Three-point shooters in the NBA specialize in their ability to consistently make shots from this extended range. They possess exceptional accuracy and often have a quick release, enabling them to capitalize on opportunities created by teammates or generate their own shots.
The best three-point shooters in the NBA have not only made impressive individual statistics but have also been crucial in their teams’ successes through their scoring prowess from beyond the arc. Here are the top 10 best 3-point shooters in the history of the league who have been adept at finding open spots on the perimeter, navigating through screens, and delivering precise shots under various defensive pressures.
#10. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is widely known not only for his scoring prowess but also for his exceptional three-point shooting. His shooting skills are a blend of versatility, efficiency, and the ability to score from virtually anywhere on the floor.
Durant’s shooting style is marked by a high release point and a smooth, effortless stroke. Whether pulling up off the dribble or catching and shooting, he can exploit mismatches with his shooting ability.
KD has scored a total of 27,363 points in his career at the time of writing out of which 1,898 were 3-pointers. He has a 38.7% 3-point field goal percentage and a spectacular 49.9% field goal shooting percentage. Durant’s length and shooting touch make him a nightmare for defenders, and his impact from three-point range is a crucial aspect of his overall offensive game.
#9. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of approximately 38%, a remarkable feat for a 7-foot player. His ability to consistently knock down threes revolutionized the power forward position.
Nowitzki’s shooting style was iconic, featuring his patented one-legged fadeaway jumper. While known for his mid-range game, Nowitzki’s willingness and ability to shoot from deep made him a more challenging cover for opposing defenses.
During his time in the NBA, Nowitzki had a spectacular 47.1% field goal shooting percentage while he buried 1,982 3-pointers in his career. His impact as a three-point shooter contributed significantly to the Mavericks’ success, including their 2011 NBA Championship run, cementing his place as one of the greatest European players in the league’s history.
#8. Steve Kerr
The Golden State Warriors sure love having the best 3-point shooters on their team. The former Chicago Bulls and Spurs player and the head coach of the Dubs Steve Kerr takes the eighth place. As a role player, Kerr’s ability to make timely three-pointers was a crucial asset for the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs during their championship runs.
During his time as a player, he was one of the most reliable, prolific, and best 3-point shooters in the entire league. His teammates could count on Kerr to sink a 3 when it was needed the most and it was his accuracy that made his shots stand out in the list.
He had scored a total of 5437 points in his career out of which 729 were 3-pointers. He had a 45.4% 3-point field goal percentage and a 47.9% field goal shooting percentage. His efficiency from beyond the arc is among the best in NBA history. As a coach, he has continued to emphasize the importance of three-point shooting in the modern NBA.
#7. Klay Thompson
A good friend and teammate of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson secures seventh place on this best 3-point shooters list. Thompson has been a dominant presence on the court for the Golden State Warriors and has played a key role in many of the team’s recent successes.
Thompson’s shooting style is characterized by a perfect jump shot and an ability to score in a variety of ways. Whether it’s off screens or creating his shot, he possesses a versatility that keeps defenders guessing.
He has scored a total of 14,381 points in his career at the time of writing out of which 2,254 were 3-pointers. With a 41.5% 3-point field goal percentage and a 45.5% field goal shooting percentage, Thompson is regarded as one of the Best 3-point shooters in recent times.
#6. Larry Bird
The NBA legend Larry Bird takes the 6th spot on the best 3-point shooters of all time. Despite playing in an era with fewer three-point attempts, Bird maintained an impressive career three-point shooting percentage about 37.6%.
Bird is one of the first superstars who went toe to toe against the Showtime Era Lakers. He was a widely popular icon who was known for his exceptional al-round skills and ability to perform in big games. Besides being a prolific scorer, the Celtics icon was among their best players recording one of the most triple doubles in NBA playoffs.
Bird has scored a total of 21,791 points in his career out of which he buried 649 3-pointers while maintain a remarkable 49.6% field goal shooting percentage. His ability to space the floor and capitalize on scoring opportunities, both inside and outside the arc, contributed significantly to the success of the Boston Celtics.
