Who Has the Most 3 Points in NBA All Time History? Top Scorers Revealed

2025-10-30 01:15

As I sit here scrolling through NBA highlights, watching Steph Curry sink yet another impossible three-pointer, I can't help but marvel at how much the game has evolved. When I first started following basketball back in the 90s, the three-point shot was more of a novelty than a strategic weapon. Today, it's fundamentally reshaped how teams approach offense, and tracking the all-time leaders in three-pointers made has become one of the most compelling narratives in modern basketball history. The conversation about who sits atop this particular mountain has shifted dramatically over the past decade, and I've been fascinated to watch this statistical race unfold in real-time.

The undisputed king of the three-point shot, in my honest opinion, is Ray Allen. While Steph Curry will likely shatter every record by the time he hangs up his sneakers, Allen's longevity and clutch gene cement his legacy for me. He finished his career with a staggering 2,973 three-pointers, a number that felt almost mythical when he retired. I remember watching his iconic corner three for the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the 2013 Finals; that shot wasn't just skill, it was a lifetime of repetition and icy veins. Allen’s form was textbook perfection, a model I'd show any young player looking to learn the craft. What many forget is the era he played in; he wasn't launching 10-12 a game like players do today. His efficiency was remarkable, built on a foundation of relentless off-ball movement and a quick, high release.

Of course, the conversation is impossible without Stephen Curry, the man who revolutionized the very concept of shooting range. As of my last check, he's sitting around 3,390 and counting, having blown past Allen's record a couple of seasons ago. I have to admit, what Curry has done is simply otherworldly. He doesn't just make threes; he takes and makes shots that were previously considered bad decisions. He's changed the geometry of the court, forcing defenses to guard him from 30 feet out. While Allen's record stood as a testament to sustained excellence, Curry’s assault on the record books feels like a fundamental shift in the sport's DNA. It’s not just about the volume; it's the degree of difficulty and the sheer audacity that makes his journey so thrilling to follow.

Thinking about roster composition and the reliance on specialists, it reminds me of the delicate balance coaches must strike, a topic that connects to the broader world of basketball strategy. Just as Cone mentioned it's too early to decide on the final Gilas roster with Quincy Miller now in the mix, and that Sotto's health will be a factor, NBA coaches face similar calculus. Building a winning team isn't just about accumulating the most talented individuals; it's about fit, health, and role definition. A player's ability to space the floor with a reliable three-point shot, much like the elite names on this list, has become a non-negotiable asset in today's game. It forces defenses to make impossible choices and opens up the floor for everyone else. This strategic element, prioritizing shooters, is a direct result of the trail blazed by the all-time greats like Allen and Curry.

Looking at the rest of the top five, you have legends like Reggie Miller (2,560), who was the original king of the clutch three in my childhood, and Kyle Korver (2,450), whose shooting motion was pure art. The fifth spot, last I checked, was held by James Harden, with around 2,750, a testament to his high-volume, isolation-heavy style. This list is no longer static; it's a living leaderboard that changes nightly during the season. The legacy of these shooters is cemented not just in the record books but in the very way the game is played at every level. From youth leagues to the professional ranks, every kid now wants to shoot like Steph, to have that limitless range. The three-point line, once a side attraction, is now the main event, and the stories of those who mastered it are the stories of modern basketball itself.