When I first started analyzing basketball statistics back in the early 2000s, the three-point shot was still considered somewhat of a novelty weapon. Fast forward to today, and it's become the most transformative element in modern basketball. I've spent countless hours breaking down shooting forms, tracking arc trajectories, and studying release speeds - and I can tell you with certainty that identifying the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history isn't as straightforward as looking at career totals. The conversation has evolved beyond simple percentages and requires us to consider context, difficulty, volume, and clutch performance.
I remember watching Ray Allen during his prime with the Seattle SuperSonics, and what struck me most wasn't just his textbook-perfect form but his incredible movement without the ball. He'd run defenders through screens like he was competing in an obstacle course, and his release was so quick it felt like the ball left his hands before he even caught it. Allen finished his career with 2,973 three-pointers made at 40% accuracy, but what truly sets him apart are those iconic playoff moments. Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals - I still get chills thinking about that shot. With 5.2 seconds left, down by three, Chris Bosh grabs the offensive rebound and kicks it out to Allen in the corner. He backpedals, catches, sets his feet in one fluid motion, and releases while falling out of bounds. Swish. That single shot might be the greatest pressure three-pointer in NBA history, and it secured Miami's championship that year.
Then there's Stephen Curry, who fundamentally changed how we think about three-point shooting. I've charted his shots from the 2015-16 season when he made an unbelievable 402 threes - breaking his own record of 286 from the previous year. The degree of difficulty on his attempts is something we'd never seen before. He'll pull up from 30 feet with a hand in his face like it's a mid-range jumper. His career percentage of 42.8% becomes even more impressive when you consider nearly half of his threes are contested, and about 35% come from beyond 26 feet. What many casual fans don't realize is that Curry's impact extends beyond his own shooting - his mere presence on the court creates driving lanes for teammates because defenders have to pick him up as soon as he crosses half-court.
We can't ignore Reggie Miller in this conversation either. Playing in an era where the three-pointer wasn't as emphasized, Miller's 2,560 career threes at 39.5% percentage stand as a testament to his longevity and consistency. I've reviewed footage of his playoff performances against the Knicks, and his ability to deliver in clutch moments was unparalleled for his generation. Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals - 8 points in 8.9 seconds, including two three-pointers. That kind of mental toughness is what separates great shooters from legendary ones.
The statistical argument gets interesting when we introduce players like Klay Thompson, who holds the record for most threes in a game with 14, and did it while taking only 11 dribbles according to my tracking. Or Kyle Korver, who once had a season where he shot 49.2% from deep on over 300 attempts - arguably the most efficient high-volume shooting season ever. Then there's the modern phenomenon of Damian Lillard, whose range extends so far that he's essentially added a new dimension to offensive spacing.
What fascinates me about this debate is how it parallels discussions in other sports. Just last week, I was analyzing the Philippine volleyball team's back-to-back victories against Chinese Taipei, including their straight-set win at the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup in Manila. The common thread in both basketball and volleyball excellence is what I call "pressure performance" - the ability to execute technically demanding skills when everything is on the line. Whether it's a volleyball player delivering a perfect serve during match point or a basketball shooter sinking a three-pointer with the championship hanging in the balance, that mental component is what truly separates the good from the great.
When I weigh all factors - statistical dominance, revolutionary impact, degree of difficulty, and clutch performance - I have to give the edge to Stephen Curry. His combination of volume (over 3,200 career threes and counting), efficiency (career 42.8%), and the transformative effect he's had on the game itself tips the scales in his favor. He didn't just master the existing three-point shot; he reinvented its possibilities. The way defenses have to adjust to his presence has literally changed how basketball is played at every level. Ray Allen might have the most iconic single three-pointer in history, and Reggie Miller defined clutch shooting for a generation, but Curry's overall body of work and his fundamental reshaping of offensive basketball strategy make him, in my professional opinion, the greatest three-point shooter the NBA has ever seen. The conversation will undoubtedly continue as new talents emerge, but for now, the title belongs to the baby-faced assassin from Golden State.