When discussing the top three-point shooters in NBA history, one can't help but marvel at the incredible precision and consistency of these athletes. Let's dive into some of the best to ever do it, starting with Stephen Curry. This guy is something else entirely. Since entering the league in 2009, Curry has redefined what it means to be a shooter in the NBA. He holds the record for the most three-pointers made in a single season with 402, set during the 2015-2016 campaign. Curry doesn't just take a lot of threes; he makes them at an astounding rate. His career three-point shooting percentage is around 43%, and he's done this while taking over 12,000 shots from beyond the arc.
I remember reading a report from ESPN that highlighted how Curry's shooting has altered defensive strategies league-wide. Teams now have to extend their defense far beyond the three-point line, opening up the floor for other offensive opportunities. It's not just his shooting that makes Curry special, though—it's the range he's confident to shoot from. I mean, pulling up from the logo is just another day at the office for him!
Another sharpshooter that comes to mind is Ray Allen. His shot during Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals is forever etched in the annals of basketball history. With the Miami Heat down by three points and the clock ticking down, Allen drilled a corner three to send the game into overtime, eventually leading to a Miami victory. Over his illustrious 18-year career, Allen converted over 2,973 three-pointers. Unlike Stephen Curry, who often creates his own shot, Allen was a master of moving without the ball. He had an uncanny ability to find open space and needed just a split second to get his shot off.
One can't overlook Reggie Miller when discussing three-point legends. Miller played his entire 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers and retired in 2005 with 2,560 three-pointers made. Miller was known for his clutch shooting, particularly in the playoffs. Remember the 8 points in 9 seconds performance against the New York Knicks in 1995? That game alone cemented his legacy as one of the most cold-blooded shooters in NBA history. Miller's quick release and unshakeable confidence made him a nightmare for defenders.
Klay Thompson is another name that is often mentioned in these discussions. Known as one half of the Splash Brothers, alongside Stephen Curry, Thompson has already made his mark on the league despite still being in the prime of his career. In 2016, Klay set the record for most three-pointers made in a single game with 14, showing his incredible shooting prowess. What's really impressive about Thompson is his efficiency. His career three-point percentage hovers around 42%, and he seldom takes bad shots, making him one of the most efficient sharpshooters out there. ESPN once described him as the "perfect complementary star," and I couldn't agree more.
Steve Nash also deserves a mention for his marksmanship. Although primarily known for his playmaking abilities and back-to-back MVP awards, Nash was lethal from three-point range. He had a career shooting percentage of around 42%, and his ability to shoot off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations made him highly versatile. I remember an interview where Nash explained that meticulous repetition and muscle memory were key to his shooting prowess. His insights have inspired many young players to work on their fundamentals.
I can't leave out Larry Bird. The former Boston Celtics legend played in an era when the three-point shot wasn't as prevalent, yet he still managed to carve out a reputation as one of the best shooters ever. Bird's career three-point percentage was 37.6%, but stats don't tell the whole story. His competitive spirit and clutch genes made him a formidable shooter. Stories abound of Bird walking into the locker room before a game and announcing that he was going to shoot all his shots left-handed - and then doing just that.
Dirk Nowitzki is another interesting case. Standing at 7 feet tall, Dirk changed how we think about big men shooting threes. Normally, you don't expect someone of his size to shoot from long range, but Dirk's one-legged fadeaway became iconic. He retired in 2019 as the all-time leading scorer for international players in the NBA, with a significant portion of those points coming from beyond the arc. His 38% career three-point shooting percentage may not look stellar compared to guards, but it's unprecedented for someone of his size and position.
When we talk about prolific three-point shooters, we can't forget about Damian Lillard. His ability to shoot from deep, often from well beyond the three-point line, has earned him the nickname "Logo Lillard." Lillard has multiple seasons with over 200 made three-pointers, and his 2019 playoff series-winning shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder is simply unforgettable. The range and confidence with which he shoots are reminiscent of Curry, making defenses scramble to guard him.
James Harden also deserves a spot on this list. Known for his step-back three, Harden has single-handedly revolutionized how players approach the three-point line. He led the league in three-point attempts for several seasons and converted them at a respectable rate, hovering around 36%. Harden's ability to create space with his dribble moves makes his step-back one of the deadliest weapons in the NBA.
Lastly, let's give some love to Kyle Korver. The epitome of a catch-and-shoot player, Korver's career three-point percentage stands at around 43%, which places him among the all-time leaders in this category. Over his 17-year career, Korver became a valuable asset for any team needing floor spacing. His incredible work ethic and dedication to his craft have made him one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history.
In essence, the NBA has seen an array of phenomenal shooters over the decades, each contributing uniquely to the game. Their impeccable skill and uncanny ability to convert shots from long distance have made them legends in their own right. Want to stay updated on more sports analysis and reviews? Click here to explore further.