3-pointers have become an essential part of the NBA in recent years. Since its introduction in the league, shooters started to appear in various teams and we have seen a lot of 3-point specialists.
Who has the most 3-pointers in NBA history? As of 2021, Ray Allen holds the record of realizing the most 3-pointers. During 18 seasons in the NBA, he has 2,973 3-pointers out of 7,429 shots. He was a prolific scorer and throughout his career, Allen executed a number of clutch shots.
Ray Allen played for 4 different teams and he always stood out for his accurate shooting. In the following article, we will have a look at his career as well as other notable 3-point shooters.
Ray Allen – One of the Greatest Shooters of all Time
It can be said that Ray Allen definitely revolutionized the concept of long-range shots. Not only was he lethal from a 3-pointer, but also established himself as one of the best free-throw shooters, having 90% from the line. During his career, Allen had a solid 40% 3-point field goal. He played a pivotal role in the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, contributing to their championship.
In 2013, when the Heat were playing against the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals, Ray Allen delivered a clutch 3-pointer in the Game 6 to tie the series, which the Heat later won. It has become one of the most memorable moments of the playoffs.
Before Ray Allen appeared, the record of the most 3-pointers was firmly held by Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers. On April 7, 2006, Ray Allen moved into second place on the NBA‘s list of all-time 3-point field goals and after that broke the record as well.
Which Players are Next on the List?
While Ray Allen is currently the holder of the record, without a question this milestone will be surpassed. The NBA has changed a lot and even centers have begun to master long shots. Let’s have a look at other players on the list.
Stephen Curry
Steph Curry is only 33 and the Golden State Warriors leader has already managed to score more than 2,800 3-pointers. His prowess in terms of long-range shot is impeccable and the Warriors shooting guard shows no signs of slowing down. He is likely to break the regular-season record for the most 3-pointers even at the end of this season. Curry can shoot from any position, with a defender in front of him. He has a lot of games with 10 and more 3-pointers and from year to year he is only progressing.
Reggie Miller
The symbol of the Indiana Pacers – Reggie Miller executed 2,560 3-pointers during his career for 18 seasons. Miller is on the list of elite players who have never managed to win a championship title. He was a lethal shooter and before Allen and Curry appeared, he was widely recognized as the best long-range shooter of all time. Even nowadays, his leadership, charisma and 3-point prowess are remembered.
James Harden
Like Curry, Harden is also an active player and he has a chance to surpass both Allen and Miller. Harden is only 32 and already made over 2,400 3-pointers. He is an elite scorer and during his time in the Houston Rockets, he attempted a lot of 3-pointers. With the Brooklyn Nets, his role as a leader has slightly diminished, considering that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are playing alongside him, but for sure he will move upwards on the list.
Kyle Korver
Kyle Korver is a classic sniper. He retired in 2020, and there are 2,450 3-pointers to his name. He played for 6 different teams. However, unlike shooters that we have mentioned above, Korver was more of a “catch and shoot player” and barely created a shooting position for himself. Korver ended his career with 42% shooting.
Vince Carter
Carter is more known in the history of the NBA with his dunking skills and effective play but for 22 seasons (which is a record in the NBA), Carter scored 2,290 3-pointers for 8 different teams. Like Ray Allen, Carter also executed a lot of clutch shots both during the playoffs and a regular season.
Jason Terry
Known as “The Jet”, Jason Terry played a crucial role in the championship of the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, against the Miami Heat. Jason Terry frequently pulled up for mid range shots and was more focused on 3-pointers. He has 2,283 3-pointers.
Jamal Crawford
While Jamal Crawford was mostly a bench player during his career, he has firmly established himself as one of the best Sixth Man of all time. Jamal Crawford executed 2,221 3-pointers during 20 seasons in the NBA. He is also an all-time leader in four-point plays – the record which is not going to be broken anytime soon. Crawford is the oldest player to score 50+ points at the age of 39.
Paul Pierce
Another clutch player and one of the best players in the history of the Boston Celtics – Paul Pierce has 2,143 3-pointers during a regular season. Pierce spent the majority of his playing career with the Celtics, winning the championship title once in 2008.
Damian Lillard
Lillard is the 10th player on the list with 2,062 3-pointers. Like Harden and Curry, he is able to surpass the players mentioned above. He rarely gets injured and is only 31. Lillard has also made a lot of clutch shots for the Portland Trail Blazers in the playoffs.
