3 Points NBA All Time Leaders: Who Holds the Record for Most Career 3-Pointers?

2025-10-30 01:15

As I sit here watching another incredible Steph Curry performance, it's hard not to marvel at how dramatically the three-point shot has transformed modern basketball. The evolution from a novelty weapon to a fundamental offensive strategy represents one of the most significant shifts in basketball history. When I first started covering the NBA back in the early 2000s, teams averaged around 15 three-point attempts per game - today, that number has more than doubled to over 35 attempts. This statistical explosion makes the conversation about all-time three-point leaders particularly fascinating, especially when we consider how the record has changed hands over the decades.

I remember when Ray Allen held the crown with 2,973 career three-pointers - a number that seemed almost untouchable at the time. The way he moved without the ball and his flawless shooting mechanics made him the gold standard for perimeter shooting throughout much of my early career covering the league. Then came Stephen Curry, who didn't just break records but completely shattered our understanding of what's possible from beyond the arc. Watching him surpass Allen's mark in 2021 was one of those moments where you realize you're witnessing basketball history unfold in real time. What's truly remarkable is that Curry achieved this milestone in nearly 500 fewer games than Allen, demonstrating not just longevity but unprecedented efficiency and volume.

The current landscape of three-point shooting reminds me somewhat of the roster decisions that coaches like Tim Cone face in international basketball. Just as Cone mentioned regarding the Gilas Pilipinas roster, determining who makes the final cut involves multiple considerations beyond just raw numbers. Similarly, when we evaluate the greatest three-point shooters, it's not just about the total makes - factors like shooting percentage, degree of difficulty, and impact on the game all come into play. The health considerations Cone mentioned regarding players like Sotto parallel how NBA teams manage their shooters' workloads throughout the grueling 82-game season.

What many casual fans don't realize is how much the three-point record reflects broader changes in basketball strategy. When Reggie Miller retired in 2005 with 2,560 three-pointers - then the record - the idea of a primary offensive system built around long-range shooting seemed almost radical. Today, it's standard practice. The numbers tell a compelling story: Curry's current tally stands at approximately 3,400 and counting, while James Harden sits in third place with around 2,800. The gap between first and second is larger than many people realize, and given Curry's continued excellence, I don't see anyone challenging his record for at least another decade.

Having watched thousands of games throughout my career, I've developed a particular appreciation for shooters who maintain excellence across different eras. Kyle Korver's incredible 53% shooting from deep in the 2014-15 season remains one of the most underrated shooting performances I've ever witnessed. Yet what Curry has accomplished goes beyond seasonal excellence - it's about sustained dominance that has forced entire defensive schemes to be built specifically to contain him. I've spoken with numerous NBA coaches who admit they spend more time preparing for Curry's shooting than any other single offensive weapon in basketball history.

The future of three-point shooting looks bright with young stars like Luka Dončić and Trae Young already accumulating impressive numbers, but catching Curry will require not just skill but extraordinary durability. The physical demands on today's shooters are immense, much like the roster considerations Cone discussed regarding player health and timing. As the game continues to evolve, I suspect we'll see the three-point record climb to even more unimaginable heights, though I doubt we'll see another shooter who combines volume, efficiency, and range quite like Curry does. His impact has been so profound that I often find myself wondering if we're watching the greatest shooter who will ever live - and honestly, I'm leaning toward yes.