The NBA's All-Time 3-Point Leaders: Who Has Made the Most Career Shots?

2025-10-30 01:15

As I was watching last night's game highlights, I couldn't help but marvel at how the three-point shot has completely transformed modern basketball. The reference to Cruz's performance - 27 points built on 9-of-12 shooting with that impressive 4-of-5 from beyond the arc - perfectly illustrates why the three-pointer has become such a crucial weapon in today's NBA. It got me thinking about the players who have truly mastered this art over the years, the legends who have built their careers around that beautiful arc beyond the perimeter.

When we talk about all-time three-point leaders, the conversation naturally begins with Ray Allen. I've always considered him the gold standard for three-point shooting - his 2,973 career three-pointers stand as a testament to his incredible consistency and textbook-perfect form. What many casual fans might not realize is that Allen maintained that legendary accuracy while taking some of the most difficult clutch shots in NBA history. I still get chills remembering his game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals - that shot wasn't just about technique; it was about nerves of steel and countless hours of practice.

Stephen Curry's rise to second on the all-time list has been nothing short of revolutionary. With 2,832 three-pointers and counting, he's completely changed how teams approach offensive strategy. I remember watching his early games and thinking he was taking crazy shots, but now everyone's trying to replicate his range. The way he shoots from what feels like the parking lot has forced defenses to extend beyond anything we've seen before. Honestly, I think Curry will eventually claim the top spot - his volume and efficiency combination is just unprecedented.

Then there's Reggie Miller, sitting third with 2,560 career threes. Growing up watching him play, what always impressed me was his incredible movement without the ball. He wasn't just standing in the corner waiting; he was constantly working through screens, reading defenses, and creating opportunities. His playoff performances, especially against the Knicks, showed how a great shooter could completely demoralize an opponent. That's something I don't think we appreciate enough in today's analytics-driven discussions about shooting - the psychological impact of a timely three-pointer.

The modern era has seen an explosion of three-point specialists who are pushing these records further. Players like James Harden and Damian Lillard have taken volume shooting to new levels, with Harden's step-back three becoming one of the most unstoppable moves in recent memory. What's fascinating to me is how the game has evolved - when Reggie Miller retired in 2005, his 2,560 threes seemed untouchable, and now we have multiple active players who will likely surpass that mark.

Looking at current trends, I'm convinced we'll see several players break the 3,000-three-pointer barrier in the coming years. The game has shifted so dramatically toward perimeter shooting that today's young players are developing their three-point range earlier and more consistently. Teams are actively seeking players who can shoot from deep, and the analytics clearly show the value of the three-point shot in modern offensive schemes. Personally, I love this evolution - there's something beautiful about a well-executed three-pointer that feels both mathematically sound and artistically pleasing.

As we consider the future of three-point shooting, it's worth remembering that these records aren't just about numbers - they represent countless hours in empty gyms, mechanical refinements, and mental toughness. The great shooters share an almost obsessive dedication to their craft, and that's what separates the good from the legendary. While the numbers will continue to change as current players add to their totals, the stories behind these shooting legends will continue to inspire the next generation of players dreaming of draining shots from beyond the arc.