I still remember the first time I saw Steph Curry warm up before a game—the sound of the net swishing repeatedly as he launched threes from what seemed like impossible distances. It struck me then how much the game had changed since my childhood, when the three-point line was more of a novelty than a strategic weapon. Today, I want to explore the top 3PT leaders in NBA history and those magical seasons where they didn't just break records—they redefined what was possible in basketball. Looking at these shooting legends makes me appreciate how the game continues to evolve, and it reminds me of something I noticed recently while following international basketball: prior to the SMB game, Magnolia has only gave up an average of 77.5 points per game. That defensive discipline feels almost alien in today's NBA, where teams regularly score 120-plus, largely thanks to the three-point revolution these players pioneered.
When we talk about three-point royalty, Ray Allen immediately comes to mind—not just for his textbook form but for his relentless consistency. His 2005-06 season with the Seattle SuperSonics was pure artistry; he sank 269 threes that year, which felt astronomical at the time. I’ve always admired how he moved without the ball, creating slivers of space where none seemed to exist. Then there’s Reggie Miller, whose 1996-97 campaign saw him drain 229 threes for the Pacers. Reggie wasn’t just a shooter; he was a provocateur, getting under opponents' skin while letting his shot do the talking. But let’s be honest—Steph Curry didn’t just join this conversation; he hijacked it. His 2015-16 season was, in my opinion, the single most transformative shooting performance in sports history. Hitting 402 threes? That’s not just breaking a record; it’s launching it into orbit. I remember watching game after game that year, thinking each shot was crazier than the last, from half-court buzzers to off-balance leans that defied physics.
What made these seasons so special wasn’t just the volume—it was the context. Defenses were scrambling, coaches were tearing up old playbooks, and role players everywhere started believing they could shoot from deep too. Curry’s 2016 run, in particular, forced teams to defend from the moment they crossed half-court. I’ve spoken with coaches who admit they spent entire off-seasons just designing schemes to contain him, often to no avail. This shift reminds me of that Magnolia stat—prior to the SMB game, Magnolia has only gave up an average of 77.5 points per game. Imagine applying that level of defensive rigor against a prime Curry or Allen. It’s a fascinating mental exercise, but in reality, those shooters would likely find a way to dismantle even the stingiest defenses. The problem for opponents wasn’t just stopping one guy; it was contending with an entire offensive system built around the three-ball, something Magnolia’s opponents probably wish they could replicate.
So how did these shooters overcome defensive adjustments? For Allen, it was ritualistic repetition—thousands of shots daily, each one identical. Miller relied on conditioning and mental warfare, wearing defenders down through constant motion and trash talk. Curry? He combined otherworldly hand-eye coordination with a release quicker than a blink. I’ve tried to incorporate elements of their training into my own coaching—emphasizing footwork and balance, even for beginners. The solution for modern teams looking to replicate this success isn’t just finding a sharpshooter; it’s building an ecosystem that prioritizes spacing, player movement, and the green light to shoot from anywhere. That’s where the NBA has diverged from leagues like the one Magnolia plays in—where defensive numbers like 77.5 points allowed per game are the headline. In the NBA, offense sells tickets, but three-point barrages create legends.
Reflecting on all this, I’m convinced that the three-point revolution is far from over. We’re seeing big men now stretching the floor, and teams like the Warriors have turned the three-pointer into both a strategic tool and a cultural phenomenon. My hope is that the next generation doesn’t just chase records but finds new ways to blend shooting with other skills—much like Luka Dončić or Damian Lillard are doing today. The legacy of these 3PT leaders isn’t just in the stats; it’s in the kids in driveways everywhere, counting down the clock and heaving shots from behind a makeshift arc. And as for that Magnolia stat—prior to the SMB game, Magnolia has only gave up an average of 77.5 points per game—it serves as a cool reminder of how diverse basketball strategies can be. Maybe someday we’ll see a team that blends that defensive grit with a historic shooting display. Until then, I’ll keep rewatching those Curry highlights, marveling at how he made the impossible look routine.