Basketball Reference Blog

Most 3 Pointers in an NBA Game (player)

Posted by Vivek Singh on October 27, 2023

(last updated on October 8, 2025)

The NBA has come a long way from its early stages where a team’s offense was usually built around its big men. While the perimeter-oriented game has been a part of NBA offenses for a long time, it has never been as important as in today’s game. Most offenses in the modern NBA are designed to exploit the two most efficient shots in basketball- the layup/dunk and the three-point shot. So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that some of the best three-point shooters of all time play in the modern NBA. Today we are going to look at a list of players who have made the most three-point shots in an NBA game.

1. Klay Thompson (14 threes made on 10/29/18)

Photo of Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson

Klay Alexander Thompson ▪ Instagram: klaythompson

(Big Smokey, Killa Klay, Game 6 Klay, The Electrician, Sea Captain)

Position: Shooting Guard and Small Forward ▪ Shoots: Right

6-5215lb (196cm, 97kg)

Team: Dallas Mavericks

Born: February 8, 1990 (Age: 35-242d) in Los Angeles, California us

Relatives: Brother Mychel Thompson; Father Mychal Thompson

College: Washington State

High School: Santa Margarita in Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Recruiting Rank: 2008 (58)

Draft: Golden State Warriors, 1st round (11th pick, 11th overall), 2011 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: December 25, 2011

Experience: 12 years

SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

G

72

865

PTS

14.0

19.1

TRB

3.4

3.5

AST

2.0

2.3

FG%

41.2

45.1

FG3%

39.1

41.1

FT%

90.5

86.0

eFG%

53.5

54.9

PER

12.9

15.8

WS

1.8

57.1

On Oct 28, 2019, basketball fans witnessed history as Klay Thompson, the sharpshooting guard for the Golden State Warriors, made an astonishing 14 three pointers in a single game. Facing the Chicago Bulls, Thompson’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, setting a new NBA record for the most three pointers made in a single game.

Thompson’s incredible feat left spectators in awe as he showcased his exceptional shooting skills and seemingly unlimited range. His 14 three pointers came on just 24 attempts, underscoring his accuracy and consistency throughout the game. His performance not only elevated the Warriors to victory but also reminded the league how scary the Splash Bros could be on any given night.


2 (tied). Damian Lillard (13 threes made on 02/26/23)        

Photo of Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard

Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard ▪ Instagram: damianlillard

(Dame, Dame Time, Big Game Dame, Sub Zero, Logo Lillard, Dame D.O.L.L.A.)

Position: Point Guard ▪ Shoots: Right

6-2195lb (188cm, 88kg)

Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Born: July 15, 1990 (Age: 35-085d) in Oakland, California us

Relatives: Cousin Keljin Blevins

College: Weber State

High School: Oakland in Oakland, California

Draft: Portland Trail Blazers, 1st round (6th pick, 6th overall), 2012 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: October 31, 2012

Experience: 13 years

SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

G

58

900

PTS

24.9

25.1

TRB

4.7

4.3

AST

7.1

6.7

FG%

44.8

43.9

FG3%

37.6

37.1

FT%

92.1

89.9

eFG%

54.7

52.3

PER

21.3

22.2

WS

7.6

118.4

Damian Lillard is well known as one of the most dynamic point guards of this era. Drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in 2012, Dame spent a decade in the city of Portland where he formed a dynamic backcourt with another dynamic guard in CJ McCollum. The duo was well known for their offensive explosions as either of the guards could go off on any given night.

In his final season with the Portland Trailblazers, Dame went off for a monster 71-point performance vs. the Houston Rockets in which he made 13 three-point shots, 2nd only to the Warriors’ sharpshooter Klay Thompson. Lillard became the oldest NBA star to have a 70-point game that night as well. Dame was later traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023 off-season where he now is a part of a dynamic duo with former league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.


