NBA Most 3 Pointers in a Season: The Record-Breaking Shooters and Their Strategies
I remember watching that 2016 Warriors game like it was yesterday—the night Steph Curry sank his 402nd three-pointer of the season. I was sitting there with my basketball-obsessed nephew, who kept shouting "He can't possibly make another one!" every time Curry launched from what seemed like impossible distances. That record-breaking moment wasn't just spectacular entertainment; it represented a fundamental shift in how basketball is played at the highest level. The evolution of the three-point shot has completely transformed NBA strategies, turning what was once considered a risky, low-percentage attempt into the most valuable weapon in modern basketball.
When I look back at the early days of the three-point line, introduced in the 1979-80 season, it's almost comical how differently teams approached it. The first season leader was Brian Taylor with just 90 threes—a number that wouldn't even place in today's top 50. Coaches treated the three-pointer like a trick play, something you'd only attempt when desperately behind. I've spoken with old-school coaches who admitted they'd bench players for taking too many threes, considering it selfish basketball. The mindset was fundamentally different—get the ball inside, play physical, and only shoot from deep as a last resort. Watching those old games now feels like viewing a different sport entirely, with players clustered around the basket while vast stretches of the court remained empty.
The real turning point came when analytics entered the picture. I remember attending a coaching seminar back in 2013 where presenters showed simple math that changed everything: a 33% three-point shooter provides the same scoring efficiency as a 50% two-point shooter. Once teams internalized this basic arithmetic, the floodgates opened. The Houston Rockets under Daryl Morey became the poster child for this revolution, famously eliminating mid-range shots entirely from their offense. I've always admired how they committed to the numbers, even when it meant taking criticism for playing "ugly" basketball. Their approach proved that systematic three-point shooting wasn't just about individual talent—it was about building entire offensive systems around mathematical advantages.
What fascinates me most about today's elite shooters isn't just their accuracy, but their versatility in creating shots. Watching James Harden during his record-setting 2018-19 season was like attending a masterclass in shot creation. His step-back three became virtually unguardable because he'd mastered the art of creating separation while maintaining perfect shooting form. I've tried to incorporate some of these principles when coaching youth teams—teaching players how to use dribble moves to generate clean looks rather than just spotting up. The modern three-point artist needs to be part mathematician, part contortionist, able to launch accurately from any angle while defenders close out at full speed.
The supporting cast makes all the difference too. When Klay Thompson set the single-game record with 14 threes, what impressed me wasn't just his shooting but how Golden State's system created those opportunities. Their constant motion, screens, and ball movement generated the precious extra seconds Thompson needed to set his feet and release. This contrasts sharply with situations where talented shooters struggle because of poor offensive systems. I was reminded of this watching Nocum's recent performance where he was held to just 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting. When a player serves as the barometer for Rain or Shine but can't find clean looks, it demonstrates how even skilled shooters depend on their team's ability to create advantages. The best shooting seasons always combine individual brilliance with systemic excellence.
Training methods have evolved just as dramatically. I visited a NBA training facility last summer and was astonished by the technology—shot-tracking systems that measure arc, depth, and even the precise angle of a player's follow-through. Players now have detailed data showing exactly which types of threes they should take more frequently. The specialization is incredible too—some players focus exclusively on corner threes while others master above-the-break attempts. This level of specificity would have been unimaginable even a decade ago. I particularly love watching specialists like Duncan Robinson, who've built entire careers around mastering one specific type of three-point shot through relentless, targeted practice.
The physical demands of modern shooting amaze me. Today's players routinely launch from 30 feet while moving sideways or fading away—shots that would have been considered reckless just years ago. The conditioning required is immense since players now run an average of 2.5 miles per game, mostly sprinting between three-point spots. I've noticed how the best shooters maintain perfect form even when exhausted, something that separates good shooters from historic ones. When Curry made those 402 threes, what people don't always appreciate is that he was often doing it after running defenders through multiple screens while already winded from defensive efforts.
Looking forward, I'm convinced we haven't seen the ceiling yet. I predict we'll see a 500-three season within the next five years as teams continue to prioritize volume and players develop even deeper range. The game will likely see more specialized roles too—imagine a player who only enters to take buzzer-beating half-court shots. While purists sometimes complain about the three-point revolution, I find it exhilarating. There's something beautiful about watching athletes push a fundamental aspect of basketball to its logical extreme. The quest for more threes isn't just about breaking records—it's about exploring the very boundaries of what's possible in this sport we love.
