Who Has Made the Most All Time 3 Pointers in NBA History? Find Out Now

2025-10-30 01:15

As I was watching last night's game where a young player sank five three-pointers in a single quarter, it struck me how dramatically the NBA landscape has transformed since the days when a single three-pointer was considered a risky shot. Having followed basketball religiously since the late 90s, I've witnessed this evolution firsthand - from teams occasionally dipping their toes beyond the arc to today's analytics-driven era where the three-pointer has become the cornerstone of offensive strategy. The reference to Cruz's recent performance, where he demonstrated remarkable efficiency by hitting 4-of-5 from both the rainbow and four-point line respectively while scoring a season-high 27 points, perfectly illustrates how modern players have mastered long-range shooting as an essential weapon in their arsenal.

When we talk about the all-time three-point kings, the conversation inevitably begins with Ray Allen, whose textbook-perfect form and clutch shooting defined an era. I still get chills remembering his game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals - arguably the most pressure-packed shot in basketball history. Allen's 2,973 career three-pointers stood as the record for years, a testament to his consistency and longevity. What many casual fans might not realize is that Allen adapted his game multiple times throughout his career, transitioning from an explosive dunker in his Milwaukee days to becoming the most disciplined off-ball mover the game has ever seen. His shooting routine was legendary among insiders - I've heard stories from team staff about how he would take hundreds of shots after practice, often with managers rebounding for him until well after midnight.

Then came Stephen Curry, who didn't just break records but completely reimagined what was possible from beyond the arc. As I write this, Curry sits atop the all-time list with over 3,500 three-pointers and counting - a number that would have seemed like science fiction when I first started watching basketball. What fascinates me about Curry isn't just the volume but the degree of difficulty. He'll pull up from 30 feet without hesitation, sometimes even with a defender in his face, and make it look effortless. I've had the privilege of attending several Warriors games where you could feel the entire arena collectively hold its breath every time he touched the ball beyond the half-court line. His impact extends beyond statistics - he fundamentally changed how defenses scheme, forcing teams to defend from the moment they cross half-court.

The race for three-point supremacy doesn't end with Curry though. Watching players like James Harden and Damian Lillard develop their deep range has been fascinating from an analytical perspective. Harden's step-back three has become one of the most unstoppable moves in modern basketball, while Lillard's "Logo Lillard" range has redefined offensive spacing. What's particularly interesting to me is how the three-point revolution has trickled down to affect every position - nowadays, even centers are expected to stretch the floor, something that was virtually unheard of when I first started analyzing the game.

Looking at current trends, I'm convinced we'll see these records continue to fall. The mathematical advantage of the three-pointer is simply too significant to ignore, and with players starting their three-point development in middle school now, the skill level will only continue to rise. While purists sometimes complain about the decline of post play, I find this evolution thrilling - there's something beautiful about watching a perfectly executed three-pointer that swings momentum in an instant. The next generation of shooters is already waiting in the wings, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see someone challenge Curry's eventual final numbers within the next decade. The three-pointer has moved from being a supplementary weapon to the central focus of offensive systems, and honestly, I can't wait to see how much further this revolution will go.