 2 (tied). Zach LaVine (13 threes made on 11/23/19)

Photo of Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine

Pronunciation: \luh-VEEN\

Zachary LaVine ▪ Instagram: zachlavine8

(Young Hollywood, Flight 8)

Position: Shooting Guard, Small Forward, and Point Guard ▪ Shoots: Right

6-5200lb (196cm, 90kg)

Team: Sacramento Kings

Born: March 10, 1995 (Age: 30-212d) in Renton, Washington us

College: UCLA

High School: Bothell in Bothell, Washington

Recruiting Rank: 2013 (49)

Draft: Minnesota Timberwolves, 1st round (13th pick, 13th overall), 2014 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: October 30, 2014

Experience: 11 years

SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

G

74

654

PTS

23.3

20.8

TRB

4.3

4.1

AST

4.2

4.0

FG%

51.1

47.0

FG3%

44.6

39.1

FT%

82.5

83.3

eFG%

60.9

54.4

PER

17.3

17.3

WS

5.1

37.3

Zach LaVine has captivated basketball fans with his electrifying athleticism and scoring prowess. LaVine honed his skills at UCLA before being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014. Known for his jaw-dropping dunks, LaVine has participated in the Slam Dunk Contest multiple times, winning twice; famously winning the 2016 contest beating out Aaron Gordon in what is considered by many to be the greatest dunk contest of all time.

In 2017, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he evolved into a dynamic scoring machine. LaVine’s ability to drain three pointers and create highlight-reel plays makes him a fan favorite. Lavine’s versatility is highlighted by the fact that despite being known as one of the best dunkers of all time, Zach also holds the record for most three pointers made in a game by a Chicago Bull. He hit 13 3s vs. the Charlotte Hornets in a masterful 49-point performance in a come-from-behind victory for the Bulls in the 2019-20 season. This bucket getter was traded to the Sacramento Kings in February of 2025.


2 (tied). Stephen Curry (13 threes made on 11/7/16)

Photo of Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry

Pronunciation: \STEFF-in\

Wardell Stephen Curry II ▪ Instagram: stephencurry30

(Steph, Baby-Faced Assassin, Chef Curry, The Human Torch, Threezus)

Position: Point Guard ▪ Shoots: Right

6-2185lb (188cm, 83kg)

Team: Golden State Warriors

Born: March 14, 1988 in Akron, Ohio us

Relatives: Brother Seth Curry; Brother-in-law Damion Lee; Father Dell Curry

College: Davidson

High School: Charlotte Christian in Charlotte, North Carolina

Draft: Golden State Warriors, 1st round (7th pick, 7th overall), 2009 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: October 28, 2009

Experience: 16 years

SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

G

70

1026

PTS

24.5

24.7

TRB

4.4

4.7

AST

6.0

6.4

FG%

44.8

47.1

FG3%

39.7

42.3

FT%

93.3

91.1

eFG%

57.2

58.2

PER

21.5

23.5

WS

7.9

143.1

Steph Curry, born Wardell Stephen Curry II on March 14, 1988, is a basketball icon who has redefined the game. As a point guard for the Golden State Warriors, Curry is known for his remarkable three-point shooting prowess, revolutionizing the sport by stretching the limits of what’s possible from beyond the arc. His shooting range and ball-handling skills are unparalleled, earning him the nickname “The Baby-Faced Assassin.” Curry’s impact on the game is parallel to none as we see young basketball players everywhere try and emulate the Chef’s shooting and dribbling skills.

Steph went on a tear vs. the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016 as he hit 13 of 17 three-point shots that night helping the Warriors beat the Pelicans 116-106. Spoiler alert: this is not the last time you’ll see Wardell (or a member of the Splash Brothers) on this list.


