Who Is The Best 3 Point Shooter In Nba History?
Contents
We take a look at the best 3 point shooters in NBA history and try to determine who is the greatest of all time.
Introduction
In basketball, a three-point shot is a field goal attempt made from beyond 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 within the three-point line and the one point for each made free throw.
The National Basketball Association’s (NBA) first three-point line was established in the 1979–80 season when the league adopted the rule at 19 feet, 9 inches (6.02 m) from the basket. Six seasons later, in 1984–85, the league expanded its three-point distance to 23 feet, 9 inches (7.24 m), where it has remained since.
Since its introduction, the three-point shot has become an integral part of the game; according to data analyst Kirk Goldsberry, its effect on scoring has been “significant and pervasive”. In contemporary basketball statistics, several players annually average more than two hundred made three-pointers. Who are these prolific shooters and where do they rank all time?
The Best 3 Point Shooters in NBA History
In the NBA, the three-point shot has become more and more popular. Many players have made a name for themselves by being great shooters from beyond the arc. In this article, we will take a look at the best three-point shooters in NBA history.
Larry Bird
Larry Bird is widely considered one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history. He was a prolific scorer and a gifted passer, but it was his long-range shooting that set him apart from other players.
Bird finished his career with a three-point shooting percentage of .376, which ranks him sixth all-time. He also made 1,049 three-pointers, which ranks him 17th all-time. But despite those impressive numbers, there are many who believe that Bird is the best three-point shooter in NBA history.
One of the reasons why Bird is so highly regarded as a shooter is because of his clutch shooting. He was known for making big shots in crucial moments, and he frequently came through in the clutch for his teams.
Another reason why Bird is considered the best three-point shooter in NBA history is because of his unique ability to shoot from anywhere on the court. He was comfortable shooting from long range, and he could also create his own shot off the dribble.
In conclusion, Larry Bird is widely considered to be the best three-point shooter in NBA history. His combination of scoring prowess, shooting percentage, and clutch shooting make him one of the greatest shooters of all time.
Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller is widely considered to be one of the best three-point shooters in NBA history. Throughout his 18-year career, Miller was a lethal shooter from beyond the arc, setting numerous records and helping the Indiana Pacers to a number of deep playoff runs.
Miller was exceptionally efficient from three-point range, shooting better than 40% from deep in 11 different seasons. He also holds the record for most three-pointers made in a single season, knocking down 269 triples during the 1996-97 campaign.
What set Miller apart from other great shooters was his ability to hit big shots in clutch situations. He was nicknamed “The Knick Killer” for his propensity to dazzle against the New York Knicks in the playoffs, and he hit some of the most iconic shots in NBA history.
In Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Miller scored eight points in 8.9 seconds to give the Pacers an improbable comeback win over New York. He also hit a game-winning three in Game 5 of that series, as well as a buzzer-beating three to send Game 4 of the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals into overtime.
There have been many great shooters throughout NBA history, but few have been as clutch or as consistent as Reggie Miller.
Ray Allen
Ray Allen is the best three-point shooter in NBA history. He is the all-time leader in three-pointers made with 2,973. He made 2, 560 of those threes in his time with the Boston Celtics. Allen is a 10-time NBA All-Star and he won an NBA Championship with the Celtics in 2008.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no clear-cut answer to the question of who is the best three-point shooter in NBA history. Each player has their own unique skillset and shooting style that has contributed to their success. However, if we looked at the stats alone, it would be hard to argue against Stephen Curry being the best three-point shooter in NBA history.