Back in 2009, I remember watching a young Stephen Curry shoot the lights out during his rookie season with the Golden State Warriors. Fast forward more than a decade, and he’s totally revolutionized the game. Curry's remarkable 3-point shooting changed the geometry of NBA defenses and how teams approach offense. He isn’t just a shooter; he’s *the* shooter. With nearly 3,200 made 3-pointers and counting, Curry holds the record for the most in NBA history. His career 3-point shooting percentage hovers around 43%, a testament to his efficiency and accuracy.
While Curry represents the current pinnacle, Reggie Miller's legacy shouldn't be ignored. Playing nearly his entire career with the Indiana Pacers, Miller made 2,560 3-pointers, holding the record before Ray Allen surpassed him. Miller’s ability to shoot off the dribble and through heavy defensive traffic was unparalleled in his time. Remember his epic performance during the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks? Scoring eight points in nine seconds is still something out of basketball folklore.
And then there's Ray Allen, who redefined clutch shooting. Allen's 2,973 made 3-pointers in the regular season were a benchmark that seemed insurmountable until Curry came along. His three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs saved the Miami Heat's season, forcing overtime and eventually leading to a championship. Allen shot 40% from beyond the arc for his career, a phenomenal rate given his volume of attempts.
Of course, we can’t talk about great shooters without mentioning Larry Bird. Bird might not have had the volume of today’s shooters, but he was incredibly proficient. Over his career, Bird shot about 38% from 3-point range, and let’s not forget the 1986 NBA 3-Point Contest, where he famously declared that he was only there to see who would finish second. Spoiler: he won the contest three times in a row.
Another name often brought up is Klay Thompson. Teamed up with Curry, the duo forms the "Splash Brothers," and boy, do they deserve that nickname. Thompson once scored 37 points in a single quarter against the Sacramento Kings in 2015, setting an NBA record. That game still feels like it happened yesterday. Klay's 3-point shooting percentage of around 42% is impressive, showing how efficient he is even under pressure.
But if we go back a bit, Glen Rice and Dale Ellis also deserve some love. Glen Rice, known for his sharpshooting with the Charlotte Hornets, finished his career with a 40% 3-point shooting percentage. Dale Ellis, one of the original 3-point specialists, retired with an average of 40.3% from downtown and was the first player in NBA history to make more than 1,000 3-pointers.
On the other hand, Dirk Nowitzki brought a different type of shooting prowess. At 7 feet tall, Nowitzki could shoot over almost anyone. His one-legged fadeaway jumper is iconic. Dirk made over 1,900 3-pointers, shooting just under 38% from deep. His influence is evident in today’s game, where big men are increasingly expected to have perimeter shooting as part of their skill set.
Let's not overlook Kyle Korver, who boasts a career 3-point shooting percentage of close to 43%. Korver's stint with the Atlanta Hawks was particularly noteworthy, where he shot an unbelievable 49% from 3-point range during the 2014-2015 season. I remember thinking, "Is he ever going to miss?"
Steve Nash, better known for his incredible passing and vision, was also a fantastic shooter. Nash's career 3-point shooting rate of 42.8% is often overshadowed by his playmaking skills, but it’s certainly no less impressive. His ability to shoot off the dribble, especially in pick-and-roll situations, was a key factor in the success of the "Seven Seconds or Less" offense of the Phoenix Suns.
Then, talking about shooting big men, how can we forget Peja Stojaković? Peja was deadly from beyond the arc during his time with the Sacramento Kings, shooting 40% from 3-point range for his career. Watching him shoot felt like watching art in motion. His quick release was mesmerizing.
Additionally, Kevin Durant deserves mention. Though not exclusively a 3-point shooter, Durant's ability to shoot from anywhere on the court makes him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the history of the game. With a career 3-point shooting percentage of around 38%, his height and wingspan allow him to get his shot off against any defender. Durant’s versatility and scoring acumen are things I’ve always found riveting to watch.
And if you're looking for today's rising stars, you can’t ignore players like Luka Dončić and Trae Young. While still early in their careers, both have shown a propensity for making big shots from deep. Dončić, for instance, has already hit multiple game-winning 3-pointers, and his confidence and skill set remind many of a young LeBron James, albeit with a better outside shot. Trae Young’s deep 3s might be reminiscent of Curry, and though his shooting percentage isn’t as high, his willingness to take those shots speaks volumes about his confidence.
When discussing shooting in the NBA, it’s impossible not to mention the impact it has on the game’s evolution. With the increased emphasis on 3-point shooting, teams are now taking more deep shots than ever before. Look at the Houston Rockets, who led the league in 3-point attempts for multiple seasons under the guidance of head coach Mike D'Antoni. Their strategy? Simply outshoot their opponents from deep.
I could go on and on about these legendary shooters, but if you're interested in diving deeper into the analysis, you should definitely check out arena plus. They offer a fantastic platform for exploring more about shooting stats, player performances, and much more. From historic games to the latest trends, there’s always something fascinating to discover.