The three-point shot has become a crucial element in a player’s arsenal, reshaping the dynamics of the game. Over the last decade, we have witnessed a surge in players showcasing their sharpshooting abilities from beyond the arc, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. One name that stands out prominently during this period is Stephen Curry, who set an astonishing record of 402 three-pointers during the 2015-2016 NBA season.
Not only did this feat earn him the title of the first unanimous MVP in NBA history, but it also signaled a new era in which three-point shooting would play a pivotal role. As we delve into the Top 5 players in 3-pointers made over the last 10 seasons, it’s noteworthy that Curry continues to dominate the league in the 2023-24 season, leading the charts even after the All-Star Break.
2023-24 NBA Season
1. Stephen Curry – 252 3PM (252 3PM, 599 3PA – 42.1%)
2. Luka Doncic – 181 3PM (181 3PM, 483 3PA – 37.5%)
3. Trae Young – 167 3PM (167 3PM, 451 3PA – 37.0%)
4. Bogdan Bogdanovic – 165 3PM (165 3PM, 443 3PA – 37.2%)
5. Tim Hardaway Jr. – 164 3PM (164 3PM, 449 3PA – 36.5%)
The 2023-24 NBA season has showcased the continued dominance of Stephen Curry in the realm of three-point shooting. Curry, who set a historic record of 402 three-pointers in the 2015-16 season, remains the face of long-range excellence. In the current season, Curry once again leads the league in three-pointers made with an impressive 252, shooting at a remarkable 42.1% from beyond the arc.
Luka Doncic, the rising star for the Dallas Mavericks, secures the second spot with 181 three-pointers, displaying his scoring versatility. Meanwhile, Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Tim Hardaway Jr. round out the top five, showcasing the league’s depth in three-point talent.
As Curry continues to rewrite the record books, the 2023-24 season highlights the evolving landscape of three-point shooters and the impact they have on the modern NBA game. The ability to stretch the floor and convert from long-range remains a crucial aspect of a team’s offensive strategy.
2022-23 NBA Season
1. Klay Thompson – 301 3PM (301 3PM, 731 3PA – 41.2%)
2. Buddy Hield – 288 3PM (288 3PM, 677 3PA – 42.5%)
3. Stephen Curry – 273 3PM (273 3PM, 639 3PA – 42.7%)
4. Donovan Mitchell – 245 3PM (245 3PM, 635 3PA – 38.6%)
5. Damian Lillard – 244 3PM (244 3PM, 658 3PA – 37.1%)
The 2022-23 NBA season witnessed yet another sight of Klay Thompson on the court after an extended absence due to injury. Thompson’s remarkable 301 three-pointers made him the leader in this category, showcasing his unparalleled shooting ability. Buddy Hield and Stephen Curry continued to be consistent threats from long-range, securing the second and third positions, respectively.
The season highlighted the importance of three-point shooting in today’s game, with players like Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard consistently contributing to their teams’ offensive firepower. As the league evolves, the reliance on three-point shooting as a key offensive weapon becomes increasingly evident.
2021-22 NBA Season
1. Stephen Curry – 285 3PM (285 3PM, 750 3PA – 38.0%)
2. Buddy Hield – 262 3PM (262 3PM, 716 3PA – 36.6%)
3. Fred VanVleet – 242 3PM (242 3PM, 642 3PA – 37.7%)
4. Evan Fournier – 2413PM (241 3PM, 619 3PA – 38.9%)
5. Malik Beasley – 240 3PM (240 3PM, 637 3PA – 37.7%)
Stephen Curry’s three-point prowess continued to be unrivaled in the 2021-22 NBA season. The two-time MVP led the league in three-pointers, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest shooters in the history of the game.
Plus, the Warriors lifted the Larry O’Brien trophy and Steph earned his first-ever Finals MVP award. Buddy Hield and Fred VanVleet showcased their consistency from beyond the arc, securing the second and third spots, respectively.
Evan Fournier and Malik Beasley rounded out the top five, emphasizing the diverse range of players contributing significantly to their teams’ three-point shooting success. The 2021-22 season marked another chapter in the NBA’s evolution toward perimeter-oriented play, with three-point shooting becoming a defining factor in team strategies.
2020-21 NBA Season
1. Stephen Curry – 337 3PM (337 3PM, 801 3PA – 42.1%)
2. Buddy Hield – 282 3PM (282 3PM, 721 3PA – 39.1%)
3. Damian Lillard – 275 3PM (275 3PM, 704 3PA – 39.1%)
4. Duncan Robinson – 250 3PM (250 3PM, 613 3PA – 40.8%)
5. Terry Rozier – 222 3PM (222 3PM, 571 3PA – 38.9%)
The 2020-21 NBA season showcased Stephen Curry’s return to the forefront of three-point excellence. His 337 made three-pointers, combined with a 42.1% shooting percentage, underscored his ability to impact games from long range. The Golden State Warriors’ success was intricately tied to Curry’s scoring prowess and playmaking.
