When we talk about the best three-point shooters in NBA history, one name that definitely comes to mind is Stephen Curry. Curry revolutionized the game with his incredible range and quick release. Posting a career 3-point shooting percentage of around 43%, his highest season mileage came in 2015-16 when he nailed 402 triples, blowing past knuckle-draggers to carve out new perimeters for shot takers. If that number doesn’t blow your mind, think about this – many players don't make that number of 3-pointers in their entire career!
Ray Allen undeniably deserves to be mentioned in this conversation too. Allen, known for his elegant shooting form and clutch performances, retired with 2,973 career 3-pointers over 18 seasons. His defining moment came during the 2013 NBA Finals when he drained a game-tying 3-pointer with just 5.2 seconds left, saving the Miami Heat's season. Could anyone else have matched that calm under pressure? His league-best 3-point accuracy of 40% throughout those years shows his consistency and commitment to the craft.
Then there’s Reggie Miller, who wasn’t just a shooter but a fearless competitor. Over his 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers, Miller's 2,560 made threes were a record until Allen and Curry came along. Miller’s standout performance came in the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks when he scored eight points in 8.9 seconds, an incredible feat that remains one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. No one who saw that game could ever forget the pandemonium that ensued.
Let’s not forget Klay Thompson, Curry’s splash brother, who secured his spot among the greats with his impeccable form and high shooting efficiency. Thompson holds the record for most 3-pointers in a single game, a staggering 14, accomplished in just under 27 minutes against the Chicago Bulls in 2018. His performance earned instant recognition and solidified his elite shooter status. Just imagine, 14 triples in one game; it’s a showroom of skill and focus.
Of course, Larry Bird, another name synonymous with shooting excellence, can’t be overlooked. Though his career preceded the 3-point revolution, Bird’s numbers are no less impressive given his era. With a 3-point shooting percentage of about 38% and more than 650 made threes, he paved the way for future generations. Bird's dual MVP seasons in '84 and '85 further highlight his legendary status.
Dirk Nowitzki also deserves his due. Although more famous for his fadeaway, Nowitzki’s 3-point proficiency, especially for a 7-footer, set him apart. With 1,982 career threes made, Dirk showcased the evolution of the stretch-four position, extending the court and redefining what power forwards could achieve. The 2011 NBA Championship further cemented his legacy, often sporting a shooting percentage in the high 30s.
Even considering the modern era, Damian Lillard stands out. Known for his clutch gene and deep range, Lillard's buzzer-beater 3-pointer against Oklahoma City in the 2019 NBA Playoffs is etched in every fan's memory. “Logo Lillard” isn’t an exaggeration with his 37% career 3-point shooting from tremendous distances, surely reflecting his exceptional shooting skill.
In this context, how could one overlook Steve Kerr? With a career 3-point shooting percentage of 45.4%, Kerr didn't rack up prolific numbers but remains the all-time leader in accuracy. His record five championships, including three with the Chicago Bulls and two with the San Antonio Spurs, mark him as a player who made every shot count. Kerr’s precision highlights why efficiency sometimes outweighs sheer volume.
Even now, youngsters like Trae Young bring new dimensions to shooting. His quickness and high-volume attempts make him a modern rendition of the earlier sharpshooters mentioned. At just 24 years old, Young is on pace to shatter multiple records, leveraging a 35% career 3-point average. Fresh talents like him symbolize the game’s evolution, pushing boundaries and forcing defenses to stretch even thinner.
James Harden’s step-back 3-point shot, developed over the years, stands as a patented move. His record of most unassisted 3-pointers adds a layer of difficulty and skills unique to Harden. With over 2,500 three-pointers and still counting, his career average around 36%, statistical and visual evidence supports the argument of him being one of the hardest to guard in modern basketball.
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Each of these players brings something different to the table, reflecting an era, a skill set, or an evolution in the game. They all contribute to an ongoing conversation about who really stands at the pinnacle of three-point shooting. Whether it’s consistency, scoring in clutch moments, sheer volume, or changing the game’s fabric, these marksmen have left an indelible impression on the NBA and its ardent followers.