#5. Reggie Miller
The fifth place on this list of Best 3-point shooters is held by an Indiana Pacers legend, Reggie Miller. During his time in the NBA, Miller was known as one of the most notorious trash talkers while his shooting accuracy was even sharper than his tongue.
Reggie Miller’s shooting style was defined by a quick release and a tendency for moving without the ball. He has scored a total of 25,279 points in his career with 2,560 3-pointers.
Miller had a 39.5% 3-point field goal percentage and a 47.1% field goal shooting percentage, exceptional numbers during his time in the NBA. Along with his excellent 3-pointers, his off-the-ball movements and ability to navigate screens made him a constant threat for opponents.
#4. Kyle Korver
The current Assistant General Manager of the Atlanta Hawks and former NBA star Kyle Korver has taken the fourth spot on this list. His scoring impact, particularly from three-point range, had been a valuable asset for the teams he played for.
The NBA All-Star has played in a variety of teams in his career but maintained his 3-point scoring prowess in all of them. He has scored a total of 11,953 points in his career with 2,450 3-pointers buried.
Korver is one of the most prolific and best 3-point shooters in NBA history and had made a name for himself during his career. With a 42.9% 3-point field goal percentage and a 44.2% field goal shooting percentage, he led the league in three-point percentage multiple times.
#3. Rey Allen
Walter Ray Allen Jr. or Ray Allen for short was widely regarded as the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history before Stephen Curry shook the entire scene and broke his record for the most 3-pointers scored by a player.
Allen’s scoring reliability from beyond the arc is etched in NBA lore. A master of the catch-and-shoot, his ability to move without the ball and find open spots on the floor made him a constant threat for opponents.
Ray Allen has scored a total of 24,505 points in his career out of which 2,973 were 3-pointers, a record during his time in the NBA. Allen’s 3-point field goal percentage of a remarkable 40% and a 45.2% field goal shooting percentage were testament of his clutch performances, including his iconic three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, solidify his legacy as one of the most clutch shooters in the history of the game.
#2. James Harden
James Harden has established himself as one of the best shooting guards and prolific scorers in the league’s history. His scoring versatility extends to his three-point shooting, often creating shots off the dribble or pulling up from deep.
Harden’s shooting style is marked by a quick release and a step-back move that has become a signature part of his game. His ability to navigate through defenses, create space, and launch three-pointers off the dribble sets him apart.
James Harden has scored a total of 24,821 points in his career at the time of writing out of which 2,770 were 3-pointers. He had a 36.3% 3-point field goal percentage and a 44.2% field goal shooting percentage. Harden’s high volume of three-point attempts, combined with his scoring efficiency, makes him a constant threat from long range in today’s NBA.
#1. Stephen Curry
The ace of the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry is arguably the best 3-point shooter of all time. The point guard for the dubs is a bit on the shorter side when it comes to height in the league, but he has clearly developed his long-range shooting into a weapon. Not only is Steph Curry a deadly shooter, but he is also widely regarded as one of the best ball-handlers in the history of the league.
Curry has scored a total of 22,123 points in his career to date out of which he has scored a crazy 3,463 3-pointers which is an NBA record. His shooting style is marked by a combination of extraordinary handles and off-the-dribble shooting while recording a remarkable 42.8% for his 3-point field goal percentage and a 47.5% for his field goal shooting percentage.
Curry’s ability to create his own shot, even from well beyond the arc, sets him above all the rest. Owing to Steph Curry’s on-court dominance and off-court acclaim, it comes as no surprise that he is one of the most followed NBA athletes across social media platforms.
These 10 legendary 3-point shooters have made their place in the annals of history by their long-range shooting prowess. The league has also seen some of the best talents in terms of shooting excellence who deserve to sit on the same table. Here are the honorable mentions:
- Vince Carter (2,290 Career 3PM)
- LeBron James (2,297 Career 3PM and counting)
- Paul Pierce (2,143 Career 3PM)
- Damian Lillard (2,424 Career 3PM and counting)
- Jason Terry (2,282 Career 3PM)
What do you think of the best 3-point shooters of all-time list? Do you have any honorable mentions? Let us know your opinion down in the comments section.