Buddy Hield’s consistent presence among the top shooters reflected the Sacramento Kings’ commitment to a perimeter-oriented offense. Damian Lillard and Duncan Robinson, renowned for their deep-range accuracy, continued to be key contributors to their respective teams’ offensive schemes.
2019-20 NBA Season
1. James Harden – 299 3PM (299 3PM, 843 3PA – 35.5%)
2. Buddy Hield – 271 3PM (271 3PM, 688 3PA – 39.4%)
3. Damian Lillard – 270 3PM (270 3PM, 674 3PA – 40.1%)
4. Duncan Robinson – 270 3PM (270 3PM, 606 3PA – 44.6%)
5. Devonte’ Graham – 218 3PM (218 3PM, 585 3PA – 37.3%)
The 2019-20 NBA season was a showcase of prolific three-point shooting from some of the league’s top marksmen. James Harden continued to be a scoring juggernaut, leading the league in three-pointers made with 299, even at a slightly lower shooting percentage of 35.5%. Buddy Hield’s precision from beyond the arc, connecting on 39.4% of his attempts, solidified his reputation as a reliable three-point threat for the Sacramento Kings.
Damian Lillard’s deep shooting remained a highlight, contributing significantly to the Portland Trail Blazers’ success. His 40.1% accuracy on 270 three-pointers made him a constant scoring threat. Duncan Robinson emerged as a surprise package for the Miami Heat, showcasing an elite 44.6% shooting from three on 270 attempts. His marksmanship played a crucial role in the Heat’s run to the NBA Finals.
Devonte’ Graham’s breakout season with the Charlotte Hornets added another layer to the three-point narrative. His 218 three-pointers made at a 37.3% clip highlighted his growth as a scoring option and playmaker. Collectively, these players exemplified the diverse skill set required for success in the modern NBA, where three-point shooting has become a cornerstone of offensive strategies.
2018-19 NBA Season
1. James Harden – 378 3PM (378 3PM, 1,028 3PA – 36.8%)
2. Stephen Curry – 354 3PM (354 3PM, 757 3PA – 43.7%)
3. Paul George – 292 3PM (292 3PM, 674 3PA – 38.6%)
4. Buddy Hield – 278 3PM (278 3PM, 651 3PA – 42.7%)
5. Kemba Walker – 260 3PM (260 3PM, 731 3PA – 35.6%)
The 2018-19 NBA season witnessed an extraordinary display of three-point shooting prowess from some of the league’s most celebrated players. James Harden, the reigning MVP, led the charge with an astonishing 378 three-pointers made on an unparalleled 1,028 attempts, despite a relatively lower shooting percentage of 36.8%. His scoring ability, both inside and outside the arc, continued to define the Houston Rockets’ offensive strategy.
Stephen Curry, a perennial three-point maestro, showcased his marksmanship with 354 threes at an outstanding 43.7% accuracy. His deep shooting played a crucial role in the Golden State Warriors’ pursuit of another championship. Paul George, in a standout season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, contributed 292 three-pointers, exhibiting a well-rounded offensive game complemented by his defensive prowess.
Buddy Hield’s emergence as a premier three-point threat continued, as he connected on 278 shots from beyond the arc at an impressive 42.7% rate. His shooting proficiency added a valuable dimension to the Sacramento Kings’ offensive scheme. Kemba Walker, amidst a memorable season with the Charlotte Hornets, showcased his scoring versatility with 260 three-pointers made on 35.6% shooting.
2017-18 NBA Season
1. James Harden – 265 3PM (265 3PM, 722 3PA – 36.7%)
2. Paul George – 244 3PM (244 3PM, 609 3PA – 40.1%)
3. Kyle Lowry – 238 3PM (238 3PM, 596 3PA – 39.9%)
4. Kemba Walker – 231 3PM (231 3PM, 601 3PA – 38.4%)
5. Klay Thompson – 229 3PM (229 3PM, 521 3PA – 44.0%)
The 2017-18 NBA season marked another chapter in the league’s three-point revolution, showcasing the skills of some of the most prolific shooters. James Harden led the charge, connecting on 265 three-pointers at a 36.7% rate, as the Houston Rockets embraced a high-volume three-point shooting strategy. Harden’s ability to score both from the perimeter and off the dribble made him a formidable offensive force.
