The Rise of 3-Point Shooting in the NBA
Once considered a rare talent, 3-point shooting has become nearly essential for players in the NBA. Over the last decade, the league has seen a dramatic increase in the use of the 3-point shot, with most teams fielding lineups where every player can be a threat from beyond the arc, regardless of their size or position. This transformation has not only changed the dynamics of the game but has also elevated the status of players who excel in this aspect. At All-Star Weekend, the 3-Point Contest is a marquee event, and in 2025, Damian Lillard is gunning to become just the second player in history to win the competition three years in a row. As Lillard seeks to three-peat in the Bay Area, it’s worth reflecting on the 10 best 3-point shooters in NBA history.
Peja Stojakovic: The Sharpshooter from Sacramento
Peja Stojakovic found his niche on the Sacramento Kings teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s, thanks to his exceptional 3-point shooting. His ability to stretch the floor provided crucial spacing for teammates like Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, and Vlade Divac. Stojakovic’s efficiency from deep made him the team’s second-leading scorer in 2002 when they reached the Western Conference finals. From 2002 to 2005, he consistently ranked in the top 10 in 3-pointers made, even leading the league in 2003-04, which earned him a fourth-place finish in MVP voting. Stojakovic’s prowess from beyond the arc was further recognized when he won the 3-Point Contest twice, in 2002 and 2003. Despite being traded in 2006, he continued to be a valuable asset, finishing 12th in the league in 3-point shooting in 2010-11 and contributing to the Dallas Mavericks’ championship run that same postseason. At retirement, he was fourth all-time in 3-pointers made, but as of February 2025, he ranks 32nd, a testament to the league’s evolving shooting trends.
Dirk Nowitzki: The Revolutionary Big Man
Dirk Nowitzki might be the greatest shooting big man in NBA history. No other power forward or center has made more 3-pointers than his 1,982, a number that stands 300 ahead of second place as of February 2025. His career 3-point percentage of 38% is among the best for players in his position. Nowitzki’s long-range shooting made him a dominant figure in the 2000s and 2010s, and he became the fifth player to join the prestigious 50-40-90 club in 2006-07, when he shot 42% from beyond the arc en route to winning MVP. His 3-point efficiency reached new heights during the 2011 playoffs, where he hit 46% of his attempts, leading the Dallas Mavericks to their first championship. Adding to his legacy, Nowitzki won the 3-Point Contest in 2006, becoming the first big man to do so.
Damian Lillard: The Modern-Day Marksman
Damian Lillard has been a standout 3-point shooter since he was drafted in 2012. In his first nine seasons, he finished in the top eight in 3-pointers made each year, shooting at least 36% from deep in eight of those seasons. Lillard currently ranks fourth on the all-time 3-pointers made list and is tied for second in 3-pointers made per game. His most iconic moments have often come from long range, including his buzzer-beating 3-pointer to eliminate the Houston Rockets in 2014 and a similar shot over Paul George to knock out the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019. Lillard’s 3-point shooting has been a cornerstone of his offensive game, helping him finish in the top 10 in scoring on seven occasions. He has also won the 3-Point Contest twice, in 2023 and 2024, and is now aiming for a historic three-peat.
JJ Redick: The Silent Killer
Before he became the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick established himself as one of the NBA’s most prolific 3-point shooters. He finished his career with the 15th-most 3-pointers made (1,950) and a career 3-point percentage of 41.5%, ranking 18th all-time. Among the 50 players with the most 3-pointers made, Redick’s percentage is the fourth-highest. His shooting efficiency improved with age, ranking in the top five in 3-point percentage four times between 2014 and 2020, and leading the league in 3-point percentage in 2015-16 with an impressive 47.5%. Redick’s role as a high-volume, high-efficiency shooter made him one of the most respected bench players in recent NBA history, despite only being named an All-Star once.
Kyle Korver: The Precision Shooter
Kyle Korver’s career is a testament to consistent and precise 3-point shooting. He consistently ranked among the top shooters in terms of percentage, leading the league in 3-point percentage four times and finishing in the top 10 eight times. His 53.6% 3-point shooting in 2009-10 remains the best single-season mark in NBA history. Despite his one All-Star appearance, which came in 2014-15, Korver is widely regarded as one of the top bench players of his era. His ability to make 3-pointers with ease was crucial to the success of several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Utah Jazz. His 2,622 career 3-pointers rank him fifth all-time, and his career 42.9% accuracy from beyond the arc is the highest among the 50 players with the most 3-pointers made.
