Let’s be real for a second. If you grew up watching basketball in the 90s, the three-pointer was basically a specialty tool—sort of like a fancy screwdriver you only pull out for specific DIY projects. Fast forward to 2026, and it’s the whole damn toolbox. The game has been completely rewired, and the guys at the top of the NBA all time 3 point leaders list are the ones who held the soldering iron.
When we talk about these rankings, we aren't just looking at a spreadsheet of names and numbers. We are looking at the evolution of an art form. It’s wild to think that just a few decades ago, coaches would bench you for taking a shot three feet behind the arc. Now? If you aren't shooting from the logo, you’re almost playing "old school" ball.
The King of the Hill: Stephen Curry
Is there even anything left to say about Steph? As of January 2026, Wardell Stephen Curry II has basically broken the game. He’s sitting at 4,205 career three-pointers made. Let that number sink in. He isn't just leading; he’s playing a different sport.
Steph didn't just climb the mountain; he built a skyscraper on top of it. He’s the only player in history to cross the 4,000 mark, and honestly, it’s kinda terrifying how easy he still makes it look. His range isn't "the gym," it’s the zip code. You’ve seen the clips of him turning around before the ball even hits the net. That’s not just confidence; it’s a statistical certainty.
What most people miss is how much gravity he has. He changes the way every other player on the court moves because you literally cannot leave him alone anywhere past half-court. It’s a level of dominance that we might never see again.
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The Beard and the Chase for Second
Right behind him, though in a much different style, is James Harden. As of mid-January 2026, Harden has solidified himself as the clear number two with 3,295 makes.
Harden’s journey is fascinating because it’s built on the step-back. It’s a move that every kid in every driveway is trying to mimic now, but nobody does it with that weird, rhythmic timing like he does. He’s currently playing for the Clippers and just recently passed Shaq for 9th on the all-time scoring list. Think about that: a guy who makes his living at the three-point line is rubbing shoulders with the most dominant physical force in the paint.
Harden gets a lot of flak for his "iso" style, but you can't argue with the production. He’s a volume shooter, sure, but the degree of difficulty on his shots is often higher than almost anyone else in the top ten.
The Shifting Top Five: Klay and Dame
This is where things get really spicy. Just this week—specifically January 15, 2026—we saw a major shakeup. Klay Thompson, now rocking the Dallas Mavericks jersey, had a vintage "Klay" night. He dropped six triples against the Utah Jazz to move into 4th place all-time with 2,809 makes.
He officially jumped over Damian Lillard, who is sitting right there at 2,804.
The Current Standings (Top Tier)
- Stephen Curry: 4,205
- James Harden: 3,295
- Ray Allen: 2,973
- Klay Thompson: 2,809
- Damian Lillard: 2,804
It’s almost poetic that Klay is doing this in Dallas. People thought he was washed after the injuries, but he’s proving that the "Splash Brother" DNA is permanent. He’s now chasing Ray Allen’s 2,973. Honestly, if he stays healthy, he could catch him by next season.
Dame, on the other hand, is still "Dame Time" personified. Even though Klay passed him this week, those two are going to be playing leapfrog for the next year or two. It’s one of the best "blink and you'll miss it" rivalries in the record books.
Why Ray Allen and Reggie Miller Still Matter
It’s easy to look at the current numbers and think the legends of the past weren't as good. That’s a mistake. Ray Allen held the record for what felt like an eternity with 2,973. He was the gold standard for mechanics. If you wanted to teach a kid how to shoot, you showed them a tape of Ray Allen.
Reggie Miller, who is currently 7th with 2,560, played in an era where the three-pointer was a desperation heave or a last-second play. If Reggie played in today’s "five-out" offenses with the green light that players have now? Man, he’d probably be right there with Steph. He was a pioneer who did more with fewer attempts. He paved the road that Curry and Harden are currently driving Ferraris on.
The Surprising Names Climbing the List
You’ve got the usual suspects, but then you look at someone like Buddy Hield. Buddy is currently 15th with 2,175 makes. He’s passed Paul Pierce and is breathing down the neck of guys like Kyle Lowry.
LeBron James is another one that surprises people. He’s 6th all-time with 2,595. For a guy whose "weakness" used to be his jump shot, being the 6th greatest three-point shooter in history is a pretty loud statement about his longevity and work ethic. He just keeps evolving.
The "Math" Problem: Attempts vs. Accuracy
Let’s talk efficiency for a second, because that's where the real nuance lies. You can get on this list by just chucking, but the true greats do it with percentage.
Steph Curry has over 9,900 attempts. Harden is over 9,000. These guys are living behind the line. But look at someone like Kyle Korver (8th all-time). He "only" took about 5,700 shots but made 2,450. That’s the difference between a volume scorer and a pure sniper.
We’re seeing a shift now where younger players like Luka Dončić and Jayson Tatum are climbing the ranks at a pace that is frankly terrifying. Luka is already approaching the top 50, and he’s still in his prime. The records we think are "safe" today might be gone in ten years.
The Misconception of the "Easy" Three
There’s this weird narrative that shooting is "easier" now. It’s not. The defenders are faster, the schemes are more complex, and the pressure is higher. What changed is the philosophy. Teams realized that three is, quite literally, more than two.
When you look at the NBA all time 3 point leaders, you’re seeing the result of a mathematical revolution. These players didn't just get better at shooting; the league got better at valuing the shot.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch For
- The Ray Allen Milestone: Watch Klay Thompson over the next 12 months. He needs about 165 more to hit that legendary number.
- The Harden vs. Steph Gap: It’s almost a thousand shots. Harden is incredible, but he’s not catching Steph. Nobody is.
- The Rise of the "Big" Shooters: Guys like Kevin Durant (12th with 2,273) and even centers who can stretch the floor are the next wave.
If you’re a fan of the game, the best thing you can do is appreciate this era while it’s here. We are living through the "Golden Age of the Splash." The record books are being rewritten every single Tuesday night in some random arena in Indiana or Utah.
Next steps for your NBA deep dive:
Keep a close eye on the Dallas vs. Milwaukee matchups this season. With Klay and Dame so close in the rankings, every head-to-head game is basically a battle for historical real estate. Also, check out the shooting splits for the 2025-26 rookie class; the volume they are entering the league with suggests that the bottom half of this top 50 list is going to look very different by 2030.
For now, just enjoy the show. We might never see another shooter like Steph, but the guys chasing him are making the journey just as fun to watch.