Stephen Curry: The NBA’s All-Time Leader in Three-Point Mastery

Stephen Curry is undoubtedly one of the most transformative players in NBA history, particularly when it comes to shooting. His extraordinary ability to hit three-pointers, coupled with his incredible work ethic, has redefined the game, making the three-point shot a central component of offensive strategies across the league. As the NBA’s all-time leader in several categories related to three-point shooting, including games with 5+ threes, 6+ threes, 7+ threes, 8+ threes, 9+ threes, 10+ threes, and even 11+ threes, Curry has set a new standard for what’s possible from behind the arc.

When discussing Stephen Curry’s legacy, it’s impossible to ignore his dominance as a shooter. His combination of range, accuracy, and consistency is unrivaled in NBA history. From his early years with the Golden State Warriors to his place as the greatest shooter of all time, Curry has put together a career that not only revolutionized the position but also fundamentally changed how the game of basketball is played. Let’s break down how Curry has ascended to this elite status and made history in the process.

The Evolution of the Three-Point Shot

Before Stephen Curry, the three-point shot was a peripheral weapon in the NBA. While the likes of Ray Allen and Reggie Miller were well-regarded as some of the league’s best shooters, they still used the three-pointer more sparingly than the current generation of players. Over time, the NBA evolved, and as the pace of play increased, teams started leaning more heavily on three-point shooting to stretch defenses and create space for their offenses.

It was Stephen Curry who truly changed the trajectory of the three-point revolution. His ability to pull up from virtually anywhere on the court — even well beyond the three-point line — forced coaches, analysts, and players to reconsider how the game should be played. His shooting range was unprecedented, and his consistency was equally unmatched. What began as a curiosity in his early years — a player whose shooting range seemed to defy conventional wisdom — gradually became a revolution that now permeates almost every aspect of the modern NBA.

Curry’s incredible work ethic, basketball IQ, and his willingness to put in the hours to perfect his craft set him apart. His rise from a relatively overlooked prospect at Davidson to a two-time MVP and three-time NBA champion is a testament to his dedication. But it is his mastery of the three-point shot that has made him an icon. From the moment he entered the league, it became clear that Curry was not simply a great shooter — he was a game-changer.

Breaking Records: The NBA’s All-Time Leader in Games with 5+ Threes, 6+ Threes, and Beyond

As of the 2024-25 NBA season, Stephen Curry holds numerous records related to three-point shooting. He’s the all-time leader in a variety of categories, many of which have become benchmarks for what is possible from beyond the arc in today’s NBA. Let’s take a closer look at these records.

5+ Threes in a Game

Stephen Curry’s record for games with 5 or more three-pointers made in a single game is one of the most impressive aspects of his shooting career. Curry has recorded over 100 games in which he’s made at least five three-pointers, a number that no other player in history even comes close to approaching. While hitting five three-pointers might seem impressive, what sets Curry apart is that he regularly surpasses this threshold, often with ease. The sheer volume of games where he has knocked down five or more triples speaks to the consistency and level of dominance Curry has maintained throughout his career.

6+ Threes in a Game

As of the latest count, Curry holds the record for the most games with 6 or more three-pointers made. This feat speaks to his ability to take over games with his shooting. While most players may have one or two such performances in their entire careers, Curry regularly hits this mark, often in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s in the regular season or the playoffs, Curry has developed a reputation for stepping up and knocking down key threes when his team needs him most.

His ability to create his own shot off the dribble, combined with his deep range, makes him a constant threat from anywhere on the court. Defenders often struggle to contain him because of his quick release and ability to get open looks. His most iconic performances have often come when he is absolutely cooking from three-point range, with multiple six, seven, and even eight three-point games.

7+ Threes in a Game

The 7+ three-pointers category is another where Curry has obliterated previous records. Not only does he hold the record for games with 7 or more threes, but he also consistently leads the league in these types of performances. What is perhaps most impressive about these games is that Curry doesn’t just hit seven threes — he often makes it look easy. His quick release and ability to create space, whether off the dribble or with off-ball movement, allow him to fire away with great efficiency.

8+ Threes in a Game

The 8+ three-pointers category is where Curry’s historic performances truly begin to set him apart. Curry holds the NBA record for the most games in which he’s made 8 or more three-pointers. For a player to hit eight threes in a game, they must be firing on all cylinders, as this requires elite shooting accuracy and volume. Curry has mastered this feat, and he’s done it on multiple occasions in both regular-season games and in the playoffs. His ability to go on a shooting spree that can completely change the course of a game has become one of the most memorable aspects of his career.

9+ Threes in a Game

The 9+ threes category is where the legend of Curry truly begins to take shape. Few players in NBA history have even reached the nine-three mark in a single game, but Curry has done so numerous times. One of his most famous performances came during the 2016-17 season, when he set a career-high with 13 three-pointers in a single game — a record that still stands. While Curry’s 9+ three games are more rare than his 6+ or 7+ performances, they still come with surprising frequency. These games are not just impressive — they’re historic.

10+ Threes in a Game

The 10+ three-pointer game is almost an anomaly in the NBA, but it has become a relatively common occurrence for Curry. There are only a handful of players in NBA history who have reached this mark, but Curry has done so more than any other player, continuing to set records that seemed unimaginable even a decade ago. Curry’s ability to stretch defenses to their breaking point is unparalleled, and when he’s in rhythm, he’s capable of knocking down double-digit threes in a game.

11+ Threes in a Game

The 11+ three-pointers in a game is one of the most astonishing feats in NBA history, and it’s a category that Curry stands alone in. His record-setting performance with 13 three-pointers in a game will likely be one of the greatest records of this generation. Curry’s unparalleled shooting range and ability to make three-pointers from virtually anywhere on the court make him a constant threat to surpass the 10+ three-pointers mark. His record-breaking performances are often a sight to behold, and they solidify his legacy as the greatest shooter the game has ever seen.

The Impact on the Game

Stephen Curry’s dominance in these categories goes beyond just setting records; he has had a profound impact on how the game is played. The emphasis on the three-point shot has completely reshaped team strategies across the NBA. Curry’s shooting prowess has led other teams to focus more on spacing the floor and taking more three-pointers, regardless of position. Today’s NBA is faster, more perimeter-oriented, and more reliant on the three-point shot than ever before, and much of this can be attributed to Curry’s influence.

The “Curry Effect” has reached all levels of basketball, from the NBA to college basketball and even the youth ranks. Coaches everywhere now encourage their players to shoot from deep, knowing that this is the future of the game. Curry has shown that shooting from beyond the arc isn’t just a gimmick — it can be a legitimate weapon that can change the outcome of a game.