The three-point shot has transformed the game of basketball since its introduction in the NBA in 1979. What was once considered a low-percentage gamble is now a fundamental strategy, shaping offensive schemes and revolutionizing player roles. The greatest three-point shooters in NBA history have not only perfected the art of shooting from long range but have also redefined how the game is played. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the best three-point shooters of all time, evaluating them based on accuracy, volume, impact, and legacy.
1. Stephen Curry – The Undisputed King of the Three-Pointer
No conversation about three-point shooting is complete without mentioning Stephen Curry. Widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, Curry has shattered records and redefined basketball.
Why He’s the Greatest:
- Most Career Three-Pointers: As of 2024, Curry has the most three-pointers made in NBA history, surpassing Ray Allen’s record.
- Revolutionized the Game: Curry’s deep-range shooting has forced defenses to extend further out, opening up the floor for teammates.
- Unparalleled Accuracy & Volume: Shooting over 42% from three while attempting more than 10 threes per game is unprecedented.
- Clutch Performer: Whether it’s the regular season or playoffs, Curry consistently hits big shots from long range.
Key Achievements:
- 4× NBA Champion
- 2× MVP (including the only unanimous MVP in history)
- NBA Three-Point Contest Champion (2015, 2021)
2. Ray Allen – The Picture of Perfection
Before Curry took over, Ray Allen was widely regarded as the best three-point shooter ever. Known for his quick release and picture-perfect form, Allen was lethal from beyond the arc.
Why He’s One of the Best:
- Previously Held the All-Time Three-Point Record: Before Curry broke it, Allen was the all-time leader in made threes.
- Clutch Shooting: His game-tying three in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals is one of the most iconic shots in NBA history.
- Longevity & Consistency: Over a 19-season career, he shot 40% from three.
Key Achievements:
- 2× NBA Champion
- 10× NBA All-Star
- NBA Three-Point Contest Champion (2001)
3. Reggie Miller – The Original Three-Point Assassin
Reggie Miller was a pioneer in three-point shooting, using off-ball movement, screens, and elite shot-making to become a deadly shooter.
Why He’s Among the Best:
- Clutch Performer: Known for his legendary playoff performances, including the eight points in nine seconds against the Knicks in 1995.
- Longevity: Played 18 seasons and retired as the all-time leader in made threes before Ray Allen broke his record.
- Toughness & Showmanship: Never afraid of the big moment or trash talk, Miller was a cold-blooded shooter.
Key Achievements:
- 5× NBA All-Star
- 2nd in Three-Pointers Made at Retirement
- Hall of Famer
4. Klay Thompson – The Most Explosive Shooter
Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry’s backcourt partner, is arguably the second-greatest pure shooter in NBA history. His ability to catch and shoot under pressure is unparalleled.
Why He’s a Great Shooter:
- Record for Most Threes in a Game (14): No one has made more in a single game than Klay.
- Scoring Explosions: His 37-point quarter is an NBA record.
- Elite Efficiency: Despite high volume, he has maintained a 41% career three-point percentage.
- Big-Game Performer: Consistently delivers in crucial playoff moments.
Key Achievements:
- 4× NBA Champion
- 5× NBA All-Star
- NBA Three-Point Contest Champion (2016)
5. Larry Bird – The Pioneer of the Three
Though the three-point shot wasn’t a primary weapon in the 1980s, Larry Bird was one of the first players to truly master it.
Why He Stands Out:
- One of the First Elite Three-Point Shooters: Bird won the first three NBA Three-Point Contests ever held (1986-88).
- Clutch Performer: Known for stepping up in big moments.
- Dominant in Multiple Eras: Despite fewer three-point attempts than modern players, his shooting was elite for his time.
Key Achievements:
- 3× NBA Champion
- 3× MVP
- 2× NBA Finals MVP
6. Damian Lillard – The Deep-Range Sniper
Lillard has redefined what deep-range shooting means in today’s NBA, regularly launching from 30+ feet with ease.
Why He’s Special:
- “Dame Time” Clutch Factor: Has hit multiple series-ending three-pointers in the playoffs.
- Deep-Range Mastery: One of the best at hitting shots from beyond 30 feet.
- High Volume & Accuracy: Consistently among the league leaders in made threes.
Key Achievements:
- 7× NBA All-Star
- NBA Three-Point Contest Champion (2023)
7. James Harden – The Step-Back King
James Harden’s unique shooting ability, especially his step-back three-pointer, makes him one of the most prolific shooters of all time.
Why He’s an Elite Shooter:
- One of the Highest Three-Point Volume Shooters Ever: Has led the league in attempts multiple times.
- Step-Back Three: Revolutionized the way perimeter players create their shots.
- Consistency: Has averaged over 35% from three despite high difficulty shots.
Key Achievements:
- NBA MVP (2018)
- 3× NBA Scoring Champion
- 7× NBA All-Star
Honorable Mentions
While these players didn’t make the top seven, they are still among the greatest shooters in NBA history:
- Kyle Korver: One of the most accurate shooters ever (42.9% career from three).
- Steve Nash: A career 43% three-point shooter and elite shooter in limited attempts.
- Dirk Nowitzki: Revolutionized shooting for big men, with a lethal outside shot.
- Kevin Durant: An elite scorer who can shoot from anywhere on the court.
- Peja Stojaković: One of the best three-point shooters of the 2000s.
The evolution of the three-point shot has changed the NBA, and these players have left an undeniable mark on the game. Stephen Curry stands at the top, but legends like Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, and Klay Thompson have all shaped the art of three-point shooting in their ways.
As the game continues to evolve, new stars will emerge, but the impact of these players will never be forgotten. Who do you think is the greatest three-point shooter of all time? Let us know in the comments!
