Who Are the Top 10 NBA All-Time 3-Point Leaders in League History?

2025-10-30 01:15

As I sit here watching the Golden State Warriors game, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically the three-point shot has transformed basketball. When I first started covering the NBA back in the early 2000s, the three-pointer was more of a situational weapon than a foundational strategy. Fast forward to today, and it's become the most influential shot in the game, reshaping offenses and creating entirely new player archetypes. This evolution naturally leads us to examine the absolute masters of this skill—the players who have consistently delivered from beyond the arc throughout their careers. The conversation about roster composition and player health, much like what Cone discussed regarding Gilas' situation, applies equally here; longevity and fitness are crucial factors that separate good shooters from all-time greats.

When we talk about the pantheon of three-point shooting, one name immediately comes to mind: Stephen Curry. With over 3,390 career threes and counting, he hasn't just broken records—he's completely reinvented what we consider possible from long range. I remember watching his 2016 season where he made 402 threes, a number that seemed almost fictional at the time. What makes Curry's achievement even more remarkable is how he's maintained this efficiency while facing defensive schemes specifically designed to stop him. Right behind him sits Ray Allen with 2,973 career three-pointers, the previous record holder whose textbook-perfect form I've always admired. Reggie Miller, who held the record before Allen, rounds out the top three with 2,560 threes, though it's worth noting he achieved this in an era where the three-pointer wasn't nearly as emphasized as it is today.

The list continues with some fascinating names that might surprise casual fans. James Harden sits at number four with approximately 2,750 threes, showcasing his unique step-back that's become his signature move. Kyle Korver, who I consider the purest shooter I've ever seen, made 2,450 threes with a consistency that was almost mechanical. Vince Carter, who recently retired, demonstrated incredible longevity by making 2,290 threes across four different decades. Jason Terry, Jamal Crawford, Paul Pierce, and Damian Lillard complete this elite group, each bringing their own distinctive shooting style to the game. Lillard particularly stands out to me because of his incredible range—I've seen him take shots from near half-court that would make most coaches cringe, yet he makes them with startling regularity.

What's particularly interesting about analyzing these shooting legends is how their careers reflect the NBA's evolving relationship with the three-pointer. The older players on this list, like Miller, achieved their numbers in an era where shooting 4-5 threes per game was considered high volume, whereas today's players regularly attempt 8-12. This statistical context is crucial because it helps us appreciate the different challenges each generation faced. The health and durability factor that Cone mentioned in the context of roster decisions applies perfectly here too—staying healthy enough to maintain shooting rhythm over multiple seasons is an underappreciated aspect of climbing this particular leaderboard.

Looking at the current landscape, I'm convinced we'll see significant movement in these rankings over the next few years. Players like Curry and Lillard are still actively adding to their totals, while emerging talents like Trae Young appear destined to eventually join this exclusive club. The three-point revolution shows no signs of slowing down, and neither does the pursuit of shooting excellence. As both a analyst and fan, I find something deeply compelling about the combination of technical precision and fearless confidence that defines these shooting masters. They haven't just made shots—they've permanently expanded our understanding of basketball's offensive possibilities, creating a legacy that will influence generations of players to come.