed that the best shooters aren’t just born—they’re refined through relentless practice and adaptation.

Of course, any discussion about three-point shooting inevitably circles back to the philosophical question embedded in that Filipino phrase from the reference: "Bakit natin pinapaabot du’n pa?" which loosely translates to "Why do we stretch it out that far?" In basketball terms, it’s a fair point. Why emphasize a shot that’s statistically harder? But the answer, in my view, lies in efficiency and spacing. A made three-pointer is simply more valuable than a two-pointer, and stretching the floor opens up driving lanes and creates offensive versatility. The math backs it up, but so does the eye test—when a team has a dead-eye shooter, everything else becomes easier.

As I reflect on these players, it’s clear that the three-point shot has evolved from a novelty to a necessity. Curry might be the face of this revolution, but he stands on the shoulders of giants who proved that risk-taking from long range could pay off in big ways. Whether it’s the grace of Allen, the grit of Miller, or the innovation of today’s shooters, each has contributed to making the NBA faster, more dynamic, and honestly, more fun to watch. The next time you see a player pull up from 30 feet, remember—it’s not just a shot; it’s a piece of history in the making.