If you walked into an NBA arena twenty years ago, the game looked totally different. Big men lived in the paint, and the three-pointer was a specialized tool, something you’d use only when absolutely necessary or if your name was Reggie Miller. Fast forward to 2026, and the league has basically been set on fire by the long-range shot. We’re living in an era where the record for most 3pt in NBA history isn't just a stat—it's a testament to how one guy, and a few of his peers, completely broke the sport.
Steph Curry is the name everyone knows. He’s the king of the mountain, and it’s not even close anymore. As of January 2026, Curry has pushed his career total past 4,200 made triples. That number is honestly hard to wrap your head around. To put it in perspective, when Ray Allen retired, people thought his record of 2,973 was going to stand for decades. Steph didn’t just beat it; he lapped the field. He’s currently sitting at 4,205 makes. It’s wild to think that he’s essentially created a gap between himself and the rest of history that might never be closed.
The Mount Rushmore of Distance
While Curry is the undisputed leader, the race for the spots behind him has become a fascinating game of musical chairs. Just recently, Klay Thompson made headlines by passing Damian Lillard to take over the #4 spot on the all-time list.
Klay knocked down his 2,805th career three-pointer against the Jazz on a random Thursday in January, finally leapfrogging Dame. It was a classic Klay performance—six threes, 26 points, and that effortless release that makes you wonder how he ever misses. Now, the leaderboard looks like a "who’s who" of the modern era, with one legendary name from the past still holding onto the bronze medal.
Here is how the top of the mountain looks right now:
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- Stephen Curry: 4,205 (and still counting)
- James Harden: 3,293
- Ray Allen: 2,973
- Klay Thompson: 2,809
- Damian Lillard: 2,804
It’s kinda crazy to see Ray Allen still up there. He played in a league that didn't value the shot nearly as much as we do now. If Ray were playing today, with the green light players have in 2026? He’d probably be right there with Steph. But the volume has shifted so dramatically that even LeBron James, who was never considered a "shooter" early in his career, has climbed all the way to 6th place with 2,595 makes.
Why the Records are Shattering
You have to look at the math to understand why these numbers are ballooning. In the early 2000s, leading the league with 200 made threes in a season was a huge deal. Now? If a top-tier guard doesn't hit 250, it’s considered an off year.
James Harden is the perfect example of this volume-heavy approach. Love him or hate him, the "Beard" changed the geometry of the floor with his step-back. He’s currently second all-time with 3,293 makes. He’s taken over 9,000 attempts to get there. That’s the secret sauce of the modern NBA: volume.
The Clippers have leaned into this heavily with Harden. Just a few days ago, he passed Shaq for 9th on the all-time scoring list, mostly because of how he's utilized the three-point line to supplement his free-throw hunting. It’s a grind. It’s not always pretty, but the efficiency of the three-point shot means guys are willing to fail more often if it means the payoff is higher.
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The "Middle" Class of Shooters
We talk about the stars, but the depth of shooters in the league today is what really stands out. Look at someone like Buddy Hield. He’s currently 15th all-time with 2,175 makes. He’s only 33 years old.
If he stays healthy, Buddy could easily end up in the top five by the time he hangs them up. Then you’ve got the young guns. Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum are already deep into the top 60. Luka has 1,487 makes, and Tatum is right there at 1,546. They are hitting these milestones at ages that would have been unthinkable for the previous generation.
The Reggie Miller Factor
Reggie Miller held the record for what felt like forever with 2,560. He’s now fallen to 7th. It’s almost sad to see the pioneers get pushed down the list, but it also shows the evolution. Reggie did it with off-ball movement and screens. Curry does it with handles and unlimited range. Harden does it with isolation.
The game has become more "helpless" for defenders. How do you guard a guy who can pull up from 35 feet? You can't. That’s why the most 3pt in NBA history list will look completely different five years from now. We might see a top ten that is entirely comprised of players who started their careers after 2010.
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Breaking Down the Longevity
One thing people often overlook is how health plays into these records. Klay Thompson missed two full seasons in his prime. If those years aren't lost to injury, he’s likely already passed Ray Allen and might even be knocking on the door of 3,500.
Damian Lillard is another one. His move to Milwaukee and subsequent trade talks have shifted his role, but "Dame Time" is still a very real thing. He’s only five makes behind Klay. That #4 spot is going to be a back-and-forth battle for the rest of the 2026 season.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking these stats or betting on future hall-of-fame trajectories, keep these points in mind:
- Watch the "Attempts" Column: Total makes are great, but the ratio of attempts tells you who has the ultimate green light. Steph Curry is still the efficiency king, hitting over 42% of his 9,900+ attempts.
- The 4,000 Club: Curry is currently the only member. Expect James Harden to be the only other player with a realistic shot at joining him in the next two seasons.
- The "LeBron" Effect: Don't count out the veterans who are "becoming" shooters late in their careers. LeBron’s climb into the top 10 is a blueprint for how older stars can extend their careers.
- Track the 2025 Draft Class: Keep an eye on rookies like Cooper Flagg. While he’s more of an all-around threat, the way the modern game is taught means even the "bigs" of the future will be entering the league with high-volume shooting skills.
The record for the most 3pt in NBA history isn't just a number on a screen; it's a map of how basketball changed forever. Whether you're a purist who misses the mid-range or a new fan who loves the "Splash Brothers," there's no denying that we are witnessing the greatest era of marksmanship the world has ever seen.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the weekly box scores for the Mavericks and Bucks. The battle between Klay and Dame for that fourth-place spot is the most competitive sub-plot in the league right now. You can check the official NBA career leaders page for live updates after every game night to see if the order has flipped again.