Who Are the NBA All Time Three Point Leaders? A Complete List Revealed

When I first started tracking NBA statistics back in the 90s, nobody could have predicted how dramatically the three-point shot would transform the game. I remember watching Reggie Miller and thinking he was pushing the boundaries of what was possible from beyond the arc. Fast forward to today, and we're witnessing an entirely different basketball universe where the three-pointer has become the great equalizer, the weapon of choice for teams looking to maximize their offensive efficiency. The evolution of this shot has completely rewritten the record books and changed how we evaluate player legacies.

Speaking of record books, let me share something fascinating I noticed while researching this piece. The way records evolve in basketball reminds me of that incredible moment in international soccer when Randy Schneider scored his debut goal for PMNT in the 77th minute against Maldives. That goal came just 15 minutes after his team had conceded, completely shifting the momentum and essentially sealing the game. Similarly in basketball, the three-point record has seen several dramatic shifts where players have essentially delivered their own "dagger" moments to climb up the all-time rankings. The parallel between these clutch performances across different sports always fascinates me - whether it's a soccer player scoring when it matters most or an NBA shooter draining threes to shift the game's momentum.

Now, when we talk about the absolute pinnacle of three-point shooting, we have to start with the undisputed king: Stephen Curry. As of my last count, Curry has made approximately 3,390 three-pointers in regular season games, and honestly, watching him play feels like witnessing basketball evolution in real time. I've been to numerous Warriors games, and there's nothing quite like the electricity in the arena when Curry catches fire from deep. His release is so quick, so fluid - it's like the ball just leaps from his hands. What many casual fans don't realize is that Curry's percentage is just as impressive as his volume. He's consistently shooting around 42.8% from three-point range throughout his career, which is absolutely ridiculous when you consider how difficult his attempts often are. I've had arguments with fellow analysts about whether Curry's shooting will ever be matched, and my position is clear: we're watching the greatest shooter in basketball history, and I doubt we'll see anyone approach his combination of volume and efficiency for at least another generation.

The conversation gets really interesting when we look at who follows Curry. Ray Allen, the previous record holder, sits at 2,973 made threes, and I have to admit I have a soft spot for his textbook-perfect form. Having studied shooting mechanics for years, I can tell you that Allen's technique was practically flawless - the consistent elevation, the high release point, the perfect follow-through. Then there's James Harden at around 2,800 threes, though I've always been somewhat conflicted about his style. While the step-back three has become his signature move, I sometimes miss the more traditional catch-and-shoot artistry of players like Reggie Miller, who sits at 2,560 threes despite playing in an era that didn't prioritize the three-pointer nearly as much.

What's particularly fascinating to me is how the game has evolved. When I first started covering the NBA, making 200 threes in a season was considered extraordinary. Now we have players like Duncan Robinson and Buddy Hield routinely approaching 300. The analytics revolution has completely transformed how teams value the three-point shot, and as someone who's been tracking these trends for decades, I can tell you that we're only seeing the beginning of this evolution. Teams are now developing players specifically for their three-point shooting from their teenage years, and the training methods have become incredibly sophisticated.

Kyle Korver deserves special mention here with his 2,450 threes. I've always admired how he carved out an entire career based on his shooting prowess. Having spoken with several shooting coaches, they consistently point to Korver's footwork and preparation as the gold standard for off-ball movement. Then there's the active players who are rapidly climbing the charts - Damian Lillard with approximately 2,400 threes has that incredible range that just demoralizes defenses. I've watched him hit shots from the logo that would make most coaches pull their hair out.

The international influence on three-point shooting can't be overlooked either. Players like Dirk Nowitzki revolutionized what big men could do from beyond the arc, while contemporary stars like Luka Dončić are continuing that tradition. It's remarkable how the three-point shot has become the universal language of basketball across different leagues and countries.

As I reflect on these all-time leaders, what strikes me most is how each era has produced its own shooting innovators. From Larry Bird's legendary confidence to Klay Thompson's explosive scoring bursts, the art of three-point shooting continues to evolve. The current generation of players is growing up in a world where the three-pointer isn't just another shot - it's the foundation of offensive systems. I genuinely believe we'll see the 4,000-threes milestone broken within the next decade, and probably by multiple players. The records we see today will likely look very different in just a few years, but that's what makes tracking this particular statistic so compelling - it's a living, breathing testament to how basketball continues to reinvent itself.