When we talk about the greatest long-range shooters in NBA history, Stephen Curry inevitably comes to mind. The man redefined the role of the point guard and changed the game with his remarkable three-point shooting skills. As of the last season, Curry had made over 3,000 career three-pointers, a number that's almost hard to comprehend. Not just that, but he has a career three-point shooting percentage of around 43%, which is astoundingly efficient. Fans and analysts often marvel at the insane range from which he can shoot with ease, not to mention his ability to create shots off the dribble, something rare in the earlier eras of basketball.
But before Curry, there was Ray Allen. Known for his impeccable shooting form and quick release, Allen's three-point competency was something to behold. By the time he retired, he had made 2,973 three-pointers, a record that Curry eventually broke. Allen wasn’t just a shooter; he was often the go-to guy when his team needed a clutch shot. Remember the 2013 NBA Finals when he hit that unforgettable corner three to save the Miami Heat in Game 6 against the San Antonio Spurs? That’s Ray Allen for you—efficient, reliable, and a cold-blooded shooter under pressure. He boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 40%, which in modern standards is considered elite.
Then, of course, there's Reggie Miller, the Indiana Pacers legend. Miller held the all-time three-point record before Ray Allen shattered it. Known for his antagonistic style and penchant for trash-talking, what truly defined Miller was his ability to hit clutch shots. One of his most memorable moments came during the 1995 playoffs against the New York Knicks, when he scored eight points in nine seconds to steal the game. Over his career, Miller netted 2,560 three-pointers, with a career percentage of 39.5%. While those numbers might seem modest compared to the modern-day shooters, it’s crucial to remember that shooting as many threes as Miller did in his era was almost unheard of and somewhat revolutionary.
But it's not just about the raw numbers; context matters too. Larry Bird, for example, was a three-point sniper before the league even embraced the shot to the extent it does today. Bird won three consecutive three-point contests during the All-Star Weekend in the late '80s, showcasing his superiority. His career three-point percentage stands at around 37.6%, which might not jump off the page today, but considering the era in which he played, where teams averaged less than five three-point attempts per game, that number is impressive.
Toss in someone like Klay Thompson into the conversation. Curry's Splash Brother isn’t far behind when it comes to hitting threes. In one of the most mind-blowing performances in NBA history, Klay scored 37 points in a single quarter against the Sacramento Kings in 2015, a feat that included nine three-pointers. His career three-point percentage is nearly 42%, rivaling the best in the game. The fact that he plays alongside Curry sometimes makes his contributions seem a bit overshadowed, but make no mistake—Klay is one of the purest and most efficient shooters we’ve ever seen.
Kyle Korver deserves mention too. Always a role player and never the star, Korver has etched his name among the elite shooters with a whopping 2,450 three-pointers made and a lifetime three-point percentage of 42.9%. Teams often sought his services specifically for his shooting prowess. During the 2009-2010 season, he shot an unprecedented 53.6% from beyond the arc while playing for the Utah Jazz, setting a single-season record for the highest three-point shooting percentage.
Moving back to the old school, we can’t overlook Glen Rice. His peak came in the mid-90s when he won the 1997 NBA All-Star Game MVP and led the league in three-point shooting the same season with a 47% clip. Rice made 1,559 three-pointers during his career, another testament to his dead-eye accuracy. Before three-point shooting became a mainstream skill, Rice was already one of the league's most lethal weapons from behind the arc.
James Harden also finds his spot in this discussion. He is one of the more modern players who benefited from the game's evolution to a three-point-heavy strategy. By 2023, he had already made over 2,600 three-pointers. Harden's style, often involving step-backs and shooting off the dribble, has redefined what's possible from behind the arc. His three-point percentage hovers around 36%, which seems modest, but the volume and difficulty of his shots make it impressive.
And then there's Dirk Nowitzki, the pioneering seven-footer who made the three-point shot a legitimate threat for big men. Dirk hit 1,982 three-pointers during his career and has a career percentage of 38%. His iconic one-legged fadeaway jump shot from deep changed the way we view big men in the game, proving that they can stretch the floor and be versatile offensive threats.
These players, with their distinct styles and impressive numbers, have elevated the importance of the three-point shot in the NBA. From the foundational blocks set by players like Larry Bird and Reggie Miller to the revolution led by modern sharpshooters such as Stephen Curry and James Harden, the evolution of the three-pointer reflects the evolving strategies and philosophies of the game. The result is a faster-paced, more exciting brand of basketball that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Their contributions, records, and unforgettable highlights have cemented their places in history.
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