5 (tied). Klay Thompson (12 threes made on 2/6/23 and 2/24/23)

Photo of Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson

Klay Alexander Thompson ▪ Instagram: klaythompson

(Big Smokey, Killa Klay, Game 6 Klay, The Electrician, Sea Captain)

Position: Shooting Guard and Small Forward ▪ Shoots: Right

6-5215lb (196cm, 97kg)

Team: Dallas Mavericks

Born: February 8, 1990 (Age: 35-242d) in Los Angeles, California us

Relatives: Brother Mychel Thompson; Father Mychal Thompson

College: Washington State

High School: Santa Margarita in Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Recruiting Rank: 2008 (58)

Draft: Golden State Warriors, 1st round (11th pick, 11th overall), 2011 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: December 25, 2011

Experience: 12 years

SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

G

72

865

PTS

14.0

19.1

TRB

3.4

3.5

AST

2.0

2.3

FG%

41.2

45.1

FG3%

39.1

41.1

FT%

90.5

86.0

eFG%

53.5

54.9

PER

12.9

15.8

WS

1.8

57.1

It should be to no one’s surprise that Klay Thompson is on this list again … twice. The taller Splash Brother is considered by many to have the prettiest jump shot in NBA history. So, it shouldn’t be shocking that on nights when he is hot, he usually breaks/creates shooting records.

We already know that Klay has the record for most three pointers made in a game with 14, but he also has two other performances where he hit 12 treys.

On February 6, 2023, Klay went off for 42 points, making 12 three pointers in a 141-114 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Later in the same month, the Warriors’ star went off for 42 points once again while making … 12 threes once again! The entire Warriors’ squad went off that night making 26-37 attempts from deep that night.


5 (tied). Stephen Curry (12 threes made on 2/27/16, 2/27/25, & 4/1/25)

Photo of Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry

Pronunciation: \STEFF-in\

Wardell Stephen Curry II ▪ Instagram: stephencurry30

(Steph, Baby-Faced Assassin, Chef Curry, The Human Torch, Threezus)

Position: Point Guard ▪ Shoots: Right

6-2185lb (188cm, 83kg)

Team: Golden State Warriors

Born: March 14, 1988 in Akron, Ohio us

Relatives: Brother Seth Curry; Brother-in-law Damion Lee; Father Dell Curry

College: Davidson

High School: Charlotte Christian in Charlotte, North Carolina

Draft: Golden State Warriors, 1st round (7th pick, 7th overall), 2009 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: October 28, 2009

Experience: 16 years

SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

G

70

1026

PTS

24.5

24.7

TRB

4.4

4.7

AST

6.0

6.4

FG%

44.8

47.1

FG3%

39.7

42.3

FT%

93.3

91.1

eFG%

57.2

58.2

PER

21.5

23.5

WS

7.9

143.1

We told you that it wasn’t the last time you would see Wardell’s name on this list. Here we are again. Steph went off against the Thunder in 2016 when he made 12 three pointers in the Chesapeake Arena in a 121-118 victory over Oklahoma City. This was the same game where Steph pulled up from just past the half court to tie the game accompanied by one of the most iconic Mike Breen BANGs of all time. Steph would go on to win the unanimous MVP that season becoming the only player in NBA history to do so.

Then nine years later to the day, Curry drained 12 treys again on 2/27/25 at Orlando. Amazingly, the Chef then cooked up 12 more long balls on 4/1/25 in Memphis. We’ll see if perhaps the greatest long-distance shooter ever adds to this list again in the 2025-26 season.


5 (tied). Donyell Marshall (12 threes made on 3/13/05)

Photo of Donyell Marshall

Donyell Marshall

Donyell Lamar Marshall Twitter: Dmarsh42

(D, DMarsh, Yell, Big Homie, Secret Weapon)

Position: Power Forward and Small Forward ▪ Shoots: Right

6-9218lb (206cm, 98kg)

Born: May 18, 1973 (Age: 50-157d) in Reading, Pennsylvania us

College: UConn

High School: Reading in Reading, Pennsylvania

Draft: Minnesota Timberwolves, 1st round (4th pick, 4th overall), 1994 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: November 4, 1994

Career Length: 15 years

SUMMARY

Career

G

957

PTS

11.2

TRB

6.7

AST

1.4

FG%

43.5

FG3%

35.0

FT%

73.1

eFG%

48.3

PER

16.8

WS

59.0

Donyell Marshall, a former NBA forward, left an indelible mark on the league with his versatile play. Standing at 6’9″, Marshall was known for his ability to stretch the floor, making him a valuable asset for any team. He had a successful college career at the University of Connecticut before being drafted fourth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1994.

