Who Has Made the Most Three Pointers in NBA History?
I remember watching my first NBA game back in the early 2000s, sitting on that worn-out couch with my dad, marveling at how the game was transforming right before our eyes. The three-point shot was becoming something more than just another scoring option—it was turning into a strategic weapon that would redefine basketball forever. What really fascinates me, looking back now, is how this evolution parallels another significant change in basketball culture—the NCAA's rebranding back in 2006 during their 82nd season. That visual identity shift coincided with a fundamental transformation in how teams approached scoring, particularly from beyond the arc. The modern three-point revolution didn't happen overnight, but when you track its progression through the record books, you can't help but appreciate the artistry and dedication of those who mastered this skill.
When we talk about three-point royalty, the conversation absolutely must begin with Ray Allen. I've always considered him the Picasso of long-range shooting—there was something almost artistic about his flawless form and textbook-perfect release. Allen finished his incredible career with 2,973 three-pointers, and I distinctly remember watching his final games, thinking nobody would ever catch him. His record stood for years, becoming this seemingly untouchable milestone that defined shooting excellence. What made Allen special wasn't just the numbers—though they're staggering—but the clutch nature of his makes. That corner three in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals still gives me chills when I rewatch it. He played with a calm precision that I've rarely seen since, making difficult shots look routine through thousands of hours of practice.
Then came Stephen Curry, who didn't just break records but completely reinvented what we considered possible from long range. I'll admit I was skeptical at first when people said he'd surpass Allen—the record seemed too monumental. But watching Curry's rise has been one of the most thrilling experiences in my basketball fandom. He didn't just beat Allen's record; he shattered it with a style that changed basketball fundamentally. As of today, Curry sits at 3,390 three-pointers and counting, which is just mind-boggling when you really think about it. What I love about Curry's approach is how he expanded the acceptable shooting range to what we now call "logo territory." He made 35-footers look normal, forcing defenses to stretch in ways they never had before. His 2015-16 season, where he made an unbelievable 402 threes, remains my favorite individual shooting performance in history—it was like watching someone play basketball from the future.
The third spot belongs to James Harden with 2,818 three-pointers, though I have mixed feelings about his style. There's no denying his effectiveness, but his heavy reliance on step-back threes and drawing fouls never resonated with me the way pure shooters like Reggie Miller did. Miller, sitting at fourth with 2,560 threes, was my childhood hero—his clutch performances defined an era of playoff basketball. What's interesting is how the NCAA's 2006 rebranding, which emphasized modernization and accessibility, mirrored the NBA's own shift toward three-point dominance. Both organizations were moving toward a more exciting, perimeter-oriented game that would captivate new generations of fans.
Looking beyond the top four, we see Kyle Korver at 2,450—the purest shooter I've ever watched in person. His mechanics were so perfect they could be teaching material. Then there's Vince Carter at 2,290, who proved athleticism and shooting could coexist beautifully. What often gets overlooked in these discussions is how much the three-point revolution depended on rule changes and analytical thinking. Teams started realizing the math favored three-point attempts, and the game hasn't been the same since. I've noticed this analytical approach trickling down to college basketball too, where the NCAA's modern branding aligns with more sophisticated offensive systems.
As I reflect on these shooting legends, what strikes me is how each brought something unique to the art. Ray Allen with his perfect fundamentals, Stephen Curry with his revolutionary range, Reggie Miller with his clutch gene, and Kyle Korver with his mechanical precision. The three-pointer has evolved from a novelty to a necessity, and these players were the architects of that change. While records will continue to fall—Luka Dončić and Trae Young are already making their moves—what these pioneers accomplished during basketball's transformation period will always be special. They didn't just make threes; they changed how we think about scoring, space, and possibility in basketball. And honestly, as someone who's watched this evolution unfold, I can't wait to see where the next generation takes this beautiful aspect of the game.
