A three-point shooting completely changed basketball, developing from novelty to the cornerstone of modern NBA strategy. This transformation is driven by players, whose excellent shooting skills redefine the dynamics of the game. As of the 2024-25 NBA season, here are the top ten players who have scored the most 3-pointers in NBA history, showing their impact on the sport.
1. StephenCurry
- 3 pm: 4,058
- 3PA: 9,589
- 3p%: 42.3%
- team: Golden State Warriors (2009-present)
Stephen Curry became the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers, with more than 4,000 professional threes. His unparalleled shooting territory and rapid releases have changed the game’s offensive approach. Curry’s influence goes beyond statistics. He redefined the possibility from outside the arc, inspiring a generation of players to prioritize shooting.
2. James Harden
- 3 pm: 3,175
- 3PA: 8,750
- 3p%: 36.3%
- team: Oklahoma City Thunderbolt, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers (2009-present)
James Harden’s offensive ability is his emphasis on the mastery of step threes. His ability to create space and fouls makes him one of the most powerful scorers in the league. Harden’s influence is obvious, which is evident in the way many players adopt his technique, emphasizing the quarantine game and the surrounding shooting.
3. Ray Allen
- 3 pm: 2,973
- 3PA: 7,429
- 3p%: 40.0%
- team: Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle Supersonics, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat (1996-2014)
Ray Allen held the record for the most 3-pointers before Curry rose. Allen’s dedication to his craft is well known for his smooth shooting and clutch performances. His iconic 3-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals remains one of the most memorable shots in basketball history.
4. DamianLillard
- 3 pm: 2,804
- 3PA: 7,556
- 3p%: 37.1%
- team: Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks (2012-Published)
Damian Lillard’s realm of deep shooting and fearless approach have earned him a reputation as one of the league’s most popular performers. His ability to hit long shots under pressure has led to many win-win moments, cementing his position among elite shooters.
5. Klay Thompson
- 3 pm: 2,697
- 3PA: 6,562
- 3p%: 41.1%
- team: Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks (2011-present)
Klay Thompson’s quick release and defensive ability make him a double threat on the court. Thompson has had many explosive performances as part of the “Splash Brothers” duo with Curry, including a record 14 3-pointers in a game.
6. Reggie Miller
- 3 pm: 2,560
- 3PA: 6,486
- 3p%: 39.5%
- team: Indiana Pacers (1987–2005)
Reggie Miller is a pioneer in using three-pointers as a primary weapon. His sharpshooter and competitive spirit made him the central figure in the Pacers’ success in the 1990s. Miller’s memorable performance, especially with the New York Knicks, showed off his clutch shooting ability.
7. Jason Terry
- 3 pm: 2,282
- 3PA: 6,010
- 3p%: 38.0%
- team: Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks (1999-2018)
Jason Terry, known as The Jet, was a consistently reliable three-point shooter throughout his career. Terry often stands out from the bench and is a key part of the 2011 Dallas Mavericks Championship, with his high three-point shooting percentage. His lifespan and accuracy made him one of the most productive long-range shooters of his time.
8. Kyle Korver
- 3 pm: 2,450
- 3PA: 5,715
- 3p%: 42.9%
- team: Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks (2003-2020)
Kyle Korver’s excellent shooting mechanics and consistency make him one of the most reliable three-point shooters in NBA history. Korver is often used as an expert, and his attendance in court calls for defensive attention, opening up opportunities for his teammates.
9. Paul George
- 3 pm: 2,349
- 3PA: 6,127
- 3p%: 38.3%
- team: Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers (2010-present)
Paul George combines athleticism with a smooth shot, making him a powerful scorer outside the arc. His ability to create shots in dribbling and catch up play has played a role in his team’s offensive strategy.
10. Vince Carter
- 3 pm: 2,290
- 3PA: 6,168
- 3p%: 37.1%
- team: Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Net, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Sun, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks (1998-2020)
Vince Carter’s development from flying Dunker to a skilled three-point shooter has expanded his NBA career to an impressive 22 seasons. His adaptability and commitment to refining his shooting skills allowed him to remain a valuable contributor in his late 30s and 40s.
NBA history three-point leader (regular season)
| rank | Player | 3 pm | 3PA | 3p% | Positive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Curry | 4,058 | 9,589 | 42.3% | Yes |
| 2 | James Harden | 3,175 | 8,750 | 36.3% | Yes |
| 3 | Ray Allen | 2,973 | 7,429 | 40.0% | No |
| 4 | Damian Lillard | 2,804 | 7,556 | 37.1% | Yes |
| 5 | Klay Thompson | 2,697 | 6,562 | 41.1% | Yes |
| 6 | Reggie Miller | 2,560 | 6,486 | 39.5% | No |
| 7 | Jason Terry | 2,282 | 6,010 | 38.0% | No |
| 8 | Kyle Korver | 2,450 | 5,715 | 42.9% | No |
| 9 | Paul George | 2,349 | 6,127 | 38.3% | Yes |
| 10 | Vince Carter | 2,290 | 6,168 | 37.1% | No |
The development of three-pointers for these ten players was significantly affected. Their dedication, skills and innovation not only bring personal honors, but also changes the strategic landscape of the NBA. As the game continues to evolve, the legacy of these sharpshooters will undoubtedly inspire future generations to push the boundaries of long-range shooting.
