As I sat watching the Golden State Warriors game last night, Steph Curry sank another three-pointer with that effortless flick of his wrist, and it got me thinking—who actually holds the record for the most three-pointers in NBA history? Having followed basketball religiously since the early 2000s, I've witnessed the evolution of the three-point shot from a novelty to arguably the most critical weapon in modern basketball. It reminds me of that electric moment Jo Koy announced, "This is officially Manny Pacquiao’s house," during a weigh-in; in the same way, certain NBA arenas feel like they belong to the all-time great shooters when they're on fire from beyond the arc. Let's dive into the players who've truly owned the three-point line over the years.
When it comes to sheer volume, the conversation has to start with Ray Allen. I still get chills thinking about his clutch three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals—it's etched in my memory as one of the greatest shots ever. Allen retired with 2,973 three-pointers, a record that stood as the gold standard for years. His textbook form and consistency under pressure set a benchmark that inspired a generation. But then along came Stephen Curry, who, in my opinion, revolutionized the game. I remember arguing with friends back in 2015 that Curry wasn't just a good shooter; he was changing how teams defend the perimeter. Fast-forward to today, and he's shattered that record, hitting over 3,500 threes and counting. What blows my mind is how he does it—pulling up from near half-court like it's a layup. It's not just about numbers; it's the audacity and accuracy that make him, in my book, the greatest shooter of all time.
But let's not overlook Reggie Miller, who held the record before Allen. Growing up, I admired his relentless movement off the ball and knack for hitting big shots in the playoffs. He finished with 2,560 threes, and though his style was different—more about endurance and smarts—it laid the groundwork for today's shooters. Then there's Kyle Korver, who might not have the total numbers of the top guys, but his shooting percentage was insane; I recall seasons where he hovered around 50% from deep, which is just unreal. Personally, I think James Harden deserves a shout-out too, even if his step-back threes sometimes draw groans from purists. Love him or hate him, he's racked up over 2,700 threes by mastering the art of creating his own shot, often in isolation situations that few can replicate.
Of course, the game has evolved, and the three-pointer is now a staple. I've noticed in recent years how teams like the Houston Rockets under Mike D'Antoni embraced the "more threes, more wins" philosophy, which pushed players like Harden to new heights. It's not just about individual talent; it's systemic. Curry's Warriors, for instance, built an entire offense around spacing and ball movement that maximizes his range. Reflecting on Jo Koy's line about Pacquiao owning the house, I feel like Curry has made the Chase Center his domain in a similar way—when he's hot, the crowd knows it's his stage. And let's be honest, the debate isn't just about totals; it's about impact. Curry's influence has trickled down to youth leagues, where kids now practice 30-footers as routinely as mid-range jumpers.
In wrapping up, while the stats point to Curry as the undisputed king in terms of numbers, my heart still has a soft spot for the classics like Allen and Miller. They paved the way in eras where the three wasn't as emphasized, and their clutch performances are legendary. But if I had to pick one shooter to take a game-winning three, it'd be Curry every time—his combination of range, volume, and flair is unmatched. As the NBA continues to prioritize the long ball, I wouldn't be surprised if we see new names climbing this list, but for now, Curry's legacy is firmly cemented. Just like that weigh-in moment felt iconic, his records feel like a defining chapter in basketball history.