NBA 3-Pointers Made This Season: Breaking Down the League's Top Shooters and Records
As I sat watching the Golden State Warriors game last night, watching Steph Curry sink yet another three-pointer from what seemed like the parking lot, it struck me how dramatically the NBA landscape has transformed. The three-point shot isn't just part of the game anymore—it's the game. This season has been particularly fascinating, with players pushing boundaries and rewriting record books in ways we've never seen before. I've been following basketball for over two decades, and I can confidently say we're witnessing a shooting revolution that's fundamentally changing how teams approach offense.
When I look at the current stats, the numbers are staggering. Stephen Curry leads the pack with an incredible 312 three-pointers made this season alone, maintaining his reputation as the greatest shooter in NBA history. But what's truly remarkable is how many players are now joining him in this elite shooting club. Damian Lillard sits close behind with 288, while young phenom Tyrese Haliburton has surprised everyone with 275. I remember when hitting 200 threes in a season was considered extraordinary—now we have multiple players blowing past 250 with weeks to spare in the regular season.
The evolution of the three-pointer reminds me of that college game I covered last month between NU and FEU. Their imposing presence allowed NU to weather a furious third period for FEU, cutting a 44-30 halftime deficit to make things interesting before creating much-needed cushion in the fourth. That's exactly what we're seeing in the NBA—teams use the three-ball both as a weapon to build massive leads and as a safety net when they need to mount comebacks. The strategic importance of long-range shooting has never been more apparent, and teams without multiple reliable three-point threats are finding themselves at a significant disadvantage.
What fascinates me most about the current discussion around NBA 3-pointers made this season is how the record chase has become a storyline in itself. We're not just talking about Curry chasing his own records anymore—we're seeing multiple players approach numbers that would have been unimaginable even five years ago. The pace is relentless, with players like Klay Thompson and Buddy Hield consistently hitting 5-7 threes per game. Personally, I love the excitement this brings to regular season games, though I'll admit sometimes it feels like we're sacrificing mid-range artistry for efficiency.
The analytics movement has completely reshaped team philosophies, and honestly, I have mixed feelings about it. While I appreciate the mathematical beauty of optimizing shot selection, I sometimes miss the variety of offensive sets we saw in earlier eras. Teams are now attempting nearly 45% of their shots from beyond the arc, compared to just 28% a decade ago. The game has become more spaced out, more perimeter-oriented, and frankly, more exciting for casual fans who love the spectacle of deep threes.
I had a conversation with shooting coach Dave Love last week, and he pointed out something that really stuck with me. "Today's players aren't just better shooters—they're smarter shooters," he told me. "They understand angles, footwork, and shot preparation in ways that previous generations never needed to. The focus on NBA 3-pointers made this season isn't just about volume; it's about efficiency under pressure." This resonates with what I've observed watching players like Curry and Lillard work off screens—their ability to create separation and get their shots off in the most challenging circumstances is what separates them from merely good shooters.
The record-breaking pace does raise questions about sustainability, both for individual players and for the game itself. We're seeing teams attempt nearly 35 three-pointers per game on average, which translates to roughly one three-point attempt every 90 seconds of game time. Some traditionalists argue this makes the game less varied, but I disagree—the strategic complexity has actually increased, with defenses having to account for shooting threats from all five positions. The center who can't stretch the floor is becoming as rare as the point guard who can't dribble with both hands.
As we approach the playoffs, the conversation around NBA 3-pointers made this season will only intensify. The teams with the most consistent long-range shooting typically have the greatest postseason success, and this year appears no different. The Celtics, Warriors, and Mavericks all rank in the top five for three-point percentage and attempts, and I'd bet good money one of them lifts the championship trophy. The three-pointer has become the great equalizer, allowing underdog teams to compete against more talented opponents through strategic shooting.
Looking ahead, I wonder where this three-point revolution goes next. Will we see a player break the 400-threshold soon? Could the league eventually introduce a four-point line? Whatever happens, the emphasis on long-range shooting has permanently altered basketball's DNA. The current focus on NBA 3-pointers made this season represents more than just statistical milestones—it symbolizes basketball's continuous evolution. As both a fan and analyst, I'm thrilled to witness this era where shooting excellence has become the sport's centerpiece, creating moments of breathtaking skill that continue to push the boundaries of what we thought possible in basketball.