When I talk about the greatest shooters in NBA history, one name that comes to mind immediately is Stephen Curry. This guy has revolutionized the three-point shot and turned it into an art form. With over 3,000 career three-pointers made, he consistently drains shots from distances that defy logic. To put it in perspective, he has a career three-point shooting percentage of approximately 43%, which is astonishing considering he attempts more threes per game than anyone else on this list. I distinctly remember watching him pull up from 30 feet as if it were a layup—it’s just insane.
Another player who I must highlight is Ray Allen. Before Curry emerged, Allen was widely regarded as the best three-point shooter in NBA history. He drained a total of 2,973 three-pointers over his illustrious career. Whether he was with the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle Supersonics, Boston Celtics, or Miami Heat, Allen’s catch-and-shoot ability was unparalleled. I can't forget that clutch three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals. His quick release and precise shooting were integral to those moments.
Reggie Miller comes up next for me. Miller was the face of the Indiana Pacers for almost two decades and is known for his dramatic and timely three-point shooting. He ranks third all-time with 2,560 made three-pointers. His iconic moments, like the eight points in nine seconds against the Knicks, encapsulate his clutch shooting prowess. The man had a career three-point percentage of 39.5%, which is quite impressive given the era he played in, where the three-point shot wasn't as prevalent as today.
Moving on, Klay Thompson deserves all the accolades possible. As Curry's Splash Brother, Klay has cemented his legacy with some of the most memorable shooting performances in recent history. He holds the record for most three-pointers made in a single game with 14. Can you believe that? It takes a special kind of skill and confidence to pull that off. What stands out about Klay is his efficiency—he boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of around 41%. He's the epitome of a pure shooter.
We can't forget Larry Bird, a pioneer of the three-point shot. He made 649 three-pointers over his career, with a 37.6% shooting efficiency from beyond the arc. What’s incredible about Bird is that he played in an era when the three-point shot was still a novelty. His shooting skill set a precedent and showed future generations what a deadly weapon the three-pointer could be. Bird won the first three NBA Three-Point Shootouts, further cementing his legacy.
Steve Nash has to be included in any conversation about elite shooters. Although more celebrated for his playmaking, Nash was a phenomenally accurate three-point shooter. He has a career three-point percentage of 42.8%, achieving remarkable efficiency despite not being a volume shooter. His precision shooting was critical when he led the Phoenix Suns’ dynamic offense in the mid-2000s. Those pick-and-roll plays often ended with him knocking down a three, leaving defenders in disbelief.
I can’t overlook Dirk Nowitzki when compiling this list. The German giant transformed the role of big men with his sharpshooting ability. Dirk made 1,982 three-pointers while maintaining a 38% shooting percentage, a remarkable feat for a seven-footer. His ability to stretch the floor and hit threes was one of the reasons the Dallas Mavericks were a perennial playoff team and why they won the 2011 NBA Championship. Seeing a seven-foot player hitting threes so consistently was groundbreaking.
James Harden’s name also rings loud in the realm of three-point shooters. Known for his step-back three, Harden has already racked up more than 2,500 career three-pointers and is still counting. His ability to create space and shoot from deep is something defenders find nearly impossible to guard. Harden’s career three-point percentage might hover around 36%, but the sheer volume and difficulty of the shots he takes are what make this statistic impressive. He's already the all-time leader in step-back threes.
I’ve got to mention Damian Lillard, often overlooked but undeniably one of the best. Dame Time isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a real thing. With more than 2,100 made three-pointers to his name, Lillard is deadly from way beyond the arc, sinking clutch shots with unwavering confidence. His career three-point shooting percentage is around 37%, and his range extends well beyond what most players consider reasonable. Those buzzer-beaters in the playoffs are stuff of legends.
Capping off the list, I’d put Kevin Durant, a player who redefines the term "scoring machine." While widely recognized for his mid-range and attacking skills, Durant is also an elite three-point shooter with a career percentage of around 38.4%. This isn’t a guy who just takes threes; he makes them at crucial moments, especially in high-pressure playoff games. Sitting in the top 25 for most career three-pointers made, Durant continues to amass impressive stats and iconic shots.
When contemplating who the ultimate three-point shooter is, these ten players offer a comprehensive spectrum of excellence. Whether it’s efficiency, volume, or clutch performances, each of these NBA legends has left an indelible mark on the game and reshaped how we value and utilize the three-point shot. For more on this, check out best 3 point shooters in nba history.