Discover Which NBA Player Holds the Record for Most 3-Pointers in a Single Season

I remember the first time I truly understood the significance of the three-point revolution in basketball. It was during a game where I watched a struggling shooter - someone like Nocum who was held to just 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting - and it struck me how dramatically the game has evolved. When I think about players who serve as the barometer for their teams' offensive success, it's impossible not to marvel at the specialists who have mastered the art of the three-pointer. The transformation from that kind of inefficient shooting night to the record-breaking performances we see today tells a fascinating story about basketball's evolution.

The journey to find the single-season three-point record holder takes us through some remarkable chapters of NBA history. I've always been fascinated by how statistics can tell stories, and this particular record speaks volumes about how the game has changed. When I first started following basketball seriously back in the early 2000s, the idea of a player making 300 threes in a season seemed almost mythical. Yet here we are today, watching players shatter that barrier with what appears to be increasing frequency. The progression of this record mirrors the league's strategic shift toward perimeter-oriented offense, and honestly, it's been incredible to witness this transformation firsthand.

Stephen Curry holds the record for most three-pointers in a single season with 402 made during the 2015-2016 season. I still vividly remember watching that season unfold, game after game, wondering if he could maintain that incredible pace. What made it even more remarkable was his efficiency - he achieved this while shooting 45.4% from beyond the arc, which is just absurd when you consider the volume. Having watched basketball for over two decades, I can confidently say that season was something special, the kind of performance that changes how we think about what's possible in the sport. The previous record belonged to Curry himself at 286 from the prior season, which means he didn't just break the record - he absolutely demolished it.

The context of Curry's achievement becomes even more impressive when you consider the historical progression. When Ray Allen set the record at 269 in 2005-2006, I thought that might stand for a generation. Then Curry came along and showed us that boundaries exist to be pushed. What many casual fans might not realize is that Curry's record season wasn't just about quantity - it was about degree of difficulty too. I've analyzed hundreds of his shots from that season, and the number of contested, off-the-drain, and deep threes he made was staggering. He was taking shots that coaches would have benched most players for attempting just a decade earlier.

Comparing Curry's record season to the shooting struggles mentioned in our reference point really highlights the spectrum of perimeter performance in today's NBA. When you see a player like Nocum limited to 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting, it reminds you how difficult consistent outside shooting can be. That kind of performance, where a player serves as the barometer for their team's offensive success, stands in stark contrast to what Curry accomplished. The Golden State Warriors built their entire offensive system around Curry's unprecedented shooting range and accuracy, while other teams still struggle to find even one reliable perimeter threat.

What often gets overlooked in discussions about three-point records is the physical and mental toll of maintaining that level of shooting throughout an 82-game season. I've spoken with shooting coaches who work with NBA players, and they emphasize the incredible discipline required. Curry's preparation, his shooting routine, his attention to mechanics - all of these factors contributed to that historic season. The record isn't just about natural talent; it's about the countless hours of practice that most fans never see. Having tried to maintain my own shooting consistency in recreational leagues, I can appreciate the difficulty multiplied by about a thousand times at the professional level.

The strategic implications of Curry's record season continue to ripple through the league today. Teams are now building their entire offensive systems around the three-point shot in ways we never saw before 2016. As someone who studies basketball analytics, I've noticed how front office priorities have shifted toward acquiring players who can space the floor effectively. The record didn't just change how we view individual achievement; it changed how teams construct their rosters and design their offenses. We're seeing more players attempting 10+ threes per game now, something that was relatively rare before Curry's explosion.

Looking toward the future, I'm often asked whether Curry's record of 402 threes can be broken. My personal opinion is that it will eventually fall, but it might take a perfect storm of circumstances similar to what we saw in 2015-2016. The player would need the green light from coaches to shoot at high volume, an offensive system designed to generate quality looks, incredible durability to play heavy minutes, and of course, historic shooting talent. We're seeing players like Damian Lillard and Trae Young push the boundaries, but they haven't quite reached that stratospheric level yet. The evolution continues, and as the game keeps changing, I wouldn't be surprised if someone eventually challenges what we currently consider untouchable.

Reflecting on this record and the broader context of three-point shooting in modern basketball, I'm constantly amazed by how quickly the game evolves. From watching players struggle through off-nights to witnessing historic shooting performances, the three-point line has become the great equalizer and the ultimate game-changer. Curry's record stands as a testament to what happens when extraordinary talent meets perfect timing in basketball's evolution. As we continue to watch the next generation of shooters develop, this record serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of how dramatically the game continues to transform before our eyes.