Discover The Most Accurate List Of Best Nba 3 Point Shooters

The three-point shot has transformed the NBA into a perimeter-oriented league where spacing, timing, and shooting efficiency define championship contenders. As analytics have reshaped team strategies, elite shooters have become more valuable than ever. But who truly stands at the top when it comes to accuracy, volume, consistency, and impact from beyond the arc? This article delivers a definitive, data-backed list of the best NBA 3-point shooters in history—evaluated not just by raw numbers, but by longevity, clutch performance, and influence on the modern game.

All-Time Leaders in Three-Point Accuracy and Volume

To identify the greatest 3-point shooters, two key metrics must be considered: total made threes and three-point percentage. While volume reflects durability and role importance, accuracy separates specialists from all-around threats. The following table combines both criteria, focusing on players with at least 1,000 career three-pointers made—ensuring that part-time snipers aren’t overvalued.

Player	Career 3PM	Career 3P%	Seasons	Teams
Stephen Curry	3,747	42.8%	15	Golden State Warriors
Kyle Korver	2,450	42.9%	17	Jazz, 76ers, Hawks, Cavs, Suns
Klay Thompson	2,685	41.3%	13	Golden State Warriors
Damian Lillard	2,617	37.2%	12	Trail Blazers, Bucks
Buddy Hield	2,178	38.1%	10	Kings, Pacers, 76ers
Reggie Miller	2,560	39.5%	18	Pacers
Russell Westbrook	1,917	30.8%	17	Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Nuggets

Note: Stephen Curry leads in both volume and high efficiency, redefining what’s possible from long range. Kyle Korver, though retired, remains the gold standard for pure shooting form and off-ball movement.

Tip: When evaluating shooters, prioritize those who maintain high percentages despite heavy defensive attention—Curry and Thompson exemplify this under duress.

What Makes a Shooter Elite? Beyond the Numbers

Raw statistics don’t tell the full story. True greatness in three-point shooting involves release speed, off-the-dribble capability, range, and mental toughness in clutch moments. Consider these defining traits:

• Release Time: Stephen Curry’s release takes approximately 0.4 seconds—the fastest in NBA history.
• Range: Curry regularly hits shots from 30+ feet, stretching defenses like no player before him.
• Movement Without the Ball: Klay Thompson averages over 3 miles run per game during his peak shooting seasons.
• Clutch Performance: Players like Duncan Robinson and Joe Harris may lack volume, but their late-game composure is elite.

“Curry didn’t just change how we shoot—he changed how we think about space on the court.” — Mike D’Antoni, Former NBA Head Coach

Step-by-Step: How the Modern NBA Evaluates Shooting Talent

Teams now use advanced tracking systems (like Second Spectrum and STATS) to assess shooting beyond box scores. Here’s how front offices break down shooter potential:

1. Track Catch-and-Shoot vs. Pull-Up Splits: Elite shooters excel in both. Curry shoots 44% on catch-and-shoot and 40% on pull-ups—rare balance.
2. Analyze Contested vs. Open Shots: A player hitting 40% on contested threes is more valuable than one needing wide-open looks.
3. Measure Shot Distance: Range matters. Hitting consistently from 27+ feet creates strategic advantages.
4. Evaluate Off-Ball Movement: Screen navigation, relocation speed, and decision-making post-pass are quantified.
5. Review Clutch Minute Data: Performance in last 5 minutes of close games separates stars from role players.

Mini Case Study: The Rise of the Splash Brothers

In 2011, the Golden State Warriors drafted Klay Thompson seventh overall. Paired with Stephen Curry, they formed the “Splash Brothers”—a duo that would revolutionize offensive basketball. Initially doubted due to defensive limitations and injury concerns, Thompson’s shooting prowess became undeniable during the 2014–15 season when he hit 239 threes, then a single-season record.

During Game 6 of the 2016 Western Conference Finals against Oklahoma City, Thompson scored 41 points, including 11 three-pointers—a playoff record. His ability to catch fire in seconds forced defenses to abandon traditional schemes. Meanwhile, Curry shattered the regular-season record with 402 threes in 2015–16, winning MVP unanimously.

Their synergy wasn’t accidental. Under coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors prioritized ball movement, screen actions, and floor spacing. The result? Four championships in eight years and a league-wide shift toward positionless, high-volume three-point offenses.

Checklist: Traits of a Top-Tier NBA Shooter

Use this checklist to evaluate any shooter—whether analyzing prospects, fantasy picks, or favorite players:

• ✅ Consistent 3-point percentage above 38% over multiple seasons
• ✅ Ability to shoot off the dribble, not just catch-and-shoot
• ✅ High volume (at least 6+ attempts per game) without sacrificing efficiency
• ✅ Proven success in playoff and clutch scenarios
• ✅ Effective movement without the ball—using screens and cuts
• ✅ Low turnover rate on pick-and-roll or isolation plays
• ✅ Strong mechanics: balanced stance, consistent follow-through, quick release

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has the highest career three-point percentage in NBA history?

Steve Kerr holds the record with a 45.4% career three-point average. However, he played fewer games (911) and attempted fewer total shots (1,500+). Among high-volume shooters (1,000+ attempts), Hubert Davis ranks second at 44.1%, followed by Dražen Petrović (43.7%). For players with over 2,000 made threes, Kyle Korver leads at 42.9%.

Is Steph Curry the greatest shooter of all time?

Statistically and culturally, yes. He holds the records for most threes in a season (402), most career threes, and highest single-season three-point percentage (45.4% in 2015–16 while averaging 11.7 attempts). More importantly, he changed how the game is played. No player before him combined volume, accuracy, creativity, and impact so decisively.

Are there any rising stars who could challenge Curry’s legacy?

Several young players show promise: Tyrese Haliburton (40.4% career 3P%), Anfernee Simons (39.8%), and Bones Hyland (improving rapidly). International talents like Slovenia’s Luka Dončić already rank among the top pull-up shooters. However, matching Curry’s combination of athleticism, skill, and sustained excellence will require a generational talent.

Conclusion: Redefining Greatness from Beyond the Arc

The evolution of the three-pointer has elevated shooters from role players to franchise cornerstones. The most accurate list of best NBA 3-point shooters isn’t just about counting made baskets—it’s about understanding context, pressure, innovation, and influence. Stephen Curry stands alone at the summit, but legends like Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, and Kyle Korver paved the way with precision and poise.

As analytics continue shaping team rosters and playing styles, the demand for elite shooters will only grow. Whether you're a fan, analyst, or aspiring player, recognizing what separates good shooters from transcendent ones is essential to appreciating the modern NBA.

💬 Which shooter do you believe has had the greatest impact on the game? Share your thoughts and debate the rankings with fellow fans!