Who Has Made the Most All Time 3pt Made in NBA History?

When I first started following the NBA back in the late 90s, the three-point shot was still considered somewhat of a novelty—a high-risk, high-reward weapon that only a few specialists dared to deploy regularly. Fast forward to today, and it’s impossible to talk about basketball without putting the long ball at the center of the conversation. So, who has made the most all-time three-pointers in NBA history? That honor, as many fans know, belongs to Ray Allen. But the story doesn’t end there. In fact, the race for the top spot has become one of the most compelling narratives in modern basketball, blending legacy, longevity, and a fundamental shift in how the game is played.

Ray Allen sits at the very top with 2,973 three-pointers made over his 18-season career. I’ve always admired his flawless mechanics—the way he’d catch and release in one fluid motion, almost like a metronome of precision. But right on his heels is Stephen Curry, and if we’re being honest, it’s only a matter of time before he claims the throne. As of my last check, Curry had already surpassed 2,800 threes, and given his pace, I wouldn’t be surprised if he breaks the record sometime in the next season or two. What’s fascinating to me isn’t just the numbers themselves, but what they represent: Curry didn’t just join the trend; he rewrote the rules, proving that the three-pointer could be a primary weapon, not just an accessory.

Let’s not forget the other legends in this conversation. Reggie Miller held the record before Allen, and his 2,560 threes stood for years as a testament to his clutch shooting and relentless movement off the ball. Then there’s Kyle Korver, who might not have the volume of the top guys but boasts one of the purest strokes I’ve ever seen. And of course, James Harden—love him or hate him—has used the step-back three to redefine offensive creation. Each of these players brought something unique to the table, and watching their careers unfold has given me a deeper appreciation for how varied the art of shooting can be.

Now, you might wonder what any of this has to do with trades and media rights, but stick with me—there’s a connection here. Take the reference to TNT and Converge in that bit about Williams. While it’s not directly about three-point shooting, it reminds me how deeply business and broadcasting are woven into the sport’s fabric. TNT, for example, has been a home for NBA coverage for decades, bringing iconic moments—like Ray Allen’s Game 6 shot in the 2013 Finals—into living rooms worldwide. When networks hold player rights or facilitate trades, they’re not just moving pieces on a board; they’re shaping how we experience the game. In a way, the three-point revolution owes part of its popularity to broadcasters who highlighted these moments, making the long ball a staple of highlight reels and analysis segments.

But back to the shooters. What separates the greats from the rest? In my view, it’s not just accuracy—though that’s crucial—but also volume and difficulty. Curry, for instance, isn’t just hitting open looks; he’s launching from well beyond the arc, off the dribble, and in traffic. That degree of difficulty is something I don’t think we’ve seen before, and it’s pushed the entire league to adapt. When I look at today’s rookies, almost all of them arrive with a three-point shot as part of their foundational skill set. That simply wasn’t the case 20 years ago.

Still, numbers only tell part of the story. Ray Allen’s record is a monument to consistency. He played in over 1,300 games, and his professionalism was legendary—early to practice, meticulous with his diet, and relentless in his preparation. I had the chance to watch him live a few times, and what struck me was his economy of movement. No wasted motion, no forced shots. Everything was calculated. That’s a lesson that extends beyond sports: greatness often lies in the details, in showing up day after day, even when nobody’s watching.

As for the future, I’m convinced the three-point record will keep falling. Players like Damian Lillard and Trae Young are already climbing the ranks, and with the league’s emphasis on spacing and pace, I wouldn’t be shocked if someone eventually tops 4,000 made threes. Whether that’s good for the game is up for debate—I miss the post-up battles and mid-range mastery of the 90s sometimes—but there’s no denying the excitement a deep three can bring. When Curry pulls up from the logo, the entire arena holds its breath. That’s magic.

In closing, the title of "most three-pointers made" is more than a statistic; it’s a reflection of basketball’s evolution. From Ray Allen’s textbook form to Stephen Curry’s audacious range, each era’s top shooters have left an indelible mark. And as the business side of the sport continues to evolve—with broadcast deals and trades shaping team rosters—the three-pointer remains a constant, a symbol of innovation and excitement. So, the next time you see a player sink one from deep, remember: you’re not just watching a shot; you’re watching history in the making.