Marshall’s NBA journey included stints with several teams, but he found his stride with the Toronto Raptors, where he set a record by making 12 three pointers in a single game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers in 2005. Coming off the bench, he finished the night with 38 points in a victory for the North. His long-range shooting and defensive skills made him a dependable player over his 15-year career, earning respect from fans and peers alike.


5 (tied).  Kobe Bryant (12 threes made on 1/7/03)

Photo of Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bean Bryant Twitter: kobebryant

(Black Mamba, KB24, Vino, Showboat, Little Flying Warrior, The Eighth Man, Lord of the Rings)

Position: Shooting Guard and Small Forward ▪ Shoots: Right

6-6212lb (198cm, 96kg)

Born: August 23, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania us

Died: January 26, 2020 (Aged 41-156d)

Relatives: Father Joe Bryant; Uncle Chubby Cox

High School: Lower Merion in Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Draft: Charlotte Hornets, 1st round (13th pick, 13th overall), 1996 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: November 3, 1996

Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2020 (Full List)

Career Length: 20 years

SUMMARY

Career

G

1346

PTS

25.0

TRB

5.2

AST

4.7

FG%

44.7

FG3%

32.9

FT%

83.7

eFG%

48.2

PER

22.9

WS

172.7

Kobe Bryant, often hailed as one of the greatest basketball players in history, left an indelible mark on the world of sports and beyond. Kobe’s journey to basketball stardom began at an early age. He joined the NBA directly from high school, a rare feat, and spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

During his illustrious career, Kobe accumulated numerous accolades, including five NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and 18 All-Star selections. His unmatched work ethic, tenacity, and competitive spirit earned him the nickname “Black Mamba.” He was known for his scoring ability, footwork, and clutch performances, becoming a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.

Despite being a freakish athlete, Kobe was known for his shot-making ability which often drew comparisons with Michael Jordan. Kobe went off for a monster 45-point night vs. the Seattle SuperSonics in 2003 making 12 three pointers on his way. This was a record for the most three pointers made in a single game in NBA history at that point and wasn’t broken until over a decade later by Steph Curry!


5 (tied).  Keegan Murray (12 threes made on 12/16/23)

Photo of Keegan Murray

Keegan Murray

Pronunciation: \kee-ghin Murray\

Keegan Mitchell Murray ▪ Instagram: _keeganmurray

Position: Small Forward and Power Forward ▪ Shoots: Right

6-8215lb (203cm, 97kg)

Team: Sacramento Kings

Born: August 19, 2000 (Age: 25-050d) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa us

Relatives: Brother Kris Murray

College: Iowa

High Schools: Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Draft: Sacramento Kings, 1st round (4th pick, 4th overall), 2022 NBA Draft

NBA Debut: October 22, 2022

Experience: 3 years

SUMMARY

2024-25

Career

G

76

233

PTS

12.4

13.3

TRB

6.7

5.6

AST

1.4

1.4

FG%

44.4

45.1

FG3%

34.3

37.2

FT%

83.3

81.2

eFG%

53.8

55.6

PER

12.0

12.5

WS

4.4

13.9

Keegan Murray added himself to the 12-three-pointers-in-a-game club on December 16, 2023. The Sacramento Kings second-year shooting guard drilled 12 out of his 15 three-point attempts on his way to 47 points in a 125-104 victory over the Utah Jazz. To date, that is Murray’s career high for points in a game. With an explosive array of offensive talent, the Sacramento Kings may place more sharpshooters on this list in the coming years.


FAQs

1) Who has the record for most 3 pointers in an NBA game?

Klay Thompson, then a Golden State Warrior, has the record for most three pointers made in an NBA game with 14 made 3s vs. the Chicago Bulls on 10/29/18.

2) How many 3 pointers has Stephen Curry made?

Heading into the 2025-26 season, Stephen Curry has made 4,058 three pointers in his NBA career, making him the all-time NBA leader in three-point shots made and counting.


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