What Is the NBA 3 Point Record in a Game?

The NBA 3 point record in a game is held by Stephen Curry, who made 12 3-pointers in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016.

Introduction

In the National Basketball Association (NBA), a three-point field goal is a shot made from behind the three-point line, a designated arc surrounding the basket. A successful attempt is worth three points, in contrast to the two points awarded for shots made inside the three-point line.

The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies by NBA team; all teams are required to have a four-foot radius around the basket. The three-point line was first tested during an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden on October 12, 1979. In 1982, the NBA adopted it as part of the league’s rules.

Since then, numerous variations of the rule have been implemented by different leagues around the world. As of 2019, there is no documented case of anyone making more than 20 successful three-point field goals in an NBA game. The current record holder is Steph Curry, who made 12 3 pointers in a game against Oklahoma City Thunder on February 27, 2016.

To be clear, this record is for most 3 pointers made in a game; it is not for most points scored in a game (a record which currently stands at 100 points, and has been held by Wilt Chamberlain since 1962).

Current 3 Point Record

The current 3 point record in an NBA game is held by Stephen Curry, who made 12 3-pointers in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 27, 2016.

Most 3 Pointers Made in a Game

The NBA three-point record is held by Stephen Curry, who made 13 three-pointers in a game against the Sacramento Kings on November 7, 2016. The previous record was 12, held by Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall. Curry’s performance was part of a larger game in which he scored 46 points and made 11 of his 16 three-point attempts.

3 Point Record by Team

The Los Angeles Lakers hold the record for the most 3 pointers in an NBA game with 21. The21st 3 pointer was made by Kobe Bryant with just over a minute left in the 4th quarter to put the Lakers up 103-87 against the Seattle SuperSonics. The previous record was 20, shared by the Houston Rockets and the Orlando Magic.

The Lakers went on to win the game 106-101. Bryant finished with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Other key contributors for the Lakers were Shaquille O’Neal (23 points, 11 rebounds) and Glen Rice (21 points). For the SuperSonics, Gary Payton led the way with 19 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds.

3 Point Record by Conference

The National Basketball Association (NBA) three-point field goal record is the record for most three-point field goals made in an NBA game. The record is currently held by Stephen Curry, who made 12 three-pointers in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 27, 2016.

Conference 3 Point Record by Conference:

Eastern Conference:

Boston Celtics – 11 (2017)
Brooklyn Nets – 10 (2018)
Charlotte Hornets – 11 (2016)
Chicago Bulls – 12 (2016)
Cleveland Cavaliers – 11 (2017)
Detroit Pistons – 9 (2015)
Indiana Pacers – 10 (2018)
Miami Heat – 10 (2014)
Milwaukee Bucks – 10 (2017)
New York Knicks – 8 (2017)

Western Conference:

Dallas Mavericks – 12 (2017)
Denver Nuggets – 10 (2017)
Golden State Warriors – 15 (2016)
Houston Rockets – 13 (2019)
Los Angeles Clippers – 11 (2018)

Los Angeles Lakers– 9 (2017

3 Point Record by Player

Kobe Bryant – 12

In a game against the Seattle SuperSonics on January 7, 2003, Kobe Bryant made 12 of his 20 attempts from behind the three-point line. His 12 three-pointers in a game is currently the record for most made in an NBA game.