Record-Breaking NBA 3-Point Performances: A Historical Overview

The evolution of the three-point shot in the National Basketball Association (NBA) has changed the game of basketball significantly over the years. Initially met with skepticism, the three-point line, which offers a 50% scoring advantage over traditional two-point shots, has become a critical aspect of modern basketball strategy.

One of the most notable performances in recent history belongs to Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors, who set a record for the most three-pointers in a single game. Thompson’s remarkable achievement occurred against the Chicago Bulls, where he hit 14 three-pointers, surpassing the previous record of 13 held by his teammate Stephen Curry, among others.

On that significant night, Thompson was instrumental in his team’s early lead, hitting 10 of his three-pointers in the first half alone. As the Warriors strengthened their dominance over the Bulls with a 92-50 lead by halftime, Thompson played only 27 minutes, averaging a three-pointer every two minutes.

Other notable players who have approached this record include Stephen Curry, Zach LaVine, Damian Lillard, Kobe Bryant, and Donyell Marshall, all of whom have managed to score 12 or more three-pointers in a single game. Damian Lillard holds the playoff record with 12 three-pointers in a game, achieved during a double-overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets in 2021, where he also scored 55 points.

Klay Thompson also shares the record for the second-most three-pointers in a playoff game, a feat that contributed significantly to the Golden State Warriors’ comeback in the 2016 Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. With his team down 3-2 in the series, and trailing by eight points entering the fourth quarter of Game 6, Thompson’s performance salvaged the series for the Warriors, who eventually reached the NBA Finals.

Historically, Ben Gordon was one of the few players to make nine three-pointers without a miss in an NBA game, a record he shares with Latrell Sprewell. Gordon achieved this twice in his career, once with the Chicago Bulls and again with the Detroit Pistons.

In a team performance record, the Milwaukee Bucks set an astounding mark by hitting 29 three-pointers in a regular-season victory over the Miami Heat. This match showcased contributions from across their lineup, with Jrue Holiday leading the team’s efforts. Despite the notable absence of three-point contributions from their star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks secured a solid victory.

The Boston Celtics matched this team record at the start of the 2024-25 season against the New York Knicks. A strong showing from Jayson Tatum and Derrick White played a key role, although the team ultimately fell short of surpassing the Bucks’ record after missing their final attempts.

LeBron James‘ Cleveland Cavaliers also etched their names in the annals of NBA three-point history during the 2016 playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 25 three-pointers in a commanding 123-98 victory.