Who Made the Most 3-Pointers in an NBA Season? Record-Breaking Stats Revealed

I remember the first time I saw Stephen Curry shoot a three-pointer during his record-breaking 2015-2016 season. The ball seemed to hang in the air forever before swishing through the net with that perfect sound that every basketball fan recognizes. That season wasn't just about basketball—it was about witnessing history unfold in real time. When we talk about three-point shooting in the NBA, we're discussing one of the most dramatic evolutions in modern sports. The three-point line, introduced in 1979-1980, started as somewhat of a novelty but has completely transformed how the game is played today. Teams now build their entire offensive systems around the three-pointer, and players who can consistently hit from beyond the arc have become the most valuable assets in the league.

Looking back at that incredible 2015-2016 season, Curry didn't just break the record—he shattered it beyond recognition. The previous record stood at 286 three-pointers, set by Curry himself just the season before. But what he accomplished next was simply unbelievable. He finished with 402 three-pointers, becoming the first and only player to ever cross the 400 threshold. I still find myself watching highlights from that season, marveling at how he made the impossible look routine. His shooting percentage of 45.4% from deep while attempting nearly 11 three-pointers per game remains one of the most efficient high-volume shooting performances we've ever witnessed. What made it even more remarkable was how defenses knew exactly what was coming yet remained powerless to stop it.

The evolution of three-point shooting reveals fascinating patterns when we examine the historical data. Before Curry's explosion, the record had progressed relatively slowly over decades. Dale Ellis held the record with 162 in 1988-1989, which stood for five years until Dennis Scott made 267 during the 1995-1996 season. That record lasted for over a decade until Ray Allen made 269 in 2005-2006. The gradual nature of these improvements makes Curry's leap all the more extraordinary. I've spent hours analyzing game footage from different eras, and the defensive attention Curry commands today is unlike anything we saw in previous decades. Teams design entire defensive schemes specifically to limit his three-point opportunities, yet he continues to find ways to get his shots off.

What many casual fans don't realize is how much preparation goes into these shooting performances. Having spoken with shooting coaches around the league, I've learned that Curry's pre-game routine involves hundreds of shots from every conceivable angle and situation. His warm-up isn't just about getting loose—it's about programming muscle memory for game situations. The release time on his shot is approximately 0.3 seconds, faster than the average NBA player's reaction time. This technical mastery, combined with his unlimited range, creates defensive nightmares. I've noticed that defenders often have to guard him as soon as he crosses half-court, which creates enormous spacing advantages for his teammates.

The contrast between elite shooters and struggling performers can be stark, as we saw in that reference to Nocum's performance where he was held to just 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting. That kind of game really puts Curry's consistency into perspective. While superstars are setting records, role players can have nights where nothing falls, and that variability is what makes basketball so compelling to analyze. I've always been fascinated by how shooting slumps affect different players psychologically. Some shooters keep firing regardless of percentages, while others become hesitant after a few misses. Curry's mental approach might be his most underrated quality—he never seems to remember his last miss, treating each shot as its own independent event.

Modern analytics have completely changed how teams value the three-pointer. The math is straightforward—making 40% of your three-point attempts is equivalent to making 60% of your two-pointers. This efficiency calculation has driven the three-point revolution we're witnessing today. Teams are now willing to live with lower-percentage looks from deep because the payoff justifies the risk. I've had conversations with front office executives who admit they'd rather have a player shooting 35% from three than 50% from mid-range. This philosophical shift has fundamentally altered player development, with young prospects focusing on three-point shooting more than any other skill.

When I think about future records, it's hard to imagine anyone challenging Curry's 402 three-pointers anytime soon. James Harden came closest with 378 during the 2018-2019 season, and Damian Lillard has consistently been in the 250-280 range. The physical and mental toll of maintaining that volume and efficiency over an 82-game season is immense. Curry's ability to create his own shot from anywhere, combined with his movement without the ball, creates a unique combination that today's players struggle to replicate. I've watched young players try to emulate his game, but what they often miss is the endless off-ball movement and conditioning that makes his shooting possible.

The impact of Curry's record extends beyond just numbers—it has changed how basketball is played at every level. I've visited high school practices where coaches run entire offenses based on Golden State's system, with players launching three-pointers from well beyond the high school arc. The game has become more spaced, faster-paced, and mathematically optimized in ways we couldn't have predicted a decade ago. While some traditionalists lament the decline of post play and mid-range game, I find this evolution thrilling. The three-pointer has introduced a new dimension of strategy and excitement that keeps the sport constantly evolving.

As we look toward the future, I believe we'll see more specialized shooters entering the league, but Curry's record feels like one of those magical sports milestones that might stand for generations. The combination of skill, opportunity, system, and historical moment that aligned during that 2015-2016 season created the perfect storm for three-point shooting. I feel privileged to have witnessed it unfold in real time, and every time I see a player heat up from deep, I'm reminded of that incredible season when Curry redefined what was possible in basketball. The record isn't just about numbers—it's about changing our understanding of the game itself, and that impact will be felt for decades to come.