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The NBA introduced the three-point line in the 1979-80 season. At a distance of 22 feet at the corners and 23 feet and nine inches around, the three-point line became the territory from where smaller guards could potentially score and open up the floor.
Although the NBA had seen great shooters in the past, the three-point line had been a tertiary option. For a long time, the game had been dominated by big men in the paint who took high-percentage shots. Teams would have role players who were three-point specialists or three-and-D players, but these were never star-caliber individuals.
It was only in recent years that this changed. The three-point shot is now the most lethal weapon in the game, with teams attempting over 30 three-point shots per game.
As the game continues to change and the value of the three-point shot increases, here are five NBA players who've made the most three-pointers since the 2010-11 season.
#1 Stephen Curry
This name should come as no surprise. Stephen Curry is one of the most popular names in the NBA and is widely regarded as the greatest shooter the game has ever seen.
Curry is the face of the modern NBA. Pulling up for a three-pointer on a fastbreak was nonsensical before he started making them.
Lethal from the moment he enters the opposing half, Stephen Curry's shooting changed a generation's approach to the game.
Over the course of the decade, Curry has made 2,666 threes. Additionally, his average from downtown is an astounding 43.3%. In a league of his own, he has led the NBA in most threes made in a season six times.
In the 2015-16 season, Stephen Curry set the record for most threes made in a season with 402.
#2 James Harden
James Harden has one of the most unique offensive game styles. Being left-handed makes him a difficult cover for defenders who are usually adjusted to right-handed players.
Using his signature step-back move, Harden gets defenders to crowd his space as he shoots and draws fouls in the process. With the focus on scoring and his eyes on the rim, he often gets the foul and the bucket.
Harden is a master at getting defenders to bite on his fakes. Tempting them to reach and steal the ball, he has learned to bend the rules just enough to make him a threat to all defenses.
James Harden led the league in three-pointers made for consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2020. Over this decade, he has made 2,352 three-point shots with an average of 36.3% from beyond the arc.
Harden currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
#3 Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA today. A scoring machine and clutch performer, he has produced some of the most amazing moments of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers from beyond the arc.
Whether it is shooting off the catch or off the dribble, Lillard is an offensive threat in every game he plays. Nicknamed "Logo Lillard," he is known for pulling for deep threes upon entering halfcourt. Lillard made 275 three-pointers in the 2020-21 NBA season.
One of his crowning moments was the game-winner he scored against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 NBA Playoffs. The shot was taken in the last seconds of the game, over an elite defender in Paul George, from 37 feet out.
Damian Lillard has made 2,051 three-pointers since joining the NBA in 2013. His average from beyond the arc for that time is 37.5%.
#4 Klay Thompson
Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry rejuvenated the Golden State Warriors with the brand of basketball they play. A member of the "Splash Brothers" duo, Thompson is just as deadly a shooter as his counterpart.
With one of the most orthodox shooting actions in the game, the 31-year-old relies on moving without the ball and getting to open spots. While this makes him sound like a quintessential catch-and-shoot player, there are levels to this.
Anyone who can score 60 points in under 30 minutes of play and make eight three-point shots while only taking 11 dribbles is a certified offensive threat.
Having missed the last two seasons due to injury, Klay Thompson made 1,798 three-point shots from 2012 to 2019. His average from beyond the arc in that time period is an impressive 41.9%.
#5 Paul George
Paul George has been an All-Star caliber player for a large portion of his career. Starting from his days with the Indiana Pacers, he has been one of the best two-way players in the modern NBA. Additionally, he is also a knock-down shooter from beyond the arc.
While recency bias causes misconceptions, Paul George has been a three-point threat for a while. With his long wingspan and nifty handle, the 31-year-old is very capable of creating his own shots from the outside. He is also an efficient shooter coming off of screens, often seen doing so from the top of the key.
Paul George shot a career-best 292 three-pointers in the 2018-19 NBA season.
One of his most awe-inspiring moments was a deep three-pointer from the logo during his tenure in Indiana.
Paul George has made 1,761 three-point shots over the course of the decade. His average from downtown is 38.4% in that span of time. He currently plays for the LA Clippers alongside Kawhi Leonard.
Guess the Lakers players!
