BasketballSports

The NBA’s greatest sharpshooters, all-time 3-point kings

They changed the game, one deep shot at a time. From Stephen Curry’s revolutionary range to Reggie Miller’s clutch daggers, these twelve NBA players have redefined what it means to be a shooter.

Here's a breakdown of the top 12 all-time leaders in total 3-pointers made, and what made them legends beyond the arc.

12. Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford
Photo: NBA Press Photo

Jamal Crawford’s game was all about creativity, crossovers, hesitation moves, and bold pull-ups from way downtown. Across 1,327 games, he buried 2,221 threes, often in isolation and with defenders draped on him.

Known as one of the NBA’s most electric sixth men, Crawford wasn’t just flashy, he was a serious scoring threat. His long-range touch made him dangerous the moment he crossed half court.

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11. Jason Terry

Jason Terry 2008
bmendez68, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With 2,282 threes in 1,410 games, Jason Terry was built for big moments. “The Jet” flew up the ranks thanks to his fearless shooting, especially in playoff settings.

His Finals heroics with the 2011 Dallas Mavericks sealed his place in NBA lore. Whether spotting up or pulling up in transition, Terry brought confidence, quick release, and veteran leadership from deep.


10. Vince Carter

Vince Carter
Michelle Donahue Hillison / Shutterstock.com

Known for his aerial artistry, Vince Carter quietly transformed into a reliable 3-point shooter over his 22-season career.

He hit 2,290 threes in 1,541 games, adapting his game as the league evolved. From highlight-reel dunks to corner threes in crunch time, Carter’s ability to extend his career through shooting is a testament to his intelligence, adaptability, and basketball IQ.

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9. Paul George

Paul George
Photo: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Paul George has combined two-way versatility with a silky shooting touch, knocking down 2,349 threes in just 908 games.

His high release and confidence from range, whether in catch-and-shoot or pull-up situations, make him one of the most dangerous wings in today’s NBA.

George has consistently expanded his range and impact, especially in playoff runs and late-game moments.


8. Kyle Korver

Kyle Korver 2008
Stephanie Young Merzel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kyle Korver was the quintessential sharpshooter, known for his textbook form and off-ball movement. In 1,232 games, he connected on 2,450 threes with remarkable efficiency.

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He didn’t need the ball in his hands to impact the game, one screen and one second were often enough. Korver’s legacy is rooted in how he elevated floor spacing and made elite shooting an art form.


7. LeBron James

LeBron James
Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Though not primarily known for his 3-point shot, LeBron James has quietly climbed the leaderboard with 2,559 makes across 1,562 games.

His evolution from slasher to outside threat reflects his ability to adapt and dominate in every phase of the game. With over 38,000 career points, LeBron’s long-range shooting has become yet another tool in his all-time great arsenal.


6. Reggie Miller

Reggie Milller
Bigmoe797, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Reggie Miller’s 2,560 threes came in an era when the 3-point shot wasn’t nearly as central as it is today, making his achievement even more impressive.

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Famous for silencing the Knicks and hitting dagger shots in crunch time, Miller set the standard for shooting with swagger. His confidence and timing helped usher in a new era of perimeter play, decades before it was mainstream.


5. Klay Thompson

Klay_Thompson_vs._Jared_Dudley
Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Klay Thompson has become synonymous with hot streaks and catch-and-shoot excellence. In just 866 games, he’s drained 2,698 threes, often in bunches.

His lightning-fast release and ability to heat up in seconds have produced iconic moments, including a 37-point quarter and record-breaking Finals performances. As one half of the Splash Brothers, Klay’s impact from deep is undeniable.


4. Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard
NBA Press Photo

With 2,804 threes in 900 games, Damian Lillard has built his legacy on deep, fearless shooting. From half-court pull-ups to walk-off playoff winners, “Dame Time” is all about confidence and range.

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His willingness to launch from anywhere makes him one of the most unique scorers in league history. Lillard’s deep threat keeps defenses stretched to their limits, and fans on the edge of their seats.


3. Ray Allen

Ray Allen
Keith Allison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ray Allen’s 2,973 threes were the NBA’s gold standard for years. His pristine shooting mechanics, tireless conditioning, and knack for big moments, like his iconic Finals shot in 2013, made him the prototype for elite shooting guards.

Across 1,300 games, Allen’s efficiency and consistency redefined what it meant to be a long-range threat in both the regular season and playoffs.


2. James Harden

James Harden
Photo: Natursports / Shutterstock.com

James Harden revolutionized the 3-point game with his signature stepback and relentless shot creation. He’s hit 3,177 threes across 1,152 games, often under tight defense and with the game on the line.

Beyond the arc, Harden’s combination of volume and versatility is unmatched, and his ability to score and assist at elite levels has made him one of the most feared offensive forces of his generation.


1. Stephen Curry

Stephen_Curry
Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Stephen Curry isn’t just No. 1 on this list, he’s No. 1 in changing the game itself. With an unprecedented 4,061 made threes in just 1,027 games, Curry turned the 3-point shot into the NBA’s most dangerous weapon.

His range, release, off-ball movement, and creativity have inspired an entire generation. More than just stats, Curry’s influence is seen in every gym, every shooter, and every young fan pulling up from deep.