When you think about three-point shooting in the NBA, a few names might immediately come to mind, and for good reason. Look at Stephen Curry, who's changed the game entirely. Curry stands as the epitome of three-point efficiency, managing to hit over 43% from beyond the arc throughout his career. By the end of the 2022-2023 season, he had made over 3,200 three-pointers. His quick release, excellent dribbling, and court vision make him an offense unto himself. Remember those 402 threes he made in the 2015-2016 season? Simply out of this world.
Ray Allen, another phenomenal shooter, brought something special whenever he stepped onto the court. Over a career that spanned almost two decades, he racked up 2,973 three-pointers. Ray's crowning moment must be that crucial Game 6 three-pointer against the Spurs in the 2013 NBA Finals, keeping the Heat alive. His form was beyond textbook; it was art. His career three-point percentage of around 40% only tells part of the story of a player who could hit the clutch shot when his team needed it most.
Let's not forget Klay Thompson, Curry's 'Splash Brother.' Klay's ability to catch and shoot is almost unparalleled. With a career three-point percentage hovering close to 42%, he holds the record for most points in a single quarter (37 points, achieved in 2015) and most three-pointers made in a single game (14 threes, made in 2018). He doesn't even need to dribble; his off-the-ball movement and quick release make him a nightmare for defenders. His 2016 performance where he drained 11 threes against the Thunder in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals was legendary.
Reggie Miller, although his prime was just before the 21st century, still deserves mention. His competitive spirit and sharpshooting make him one of the best ever. Reggie retired with 2,560 threes at a career rate of 39.5%. Think of the clutch moments like his eight points in nine seconds against the Knicks in the 1995 playoffs. He was a pioneer of the three-point revolution we see today.
Then there's James Harden, who might be known more for his step-back than anything else. Harden’s transformation into a three-point machine is evident, especially when considering that he’s consistently attempted over ten three-pointers per game in recent seasons. By 2023, he had made over 2,700 threes. Critics say he travels, but refs and stats beg to differ. With a percentage hovering around 36%, some might argue his efficiency, but his sheer volume makes him a formidable shooter.
Dirk Nowitzki might surprise some people being on this list. The German giant isn't typically thought of as a three-point specialist, but his career 1,982 made threes at nearly 38% efficiency beg to differ. Dirk changed what it meant to be a "big man" in the NBA, making the stretch four a common position. His iconic one-legged fadeaway, often from three-point range, was unstoppable. Remember his 2011 playoff run? Pure brilliance.
Let's also consider Damian Lillard, known for his limitless range. Dame has the ability to pull up from the logo, hitting threes that deflate defenses. By 2023, Lillard passed the 2,300 mark for career three-pointers made, with a remarkable 37% success rate. His clutch performances, especially in the playoffs, have earned him the nickname "Dame Time." Just look back at his buzzer-beater against OKC in 2019 to close out the series. Cold-blooded.
Kyle Korver deserves a mention as well. By the time he retired, he had made over 2,450 threes at an astonishing 42.9% rate. Teams like the Hawks and Cavs benefited immensely from his sharpshooting. His 2009-2010 season with Utah, where he shot a record 53.6% from three, is a testament to his marksmanship. Korver was more than just a shooter; he was a crucial floor-spacer who allowed his teammates to operate with more freedom.
Let’s not forget Paul Pierce, "The Truth," who often went overlooked because he wasn’t just a three-point specialist; he was an all-around player. Still, Pierce racked up 2,143 three-pointers over his career, hitting them at a respectable 37% rate. That 2008 NBA Finals MVP performance with the Celtics saw him drain critical threes that cemented his legacy. His swagger and ability to perform in the clutch make him unforgettable.
In considering these players, it’s clear that the skill of three-point shooting has evolved tremendously in recent years. The addition of the three-point contest in All-Star Weekend and the increase in three-point attempts per game as teams recognize the value of the long-range shot highlight this change. Teams now prioritize three-point shooting in their game plans, making sharpshooters highly sought-after commodities in the NBA.
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