Paul George continued to establish himself as a versatile scorer with 244 three-pointers made at an impressive 40.1%. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute from beyond the arc added a crucial dimension to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offensive scheme.
Kyle Lowry, the veteran point guard of the Toronto Raptors, showcased his three-point shooting proficiency with 238 made on 39.9% shooting. Lowry’s floor spacing and playmaking were vital components of the Raptors’ success during the season.
Klay Thompson, known for his elite shooting with the Golden State Warriors, demonstrated his prowess by making 229 three-pointers on an impressive 44.0% shooting. Thompson’s catch-and-shoot ability and defensive prowess played a crucial role in the Warriors’ championship aspirations.
2016-17 NBA Season
1. Stephen Curry – 324 3PM (324 3PM, 789 3PA – 41.1%)
2. Klay Thompson – 268 3PM (268 3PM, 647 3PA – 41.4%)
3. James Harden – 262 3PM (262 3PM, 661 3PA – 34.7%)
4. Eric Gordon – 246 3PM (246 3PM, 601 3PA – 37.2%)
5. Isaiah Thomas – 245 3PM (245 3PM, 646 3PA – 37.9%)
The 2016-17 NBA season was a showcase of exceptional three-point shooting, with Stephen Curry leading the way as the league’s premier marksman. Curry’s 324 three-pointers made on 41.1% shooting highlighted his unprecedented shooting ability. His deep range and quick release continued to revolutionize the game.
Klay Thompson, Curry’s Splash Brother, demonstrated his own shooting prowess, connecting on 268 three-pointers at a remarkable 41.4%. Thompson’s catch-and-shoot proficiency and defensive capabilities made him an integral part of the Golden State Warriors’ success.
The 2016-17 season reinforced the NBA’s shift towards a three-point-centric style of play, with Curry, Thompson, Harden, Gordon, and Thomas exemplifying the evolving role of the long-range shot in the league’s offensive strategies. These players not only filled the highlight reels but also set the stage for the three-point revolution that continues to shape the modern game.
2015-16 NBA Season
1. Stephen Curry – 402 3PM (402 3PM, 886 3PA – 45.4%)
2. Klay Thompson – 276 3PM (276 3PM, 650 3PA – 42.5%)
3. James Harden – 236 3PM (236 3PM, 657 3PA – 35.9%)
4. Damian Lillard – 229 3PM (229 3PM, 610 3PA – 37.5%)
5. Kyle Lowry – 212 3PM (212 3PM, 547 3PA – 38.8%)
The 2015-16 NBA season will forever be etched in history as the year Stephen Curry redefined the boundaries of three-point shooting. Curry’s unprecedented 402 three-pointers made on an incredible 45.4% shooting showcased his extraordinary skill and changed the way the game is played. His deep shooting and limitless range led the Golden State Warriors to a record-breaking 73-win season.
Klay Thompson, Curry’s teammate, proved to be a formidable sharpshooter in his own right, contributing 276 three-pointers at a 42.5% clip. The Splash Brothers’ combined firepower from beyond the arc was a driving force behind the Warriors’ historic success.
James Harden continued to display his scoring versatility, recording 236 three-pointers despite a lower shooting percentage of 35.9%. Harden’s ability to score from deep, along with his playmaking skills, solidified his status as one of the league’s premier offensive threats.
2014-15 NBA Season
1. Stephen Curry – 286 3PM (286 3PM, 646 3PA – 44.3%)
2. Klay Thompson – 239 3PM (239 3PM, 545 3PA – 43.9%)
3. Kyle Korver – 221 3PM (221 3PM, 449 3PA – 49.5%)
4. James Harden – 208 3PM (208 3PM, 555 3PA – 37.5%)
5. JJ Redick – 200 3PM (200 3PM, 458 3PA – 43.7%)
The 2014-15 NBA season continued to witness the rise of three-point shooting as a dominant force in the league. Stephen Curry, once again leading the charge, showcased his extraordinary shooting ability by making 286 three-pointers on an impressive 44.3% shooting. Curry’s deep range and incredible accuracy solidified his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
Klay Thompson, Curry’s backcourt partner, complemented the Warriors’ three-point barrage with 239 three-pointers at an outstanding 43.9% rate. The duo’s combined proficiency from beyond the arc played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ championship-winning campaign.
Kyle Korver, known for his sharpshooting, made a significant impact for the Atlanta Hawks with 221 three-pointers at an astonishing 49.5% shooting. Korver’s elite marksmanship was a key factor in the Hawks’ success during the season.
Credit for an idea: NBA Debates/Instagram
