Top 10 All-Time 3-Point Shooters in NBA History

Three point shooting changed the way basketball is played. Players who can hit shots from long range force defenses to stretch out. Since the NBA adopted the three point line in nineteen seventy nine a number of specialists have stood out. In this article we count down the top ten all time three point shooters in NBA history. We focus on the total shots made career impact and memorable moments that made each player a long range icon.

Top 10 All Time Three Point Shooters

• 1. Stephen Curry

  Stephen Curry transformed the three point game after he was drafted in two thousand nine. He holds the record for most three pointers made in a career and in a single season. In two thousand and sixteen he made four hundred and two three point shots. His quick release deep range and ability to shoot off the dribble changed how teams defend. Curry won three championships and two MVP awards thanks in part to his long range skill.

• 2. Ray Allen

  Ray Allen set the career three point record in two thousand and eleven before Curry broke it. Allen played twenty seasons and hit over two thousand nine hundred three pointers. He made one of the most famous shots in Finals history when he tied the game with a long three in two thousand and eight. Allen’s shooting form and consistency made him one of the purest shooters ever.

• 3. Reggie Miller

  Reggie Miller spent his entire eighteen year career with the Indiana Pacers. He made over two thousand six hundred three point shots. Miller was known for clutch moments in Playoff games often hitting big threes in close contests. His scoring bursts against rivals like the New York Knicks are still remembered by fans today.

• 4. Kyle Korver

  Kyle Korver played sixteen seasons and shot over forty two percent from three point range for his career. He made more than two thousand three hundred long range shots. Korver led the league in three point percentage twice and set the single season record at fifty four percent in two thousand fourteen. His off ball movement and quick catch and shoot made him a perfect specialist.

• 5. James Harden

  James Harden ranks among the top for three pointers made thanks to his ability to draw defenders and step back. Since two thousand and twelve he has averaged over three made threes per game in several seasons. Harden won three scoring titles and often used step back threes to beat the shot clock or change momentum. His craft in driving and kick out passes also created open chances.

• 6. Damian Lillard

  Damian Lillard joined the Portland Trail Blazers in two thousand twelve and quickly gained a reputation for deep shooting. He has made over two thousand two hundred three pointers in his career. Lillard hits big shots in Playoff games and end of quarter heaves that travel well beyond the arc. His range and fearlessness earned him the nickname Dame Time.

• 7. Klay Thompson

  Klay Thompson set the record for most three pointers in a single game when he made fourteen in twenty nineteen. He has made over two thousand one hundred three pointers in his career. As part of the Warriors back court he won three championships. Thompson’s quick release and ability to get hot and score dozens of points in a quarter made him one of the most dangerous shooters.

• 8. Paul Pierce

  Paul Pierce spent fifteen seasons with the Boston Celtics and made over two thousand one hundred three pointers. He won a championship in two thousand eight and was Finals MVP. Pierce’s clutch shooting in late game situations led to many come from behind wins. His smooth stroke and confidence under pressure made him a go to option.

• 9. Larry Bird

  Larry Bird played power forward for the Boston Celtics and was an early pioneer of long range shooting in the eighties. He made over nine hundred three pointers during his career but his impact went beyond raw numbers. Bird won three championships and three MVP awards. Known for his accuracy and trash talk he often hit big threes in crucial moments.

• 10. Jason Terry

  Jason Terry played nineteen seasons and made over two thousand one hundred three pointers. Known as the Jet he won a championship with Dallas in two thousand eleven. Terry’s scoring off the bench and clutch three pointers in Playoff games made him a feared shooter. His balance and footwork allowed him to shoot over bigger defenders.

Key Qualities of Elite Three Point Shooters

Quick Release

Shooters must get their shot off before defenders close in. Players like Curry and Korver excel at releasing the ball in under half a second. Quick release creates space and reduces the chance of being blocked.

Range and Accuracy

Hitting shots from well beyond the line stretches defenses. Lillard and Thompson took shots from nearly eight metres and still found the net. Accuracy from that distance comes from hours of practice and strong fundamentals.

Off Ball Movement

Great shooters find space without the ball. Cutting through screens and timing runs open up looks. Allen and Miller mastered off ball movement to free themselves for catch and shoot opportunities.

Clutch Performance

Shooting under pressure separates legends from others. Pierce and Ray Allen made shots that changed Finals outcomes. Clutch shooting requires confidence and mental toughness in critical moments.

The three point shot has grown from a novelty to a cornerstone of modern NBA strategy. The players on this list shaped the way teams attack and defend. Their career totals show remarkable consistency but their most memorable moments came when they hit shots that changed games and seasons. As teams continue to expand their range a new generation will chase these records. For now these ten remain the top all time three point shooters in NBA history.