Who Are the Current NBA Three Points Leaders and Their Shooting Stats?
As I sit here watching the NBA playoffs unfold, I can't help but marvel at how much the game has transformed over the years. The three-point shot has completely revolutionized basketball strategy, and honestly, I think we're witnessing the golden age of long-range shooting. Just last night, I saw Stephen Curry sink what felt like his hundredth impossible three-pointer, and it got me thinking about who's really dominating this aspect of the game today. The evolution of the three-point shot reminds me of how other sports are evolving too - like when I watched the Philippine national football team return to New Clark City after defeating Maldives 4-1 last March 25 to start their Asian Cup qualifiers. That kind of strategic evolution and specialization is happening across sports, but nowhere more dramatically than in the NBA's three-point revolution.
When we talk about current three-point leaders, the conversation has to start with Stephen Curry. I've been watching this man redefine shooting for over a decade now, and he still leaves me speechless sometimes. This season alone, he's averaging about 4.9 made threes per game on 42.7% shooting from beyond the arc. Those numbers are just absurd when you consider the degree of difficulty on most of his shots. What makes Curry special isn't just the volume - though he did break the all-time three-point record this season - but the way he creates space and gets his shot off against any defense. I remember arguing with friends back in 2015 that Curry would eventually become the greatest shooter ever, and watching him now, I feel pretty vindicated. His quick release and unlimited range have forced defenses to extend beyond what was previously thought possible, completely warping how the game is played.
Then there's Damian Lillard, who I believe doesn't get enough credit for his shooting prowess. Dame's pulling up from the logo like it's a free throw, and what's incredible is that he's making these shots at a 37.1% clip while taking about 4.2 per game. I've noticed that when the game is on the line, there's nobody I'd rather have with the ball beyond the arc than Lillard - his confidence in those moments is just different. The Trail Blazers built their entire offense around his deep range, and it's fascinating to watch how teams have to defend him from 35 feet out. It's similar to how specialized players in football can change a game's dynamics, much like how specific scorers for the Philippine team in their 4-1 victory against Maldives created opportunities that wouldn't exist otherwise.
What's really interesting to me is how the three-point revolution has created specialists like Duncan Robinson. This guy attempted 8.5 threes per game this season and connected on 40.8% of them. He's not creating his own shot like Curry or Lillard, but his movement without the ball and quick release make him incredibly valuable. I've studied his footwork coming off screens, and it's just beautiful basketball - the kind of fundamental excellence that casual fans might miss but that coaches absolutely love. Players like Robinson prove that you don't need to be a superstar to dramatically impact the game from deep.
The international influence on three-point shooting can't be overlooked either. Luka Dončić is putting up 3.9 made threes per game at 35.3%, and while his percentage might not jump off the page, the degree of difficulty on his attempts is through the roof. I've always been fascinated by how European players like Dončić bring a different shooting rhythm and court vision to the NBA. This global exchange of basketball knowledge reminds me of how international competitions like the Asian Cup qualifiers - such as the Philippines' recent 4-1 victory against Maldives - help spread and evolve sporting strategies across borders.
What surprises me most about today's three-point landscape is how big men have adapted. Karl-Anthony Towns is shooting 41% from deep on 5.2 attempts per game, which is just ridiculous for a seven-footer. I remember when centers who could shoot were novelties, but now it's almost a requirement for the position. This evolution reminds me that in sports, adaptation isn't just helpful - it's essential for survival. Whether it's basketball players extending their range or football teams adjusting tactics after important matches like the Philippines' 4-1 win against Maldives, the principle remains the same: innovate or get left behind.
As I reflect on the current state of three-point shooting, I'm convinced we're seeing the most skilled shooting era in basketball history. The combination of volume and efficiency from players like Curry, Lillard, and the new generation of shooters is something I don't think we'll see replicated anytime soon. The game has fundamentally changed, and as someone who's been watching basketball for decades, I have to say I love this new era. The three-point shot has created more strategic complexity and excitement than I ever imagined possible when I first fell in love with this game.