Five NBA players with the most number of 3-pointers in history

On November 13, 1967, the Indiana Pacers of the American Basketball Association were losing to the Dallas Chaparrals, 118-116, with just one second left on the clock.

Indiana inbounded the ball to Jerry Harkness, who was 92 feet away from the basket. With no time to do anything else, Harkness threw the ball toward the goal. It smacked off the backboard and went in.

1967 was the first year of the 3-point shot among basketball's top leagues, and the players and fans weren't used to it. The crowd actually thought that the match went into overtime, thinking that it fetched 2 points. His shot won the game for the Pacers, 119-118.

Things are different now. We can not imagine a basketball game without a 3-pointer. 

We take a look at the five NBA stars with the most number of 3-pointers in history.

5. Jason Terry (2282)

When it comes to shooting three-pointers, Jason Terry is an absolute phenomenon. Many would be surprised to see his name in the list, but Terry was as versatile as they came.

The American played 19 seasons in the NBA as a combo guard and is nicknamed the 'Jet.' With the Dallas Mavericks, Terry won the NBA Championship in 2011.

Terry's offensive game was as well-rounded as it gets, but having said that, he was no slouch when it came to defending, too.

Out of 6010 3-pointers attempted, Terry converted 2282, and thereby features fifth in this illustrious list.

4. Kyle Korver (2374)

Kyle Korver is one of the best shooters in NBA history. Korver currently ranks fourth on the league's all-time list of 3-pointers made, and still holds the record for highest 3-point percentage in one season (53.6 in 2009-10).

A 6-foot-7 wing, Korver has plied his trade for the New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers.

From 5537 attempted threes, Korver has managed to score 2374, and this particular statistic speaks volumes about his shooting prowess.

Korver is currently playing for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, and he has chances of climbing up the ladder in this 3-pointer race. 

3. Stephen Curry (2492)

There are some players who have ground-breaking or even unique abilities. Stephen Curry's forte is shooting very high volume of 3-point attempts with a very high success rate.

Curry is arguably the one and only player in the history who have a mix of ball handling, technique and shooting range.

The Golden League Warriors star has made large inroads into becoming an NBA legend (if he is not, already), and he has succeeded in converting 2492 out of 5727 that he has attempted.

What is more, he has done this in less than 700 games. 

2. Reggie Miller (2560

A volatile, high-voltage scorer from the off guard position, Reggie Miller was one of the supreme shooters of any era. 

With 2560 made 3-pointers (out of 6486 attempts), he ended his career as the NBA's greatest long range shooter. Since his retirement, he has been surpassed all-time 3-point king, but still, his legend looms large.

Miller had a penchant for the spectacular clutch shot that made him a feared opponent. His heroic play down the stretch of games became known as 'Miller Time.'

The slender 6-foot-7, 190-pound, Miller was selected with the 11th overall pick at the 1987 Draft by the Indiana Pacers. He spent his entire 18-year career there, becoming another legendary figure.

1. Ray Allen (2973)

It’s no secret that Ray Allen was the greatest shooter in NBA history until Stephen Curry got hot. The NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers won two NBA championships, was a 10-time All-Star and averaged 18.9 points a game in 18 seasons. 

While his Celtics days were the most memorable, his biggest moment was his clutch 3-pointer with 5.2 seconds left in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals that allowed the Miami Heat to survive and eventually knock of the San Antonio Spurs to become champs.

He stand first in this list, and with 2973 converted out of 7429 attempts, Allen is probably the best ever shooter in NBA history. No offence, Curry enthusiasts!