The Top 10 Leading 3-Point Shooters in NBA History and Their Records

I still remember the first time I watched Ray Allen sink that iconic corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals—the shot that essentially saved Miami's championship hopes. That moment crystallized for me how much the three-pointer had transformed from a novelty to perhaps the most crucial weapon in modern basketball. When I look at the evolution of the NBA's relationship with the three-point shot, it's fascinating to see how we've moved from coaches initially discouraging it to entire offensive systems being built around it. The reference to "lalaban yan since ito na yung totoong bakbakan"—roughly translating to "they will fight because this is the real battle"—perfectly captures the mentality of today's elite shooters. They understand that three-point shooting isn't just a skill anymore; it's the battleground where games are won and lost.

Stephen Curry sits comfortably at the top of my personal ranking, and honestly, it's not even close. When I analyze his numbers—2,977 career three-pointers and counting at last check—what strikes me isn't just the volume but the degree of difficulty. The man shoots off the dribble, from near half-court, with defenders in his face, and still maintains a career percentage around 43.5%. I've watched him warm up before games, and his routine involves shots that most players wouldn't attempt even in practice. His 2015-16 season where he made 402 threes remains one of those records I don't see anyone touching for a long time. The way he revolutionized shooting form—quicker release, higher arc, deeper range—has fundamentally changed how young players develop today.

Ray Allen, who held the record before Curry, represents the classical form of shooting perfection. I always admired how he moved without the ball—constant motion, sharp cuts, perfect footwork. His 2,973 career threes came with a mechanical precision that made every shot look identical. Watching Allen shoot was like watching a master craftsman at work—no wasted movement, perfect balance, and that textbook follow-through. His percentage never dipped below 40% in his prime, which speaks to his incredible consistency. Reggie Miller, sitting third with 2,560 threes, brought a different kind of artistry—the psychological warfare, the clutch performances. I've re-watched his 8 points in 9 seconds against the Knicks more times than I can count, and each time I'm amazed by his fearless shooting under pressure.

When we get to the modern specialists like James Harden and Damian Lillard, we see how three-point shooting has evolved into a primary offensive weapon rather than a complementary skill. Harden's step-back three has become his signature move—I've charted his shooting and noticed he takes about 45% of his threes off the dribble, which is remarkable for someone attempting over 10 per game. Lillard's range extends so far that defenders have to pick him up at the logo, creating spacing opportunities that simply didn't exist a decade ago. What fascinates me about both these players is how they've weaponized the three-pointer not just as a scoring tool but as a system that manipulates entire defenses.

The role players and specialists deserve their flowers too. Kyle Korver's 49.2% three-point percentage in the 2014-15 season remains one of the most efficient shooting years I've ever witnessed. Watching him sprint through multiple screens just for one clean look demonstrated the level of commitment required to excel as a catch-and-shoot specialist. Similarly, Klay Thompson's 14 threes in a single game—including 9 without a miss in the first half—shows what happens when a pure shooter gets hot. I've always argued that Thompson has the quickest release in NBA history—sometimes it feels like the ball leaves his hands before he even catches it.

Looking at the international influence, players like Peja Stojaković demonstrated how European shooting techniques could translate to NBA success. His high release point and ability to shoot off movement made him a nightmare for defenders even before the three-point revolution fully took hold. Dirk Nowitzki, while more famous for his mid-range game, still sits comfortably among the all-time leaders with 1,982 threes—proof that great shooters come in different forms and styles.

The evolution of three-point shooting has completely changed how I analyze the game today. When I watch teams construct their rosters, the priority has shifted toward finding players who can space the floor and knock down threes consistently. The math is simple—making 35% of your threes is equivalent to shooting 52.5% from two-point range, which explains why even big men are now developing three-point range. I remember when centers shooting threes was considered revolutionary; now it's practically mandatory for staying on the floor.

As we look toward the future, I'm convinced we'll see these records continue to fall. The next generation of shooters—players like Trae Young who attempt nearly 10 threes per game—will push the boundaries even further. But what makes the current era so special is that we're witnessing the perfect storm of rule changes, analytical thinking, and generational talent converging to create the golden age of shooting. The "totoong bakbakan"—the real battle—has indeed shifted beyond the arc, and I can't wait to see how far this three-point revolution will go.