James Harden: The Stepback Specialist
James Harden is often associated with his ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line, but his 3-point shooting has been equally transformative. His stepback 3-pointer is one of the most recognizable moves in recent NBA memory, creating defensive chaos and leading the league in 3-pointers made in three consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2020. Over the first 15 years of his career, he only shot below 35% from deep three times, solidifying his place as one of the league’s most efficient shooters. Harden ranks second in all-time 3-pointers made as of February 2025 and is sixth in 3-pointers made per game. His 3-point shooting, along with his overall offensive brilliance, earned him an MVP in 2018 and a Sixth Man of the Year award in 2012.
Klay Thompson: The Splash Brother
Klay Thompson and his brother Stephen Curry have redefined 3-point shooting in the NBA. Thompson is often credited as the best catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter in league history, showcased by his 60-point game in 2016 where he took just 11 dribbles and hit 8-of-14 3-pointers. His 2,622 career 3-pointers are the fifth-most in NBA history, and he is tied for the second-most 3-pointers made per game. His career 3-point shooting percentage of 41.2% is the 20th-best mark ever and the fifth-best among the 50 players with the most 3-pointers made. Thompson’s ability to knock down shots consistently made him an indispensable part of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty from 2014 to 2022, helping them win four titles. He also added a 3-Point Contest win to his résumé in 2016.
Reggie Miller: The Legendary Marksman
Reggie Miller is often cited as the first all-time great 3-point shooter in the NBA. With the 3-point arc introduced shortly before his entry into the league, Miller seized the opportunity to thrive in the more defensive-oriented environment of the 1990s. He finished in the top 10 in 3-pointers made in each of his first 15 seasons, leading the league twice. His career 39.5% 3-point shooting is the 69th-best in NBA history, but he had five seasons in the top 10 in 3-point shooting percentage. Miller played his entire 18-season career with the Indiana Pacers, and by the time he retired in 2005, he held the record for the most 3-pointers made (2,560). He maintained this title for six years and currently ranks sixth all-time, a remarkable achievement given the league’s recent emphasis on 3-point shooting.
Ray Allen: The Consistent Maestro
Ray Allen surpassed Miller’s record for the most 3-pointers made in 2011, solidifying his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. Allen finished in the top 10 in 3-pointers made in a season 10 times over his career, leading the league three times. Even with reduced touches during his time with the Boston Celtics, he managed top-five finishes in 3-pointers made. Allen’s career 3-point percentage of 40% is the 47th-best in NBA history, and he had four seasons in the top 10 in 3-point shooting percentage. His late-career shooting remained impressive, with three of his final four seasons above 40% from deep. Allen’s most famous shot, a stepback 3-pointer in the 2013 NBA Finals, is a perfect encapsulation of his clutch mentality and shooting prowess.
Steph Curry: The Game-Changer
It should come as no surprise that Steph Curry tops this list. Since his MVP seasons in the mid-2010s, Curry has been widely regarded as the best 3-point shooter in NBA history. He officially etched his name at the top of the all-time 3-pointers made list when he surpassed Ray Allen in 2022. Curry’s influence on the game has been profound, leading the league in 3-pointers made in five consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2017 and three more times after that. While he has never led the league in 3-point shooting percentage, he has finished in the top 10 nine times. As of February 2025, Curry’s career 3-point percentage of 42.4% is the 13th-best in NBA history and the third-best among the 50 players with the most 3-pointers made. His revolutionary style of play has made him one of the game’s all-time greatest players, with two MVPs and four NBA titles to his name.
Honorable Mentions
Several other players deserve recognition for their contributions to the art of 3-point shooting. Steve Kerr, known for his remarkable accuracy, has the highest career 3-point percentage (45.4%) in NBA history. Jason Terry, a long-time sharpshooter, has 2,223 3-pointers made and a career 38.1% shooting mark. Eric Gordon, despite battling injuries, has shown flashes of brilliance with his shooting. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and CJ McCollum are also among the most efficient and prolific 3-point shooters of their generation. Dale Ellis, Paul George, Mike Miller, and Karl-Anthony Towns have each left their mark on the game with their long-range shooting abilities. These shooters, along with others not mentioned, have collectively transformed the NBA into a league where the 3-point shot is a vital component of success.
