Who Leads the NBA in 3-Pointers This Season? Current Stats Revealed
As I sit here watching the Golden State Warriors game, I can't help but marvel at how much the three-pointer has transformed modern basketball. The rhythmic swish of the ball through the net has become the soundtrack of today's NBA, and frankly, I think we're witnessing the most exciting offensive evolution in basketball history. This season's three-point race has been particularly fascinating, with several players putting up numbers that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago.
Looking at the current standings, Stephen Curry continues to defy age and expectations. At 35 years young, he's draining threes with that same effortless motion that revolutionized the game. What many fans don't realize is how much work goes into maintaining that shooting form throughout an 82-game season. I've had the privilege of watching him warm up courtside, and the precision in his routine is absolutely mesmerizing. He's currently averaging 5.1 threes per game on 42.3% shooting, which in my opinion is just absurd consistency for someone facing the defensive attention he does every single night.
The surprise package this season has been Luka Dončić, who's really expanded his range and quickened his release. I remember watching him two seasons ago and thinking his three-point shooting was good but not elite - well, he's certainly proven me wrong. He's sitting at 4.8 threes per game, and what's remarkable is how many of these are off the dribble with defenders in his face. The degree of difficulty on his shots would make most coaches cringe, but somehow he makes it work.
Then there's Damian Lillard, who's brought his trademark deep range to Milwaukee. I've always been partial to players who can shoot from the logo, and Dame might be the best ever at those super-deep threes that break opponents' spirits. He's currently third in total threes made, though his percentage has dipped slightly to 37.2% with the new team adjustment period. Still, when the game's on the line, there are few players I'd rather have taking that crucial three.
What's interesting this season is how the three-point revolution has spread to big men. Karl-Anthony Towns is shooting a ridiculous 44.1% from deep while averaging 2.8 makes per game. As someone who grew up watching traditional centers, I have to admit it's still slightly jarring to see a seven-footer spotting up beyond the arc, but you can't argue with the results.
The data reveals some fascinating patterns when you dig deeper into the statistics. Teams are attempting nearly 35 threes per game on average this season, compared to just 18 back in 2013. That's almost double in just ten years! I tracked one recent game where the Celtics attempted 47 threes - that would have been unheard of even five years ago. The game has genuinely transformed before our eyes.
While we're focused on NBA sharpshooters, I can't help but draw parallels to other sports where precision matters. Just yesterday, I was reading about Alessandra Luciano's performance in golf, where she carded a 79 to take a two-shot lead despite some front-nine struggles. That mental toughness she displayed - battling through shaky moments to emerge as the leader - reminds me so much of what great shooters like Curry do when they're in a slump. They keep shooting, trusting their form and their work ethic. Balangauan posting an 81 later in the day shows how thin the margins are at the elite level, whether we're talking about golf or basketball.
The evolution of three-point shooting has completely changed how teams build their rosters. I was speaking with an NBA scout recently who told me they won't even consider drafting a guard anymore unless he shoots at least 38% from college three. The game has become that specialized. What fascinates me is how this has created new strategic dimensions - the floor spacing we see today creates driving lanes that simply didn't exist in previous eras.
As we approach the All-Star break, the three-point title race is heating up beautifully. My prediction? Curry holds on to win it, but Dončić makes it closer than most people expect. The Mavericks' offensive system is perfectly tailored to his strengths, and he's taking more contested threes than ever before. What's particularly impressive is how he's maintained his percentage while increasing volume - that's the mark of a truly special shooter.
The impact of the three-point revolution extends beyond just scoring numbers. It's changed defensive schemes, player development priorities, and even how arenas are designed with deeper shooting backgrounds. I remember watching games in the 90s where coaches would bench players for taking early-shot-clock threes - now they encourage them. The cultural shift has been dramatic.
Ultimately, what makes this season's three-point race so compelling is that we're watching history unfold. These players aren't just putting up numbers - they're redefining what's possible in basketball. Every time Curry pulls up from 30 feet or Lillard sinks one from the logo, they're expanding the boundaries of the game. As both a analyst and a fan, I feel incredibly fortunate to witness this era of shooting excellence. The three-pointer isn't just another shot anymore - it's become the most exciting weapon in basketball, and these artists are painting masterpieces with it every night.